DEBATE CRITERIA - Click on link to see clearer outlines

DEBATE JUDGING CRITERIA:  Some things to watch for.      (Not an exhaustive list!) 

PREPARATION 

Content 

 Definitions                                             Adequacy and Accuracy 

 Facts, Quotations, Statistics                Aptness and Appeal 

 Examples, Anecdotes, Analogies         Relevance and Significance 

 Documentation with Authorities         Originality 

 Utilization of Time Available                Visual Aids 

 General Knowledge of Subject              Depth of Understanding of Issues 

Organization                                              Logic 

 Purpose (central theme)                          Analysis (penetrating or superficial?) 

 Introduction                                             Sound Reasoning? 

 Development                                             Internal Consistency? 

 Sequence                                                   Co-ordination with Colleagues? 

 Transitions                                               Recognition of Fallacies? 

 Conclusion                                               Defence of own Arguments? 

 Summarization                                        Anticipation of Opponents’? 

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PRESENTATION 

Voice        Articulation 

 Rate       Enunciation 

 Pitch       Expression 

 Quality      Inflexion 

 Strength      Control (especially pauses) 

 Modulation      Local dialect or distracting accent? 

Deportment                                                 Bodily Action 

 Sharp or slovenly?                                     Stance
Natural or contrived?                                  Posture 

 Purposeful or random?                              Gestures 

 Dramatic or monotonous?                        Eye Contact 

 Integrated or exaggerated?                       Facial Expression 

Language 

 English                             Clarity 

 Grammar                         Fluency 

 Vocabulary                      Effectiveness 

Projection of Personality 

 Warm or callous?                                     Intelligent or dull? 

 Natural or affected?                                Collected or flustered? 

 Confident or insecure? (Poise)               Sincere or manipulative? 

 Arrogant or apologetic?                         Mature or irresponsible? 

 Solicitous or antagonistic?                    Concerned or indifferent? 

 Credibility - Convincing?  Plausible, possible, or preposterous? 

Audience Adaptation 

 Attention aroused?     Knowledge considered? 

 Interest maintained?     Beliefs considered? 

 Confidence secured?     Charismatic control? 

 Observation of audience?    Reaction to audience? 

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DEBATING SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES 

Familiarity with the Rules:     Rebuttal of Opponent’ 

   Rhetorical Questions 

 Infrequent but effective 

 Ability to handle hecklers    Effective Complaints of Violations 

In Cross-Examination Debating 

Asking Questions:                                                       Answering Questions: 

 Short, well-worded questions                                   Direct, honest answers 

 Organized series of questions                                   Skilful responses 

 No speech-making or arguing                                  No questions in reply 

 Valuable admissions elicited                                     Reasonable qualifications 

 Courtesy, respect for witness                                   Co-operative and pleasant 

 Control of time and witness                                     No stalling or time wasting 

 Fair but telling questions                                          Sound understanding of case 

In Parliamentary Debating 

Heckling:       

 Infrequent but effective

 Ability to handle hecklers 

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PENALTIES 

  Improper Role-Playing                                          Irrelevance 

  Inappropriate Conduct                                         Unnecessary Repetition 

  Objectionable Language                                        Reading of Speech 

  Personal Attack on Other Debater                       Memorization of Speech 

  Falsified Evidence                                                   Unfair Tactics 

  Fabricated Evidence                                              Poor Teamwork 

  Failure to Substantiate                                         Prompting Colleague 

  New Arguments in Rebuttal                                Poor Attitude 

Time Management: What can I do today to lighten my expectations tomorrow? Organization: Empty everything out of your bookbag, look over your Agenda. Tackle assignments in order of DUE DATE, difficulty, importance. Make a To Do List: checking off things done every so often Play: Get exercise EVERY SINGLE DAY