Buckley Park College Debating
The purpose of debating is to try to present the most
convincing arguments and prove that the opposition is
incorrect. This is done through persuading and
manipulating the audience (and adjudicator) into believing
that your team’s arguments are correct and that your
opposition’s arguments are false. This is done through
arguing and rebutting.
Rebutting is the one of the most important parts of debating. Once the opposing
team has made their arguments, it is your team’s job to convince the audience
and adjudicator that their arguments are incorrect. You need to demonstrate why
the opposing team’s arguments are flawed and why your arguments are correct.
Structure
There are always three people in each debating team. The people in a debate are
called ‘speakers’ and they each have a different role to perform.
First speaker – introduces the topic, introduces the team, provides a brief
summary of the overall arguments that will be presented and indicates the
overall central argument for the team.
Second speaker – rebuts the arguments made by the opposing first speaker and
presents all the team’s arguments (with detailed examples).
Third speaker – does not make any new arguments, rebuts the
arguments presented by all members of the opposing team and
provides a summary of the central arguments made by the first
and second speaker.
Preparation
It is important for the team to work together to research and create their
arguments. Even if your role is not presenting arguments, you need to help your
teammates create the strongest and most convincing position possible.
Sometimes a debating team also includes a fourth person, who helps with the
research and speech writing.
While is it crucial to have well prepared arguments, it is also important to think
about the arguments the opposing team might make. This will help your team
think of possible rebuttals.
Buckley Park College Debating: What are you judged on?
Debates can be judged in two different ways.
Traditionally, the adjudicator will mark each
speaker and the team with highest points
wins. However, more casual debates are
sometimes judged by the audience. The
audience will vote or clap the loudest for the
team they find the most persuasive.
In the traditional marking system, each speaker is marked in three different
categories; matter, method and manner1.
Matter:
Matter is the content of the speech. This criterion includes the arguments made,
evidence presented, the use of facts and quality of analysis. Matter also includes
the quality of the rebuttals made. To receive a high mark the arguments need to
be logical and relevant to the topic. If the arguments are simply funny or offtopic, you will get marked down.
Method:
Method is the structure and organisation of the speech. This criterion includes
the fulfilment of the speakers roles, management of time (the time limits are set
by the adjudicator, usually 3-4mins), the cohesion of the team and how well
structured the arguments are. To achieve high marks, the speeches need to be
well prepared, structured and fulfil the requirements of the different roles.
Speakers will be marked down for not completing every aspect of their roles or
completing a part of another speaker’s role
Manner:
Manner is the presentation of the speech. This
criterion includes the effectiveness of the oral
communication skills used, body language, pace of
the speech and change in tone. Marks will be
heavily deducted for any use of personal attacks on
opponents or inappropriate comments.
You cannot denigrate or attempt to embarrass
your opponents.
1
D’Cruz, R. The Australia-Asia Debating Guide. 2nd Edition, Australian Debating Federation, 2003.
Adjudication Form
Topic:__________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Affirmative Team
Matter
Out of 40
Method
Out of 30
Manner
Out of 30
Total
Out of 100
Matter
Out of 40
Method
Out of 30
Manner
Out of 30
Total
Out of 100
1.
2.
3.
Negative Team
1.
2.
3.
Won by:
Best Speaker:
Adjudicator:
Comments: