1 DEBATES SPEECH ADJUDICATION Adopted by rs from NoorAlbar/English/04/09

2 Introduction WHAT IS A GOOD PRESENTATION? + Structuring Your Speech + A Good Argument + The Art of Persuasion + The Art of Refuting WHAT IS THE JUDGING CRITERIA? + Style + Content + Strategy

3 Overview A Debate – What is it? + How to present your opinion on a subject matter via arguments. + How to persuade your audience to your stand through the use of good arguments, clear refutations, rhetoric devices and other acts of persuasion. The focus on opening speeches to examine structure and efficacy of speeches.

4 STRUCTURE OF SPEECHES 1. Give a Good Introduction - use an analogy / example / joke which brings up the motion and your stand - bring it up as a simple idea 2. Define the Words in the Motion - from the ordinary man’s perspective - then justify your definition

5 3. Establish the Case Line - establish the main argument - always repeat the case line 4. Present Your Arguments - with substantiations 5. Give a Good Conclusion / Summation

6 A GOOD ARGUMENT 1. Be Selective Easily understood by audience. Have few arguments with two to three good examples. Explain them clearly so that audience understands its purpose and see why it supports the team’s stand.

7 2. Substantiations Give concrete, relevant examples / illustrations / analogies. These substantiations must be applicable to the audience

8 3. Link Argument to Motion Always remind the audience how the argument shows that the motion is true or false. Summarise your arguments at the end. 4. Presenting Arguments Spend equal time on your two or three arguments.

9 The Art of Persuasion 1. Speech Patterns Modulate your voice, varying tone at significant points in your speech, by volume and speed. Pause before important points. Avoid ‘ums’ and ‘ers’ when hesitating.

10 2. Body Language Avoid mannerisms that irritate or distract. Take a comfortable stance. Use subtle, natural gestures. Most importantly, always maintain eye contact with audience.

11 3. Humour Only if it is appropriate. Never be offensive. Can ridicule the opponent’s arguments. Never ridicule the person.

12 4. Rhetoric Devices 5. Enjoy Yourself! Proposition Opening Opposition Opening

13 The Art of Refuting 1. Rebuttals Must deal with opponent’s arguments, expected or otherwise. Must set your personal opinions and beliefs aside. Must find some way of undermining the argument.

14 2. How to Refute Attack the argument, if impossible then attack the substantiations. You could – question its relevance Or point out that it is inconsistent with something else they have said Or try to disprove it Or try to ridicule it

15 3. Format In the first few minutes of your speech. Or at the end of your speech, after presenting your arguments but before your conclusion. Or tie it in with your speech’s organisation. Reply Speeches

16 ADJUDICATION STYLE CONTENT STRATEGY

17 STYLE 1. DELIVERY Fluency Audibility Variation of Tone Connecting and Relating to Audience 2. USE OF NOTES Should use Brief Notes. Absolutely No Reading of Speeches or Reciting of Memorised Speeches.

18 CONTENT 1. Analysis Must clearly explain the main points. Convince the adjudicators that their line of argument is stronger than the opponent’s. Demonstrate a perceptive understanding of the big issues of the debate. Exhibit ability to spot unsubstantiated assertions, logical flaws and contradictions.

19 2. Evidence Vital to cite relevant examples or authorities to substantiate arguments. 3. Relevance

20 STRATEGY 1. Roles of Speakers Every speaker fulfills his specific role. 2. Teamwork Produce a consistent argument that flows from one speaker to another Speakers develop the team’s line of argument.

21 3. Structure and Timing Speech follows a logical pattern Speech easily understood Efficient use of time Adjudicator’s Comments

22 Summary You have learned about how to structure your speeches, prepare good arguments, persuade the audience to your stand and undermine the opponents’arguments. You now are more aware of what adjudicators look out for. Now it is your turn to put all these skills to preparing and presenting your debate. Have fun! NoorAlbar/English/04/09 Discussion

References Julia Gabriel Centre for Learning (Singapore) ‘Discussion, Debate – Academics’ Greece Central School District 23