Transcript Debate Pointers

Debate Pointers
A debate Exhibition
Case
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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 Speakers
Roles: 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 Speakers
Roles: 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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