BACKGROUND
A debate will begin with a general statement (i.e. “Resolved…”), with each team then debating that resolution. Each judge must render a decision in the debate by voting for the affirmative position or the negative position. That judgment rests primarily upon a consideration of which team has done a more effective job of persuading you for (affirmative speaker) or against (negative speaker) the resolution in question. Please consider the following factors when making a decision:
- If enacted, would the policy’s benefits outweigh its negative implications?
- Which speaker does the best job of answering the opponent’s arguments while also advancing his/her own?
- Is one speaker failing to address an important argument by the opponent?
- Which speaker provides better evidence and research to support his/her contentions?
- Does the speaker stay on topic?
Taking notes while listening is also appropriate and encouraged. And remember, there is no wrong way to judge a debate as long as you are encouraging and kind to your debaters. They are here to learn from you, no matter your experience level.
SPEAKER POINTS
In addition to naming a winner to each debate, judges must also award “speaker points” to each debater. This is entirely separate from the determination of who won the debate. It is possible (but unlikely) that you might award more speaker points to the loser of the debate based on a belief that he/she generally spoke better but failed to address an important argument. Speaker points assess the quality of the presentation offered by each debater. Please consider the following factors when awarding speaker points:
- Does the speaker present in a fluent and compelling manner?
- Does the speaker use all available speech time and cross examination time?
- Does the speaker properly reference opposing arguments and cite allusions to evidence?
- Does the speaker address the opponent in a fitting refutational style (e. not abusive or demeaning)?
- Does the speaker stay on topic?
As outlined below, speaker points are awarded on a 100 point scale that approximates traditional school grading systems:
- 90-100 is an A and represents a high quality of speaking.
- 80-89 is approximately a B and represents good speaking that could be improved upon.
- 70-79 is approximately a C and represents average speaking that could be significantly improved upon.
- 60-69 is approximately a D and represents a substantially deficient presentation with major improvements possible.
TIMING
Each debate will last approximately 40 minutes. Although the debaters will keep their own time, it is helpful to understand the outline for each debate. Please find a roadmap below:
- Affirmative constructive (AC) | 4 minutes
Affirmative speaker presents the case that strong property rights are necessary for strong economic growth.
- Cross-examination (CX) | 1 minute
Negative speaker asks follow-up questions and/or points out flaws in the affirmative speaker’s statements.
- Negative constructive (NC) | 4 minutes
Negative speaker shows why the affirmative speaker’s policy is flawed or why the status quo is better.
- Cross-examination (CX) | 1 minute
Affirmative speaker asks follow-up questions and/or points out flaws in the negative speaker’s statements.
- Affirmative rebuttal (AR) | 4 minutes
Affirmative speaker defends his/her policy suggestion and tries to show why it is the superior option.
- Cross-examination (CX) | 1 minute
- Negative speaker asks follow-up questions and/or points out flaws in the affirmative speaker’s statements.
- Negative rebuttal (NR) | 4 minutes
Negative speaker shows why the affirmative speaker’s policy is insufficient or why the status quo is better.
- Cross-examination (CX) | 1 minute
- Affirmative speaker asks follow-up questions and/or points out flaws in the negative speaker’s statements.
Closing statement | 2 minutes
Negative speaker 1 gives a 2 minute closing statement.
Closing statement | 2 minutes
Affirmative speaker 1 gives a 2 minute closing statement.
Closing statement | 2 minutes
Negative speaker 2 gives a 2 minute closing statement.
Closing statement | 2 minutes
Affirmative speaker 2 gives a 2 minute closing statement.
Note: Each debate team will receive 2 minutes of preparation time that can be used at any point during the debate. The preparation time does not have to be used all at once.
BALLOTS
A sample ballot is attached. Please review it prior to your first debate.
BEFORE EACH DEBATE
- Find your ballot in your judge folder.
- Double check your ballot to make sure the correct debaters are present in your assigned room.
- Communicate any problems to debate staff immediately.
DURING EACH DEBATE
- Be respectful of your debaters by listening attentively and taking careful notes.
- Keep track of the speech order. It is important that the proper order of speeches be followed. The students will also help to ensure proper speech order.
- Although the debaters will keep their own time, it may be helpful to keep your own time. This is particularly true during the usage of preparation time.
AFTER EACH DEBATE
- Determine a winner based upon the arguments presented, not your personal beliefs about public policy.
- Indicate the winner on the ballot and assign speaker points to each debater.
- A Coolidge staff member will be around to your tent to collect your ballot. If you wish to write more lengthy comments, you may do so on back of the ballot.
- Provide brief verbal feedback (maximum of 5 minutes) to the debaters, indicating how you came to your decision.