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.