Debate PointersA debate Exhibition

Case

case: set of arguments supported by evidences anatomy of a case: definition: clarifies the motion/limits debate scope theme line: core argumentation/basic idea team split: distribution of arguments arguments and rebuttals

Roles of Speakers

Roles: 1st Affirmative defines the motion presents Affirmative’s theme line outlines Affirmative’s team split delivers first part of split summarizes/recaps own speech

Roles of Speakers

Roles: 1st Negative responds to the definition (accept/reject) rebutts 1st Affirmative (briefly) presents Negative’s theme line outlines Negative’s team split delivers first part of split summarizes/recaps own speech

Roles of Speakers

Roles: 2nd speakers rebutts previous speakers (briefly) briefly reiterates team’s case (in general) delivers 2nd part of split (bulk of case) summarizes/recaps own speech

Roles of SpeakersRoles: 3rd speakers rebutts previous speakers - levels of rebuttal: teamwise/global (theme line) speechwise/detailed (arguments) summarizes team’s case 3rd Neg may not give new matter new examples in rebuttal is not new matter 3rd Aff is discouraged from giving new matter

Roles of SpeakersRoles: Reply speakers provides an overview of the debate what is the clash/point of contention what our side has given what the other side has tried to give why we should win (biased adjudication) may be delivered by 1st or 2nd speaker reply speakers may not bring new matter reply speech is not rebuttal, either

Argument a good argument should have A-R-E: Assertion - statement of the argument Reasoning - explanation of the argument Evidence - facts, statistics, etc. a good argument should be linked back into

the motion/theme line adjudicators want: logic and relevance

Rebuttal argument attacking the opposing team’s

argument, e.g. by showing that it: is based on an error of fact is irrelevant to the proof of the topic is illogical involves unacceptable implications should be accorded little weight doesn’t have to be point-by-point rebutt the theme line or main arguments

Assessing Matter the matter presented by a speaker must be logical and relevant to

the topic under debate logic is the chain of reasoning used to prove an argument; this

involves stating, explaining and illustrating the argument (A-R-E: Assertion, Reasoning, Evidence)

relevance is established by tying the argument into the topic under debate

distinguish a strong argument from a weak argument examples support an argument, they cannot substitute the

argument itself watch for invalid case (debating besides the point, not proving what

is required by topic) watch for hung case (a case that is proven only if 1st and 2nd

speech are combined) 3rd Negative is not allowed to give new matter (new examples

are OK) rebuttal: argument attacking the opposing team’s argument, e.g. by

showing that it: is based on an error of fact, is irrelevant to the proof of the topic, is illogical, involves unacceptable implications, should be accorded little weight

Assessing Method

structure and organization of individual speech; e.g. a well structured speech will have:

an interesting opening which captures the attention of the audience a reasonably clear statement of the purpose and general direction

of the speech a logical sequence of ideas which shows a clear development of

the speaker’s argument a proportional allocation of time to the speech as a whole, and to

each major point, which enables the objective of the speech to be accomplished (overtime/undertime reduces points)

a conclusion or summary of the major points made in the speech structure and organization of entire team's case; e.g. a thematic

approach is preferable to a mere collection of independent arguments

response to the dynamics of the debate

Assessing Manner

manner: the mechanics of public speaking and presentation of the debating case

key question: “was it effective?” elements of manner: vocal style, use of

language, use of notes, eye contact, gesture, stance, dress, impression of sincerity, humor

personal attacks on opponents reduce manner points

manner is assessed as the total impact of all its various elements