Because this is your first attempt at a formal tournament debate, you will not be held to unfairly rigorous standards of actual performance.  Indeed, what we are looking for here is familiarity and competence.  Therefore, your debate will be graded for your group’s prep work in terms of work ethic, focus, effectiveness, efficiency, cooperation, and critical thinking based on the teacher’s observations over the course of the unit.

 

Don’t be misled, though – you will still be judged on your performance in the sense that you will receive copious feedback from both the teacher and your classmates immediately following your debate.  In addition, exemplary performance in the debate can serve to raise your original debate grade.  On the other hand, the expected errors that come with a first performance of anything challenging will not be penalized.  Nevertheless, keep in mind that glaringly poor performances can damage your grade if they reflect inadequate preparation or awareness of the skills we have studied over the course of the unit.

 

All comments and constructive criticism will be delivered to you in the form of observations made both during the preparation process and the debate itself.

 

The list below reflects what we as a class have decided are the essential skills for effective persuasion in a debate format.  Use these as the criteria by which to judge your mastery of the art of persuasion.

 

Skills required for successful debate/persuasion

 

Mastery of topic

Intelligent use of rhetorical and persuasive techniques

Intelligent use of resources

Organization, focus, and clarity

Time management and pace

Appearance, demeanor, elocution, and tone

Presentation skills: body language, eye contact

Cross-examination, recovery, and improvisational skills

 

Guide to Debate Judging and Commentary

 

1 – Label each debate segment.  For example, the 1st Affirmative Constructive Speech would be labeled 1AC; the 1st Negative Constructive Speech, 1NC.

 

2 – Write down lots of questions to ask after the debate.  These can be questions about topic or debate techniques.

 

3 – If you see a persuasive technique being used, either poorly or powerfully, make note of it.

 

4 – Comment upon anything you see the debaters doing well.  Be specific.

 

5 – Similarly, comment upon anything you see the debaters doing poorly.  Be specific.

 

6 – In the end, declare a winner and justify your choice.