1. BURDENS & JUDGING Speaker’s Development, Week 7 Karolien Michiels

2. Following the Burden  Both sides of a debate can necessarily make good arguments (otherwise the motion is bad)  So it is not just about making arguments, it is about making arguments that matter  The ‘burden’ of a debate = what you need to proof in order to win  Following the shifting burden throughout the debate is also the task of a judge

3. Judging  Following the shifting burden throughout the debate is also the task of a judge  So we are going to practice this twice  First by discussing the set-up of a debate here  Secondly by judging the main debate tonight in group

4. Judging Guidelines  Be comparative  Follow the burden  Judge the positives, not the negatives  The best team does not necessarily win

5. How to come to a judging opinion  Everyone has a different method, this is mine  Write down briefly what everyone has contributed to the debate  This will tell you what burdens have been fulfilled and which ones have not  Focus on the arguments that matter, not every argument is equal  Be comparative  Do not go with your instinct: it tends to reward fancy words, male speakers, deep voices, native accents, your own opinion…

6. How to lead a judging discussion  If there is a clear hierarchy in your judges, ask novice judges’ opinion first (so that they dare to disagree)  If there is no clear hierarchy, give your call first (otherwise whoever speaks first thinks they are more right because they spoke first – weird, but true)  Focus your attention on the contentious lines (= comparisons between two teams)  Finish one line before you come to another (to prevent the discussion going in circles)

7. How to lead a judging discussion II  People are allowed to give new arguments in their response in a judging conversation; do not allow them to go in circles because they still don’t disagree – keep the conversation productive  When a wing acquiesces to a decision, double- check they understand and/or agree  Continued disagreements should be rare, because you are rationalizing about the debates and the normal rules of logic apply (i.e. it is reasoned judging, not personal preferences)

8. How to lead a judging discussion III  If you agree to disagree – you both accept there are two reasonable calls – you can vote. Chair has casting vote  This is optional, but I think it is worth doing: try to think of one point of improvement for each speaker at their level and one thing they did well  Be nice & be in charge & be nice  Listen to understand, not to reply