"Present your case," says the Lord. "Bring forth your strong reasons," says the King of Jacob. Isaiah 41:21What is Debate?
A debate is where two or more speakers present their arguments intent on persuading one another.
Why Debate?
"He [the student debater] learns to use a library, and to find the exact information he needs in the shortest possible time. He learns to be thorough and accurate. He learns to analyze; to distinguish between the vital and the unimportant. He learns the need of proving his statements; of supporting every statement with valid evidence and sound reasoning—and he learns to demand the same sort of proof for the statements of others. He learns to present ideas in a clear and effective manner, and in a way which wins others to his way of thinking. He learns to think under pressure, to "use his head" in a time of need, to make decisions quickly and accurately. In a word, the essential point in any debating situation is that of convincing the listener that your side of the proposition is desirable." (from How to Debate by Harrison Boyd Summers)
The Teams
There are two teams. Each team consists of three speakers.
Panel of Judges
Mr. Josiah, Mr. Zachary, Ms. Jessie
The Topic
Home School vs. Government School: Which System Provides A More Holistic Education?
Speakers
Team A - Galriad Tan, Phoebe Kim, Crystal Cha
Team B - Johanan, Adrian Yong, Jonathan Chu
Rules and Guidelines for Debate Competition
Speakers;
1. Speakers are to behave in a proper and professional conduct throughout the debate. Any form of tomfoolery will not be tolerated and would result in marks being deducted.
2. Speakers are also advised to remain calm and composed during the debate. As the debate escalates into a heated argument, speakers are to keep all animosity and hostility in stride and refute constructively.
3. Any use of foul language will lead to immediate disqualification.
4. Speakers are to respond to P.O.I’s (Point of Information) and can only reject a P.O.I. twice.
5. Speakers are to anticipate a rebuttal from the opposing speakers and be prepared to answer them.
6. Avoid emitting “erms” and “uhh”s during the debate.
7. Be creative and psyche out your opponents.
8. During the speech, each speaker should have a solid background regarding their topic and have plenty of evidence to back up your claims. Speakers will also be judged on use of quality language and eloquence.
Members of the Floor;
There will be a 10-minute interval in which the judges will use to deliberate and decide the winning team.
1. Audiences are encouraged to carry out your own debate and question or refute some of the points raised in the debate.
2. Just like the speakers, members of the floor who wish to contest the points raised are advised to keep all arguments constructive and avoid the use of offensive vernacular.
3. Members of the floor are also advised to keep all rebukes within the context of the topic and not divert into another topic.
*A Note to Speakers
Include a conclusion in which you demonstrate how you have established or refuted the thesis.
Avoid lengthy and repetitive presentations of facts or stories. Avoid mouthing a familiar party-line. Concentrate on arguments and on thinking through to basic presuppositions.
Use notes. If you attempt to write out every word of your presentation beforehand it will sound wooden.
Speak loudly and clearly, and address your remarks to the audience.
Speak confidently; always sound as if you believe absolutely in what you are saying, always maintain a consistent front.
Always prepare more notes than you think you will need. If you think you have said enough, move directly to your conclusion. Do not leave the audience with the impression that you have not said enough.
Leave your personal views and your personal experiences out of account; what is important is exclusively the quality of your arguments.
Never concede that you agree with the other side or suggest compromise positions. Preserve a clear opposition between the views of proponents and opponents throughout.
Use radical and imaginative gambits to keep the attention of your audience.
For example: Pretend to agree with almost everything the opposing team says and then later reveal how what your opponents say implies that they are in fact quite wrong. Use these tactics to confuse, manipulate and ultimately break your opponents.
Do not use ad hominem arguments. Even perverts can have good arguments. The qualities of the person presenting an argument are irrelevant to the quality of the argument he presents.
Debate Breakdown
1. There will be an opening statement made by your team. This should be 5 minutes long and should state your team's position and the arguments/solutions you will be proposing.
2. Speakers should have at least 9 questions ready for their respective opponents. These should be on separate sheets of paper or on note cards for easy reference. The questions should be specifically directed to your opposing speakers and should be concise and clear. Each speaker will have 8 minutes for their speech.
3. Speakers should be prepared to respond to your opponents’ questions. Imagine that you are from the other team and determine what questions may be asked.
4. The third and final speaker should have a conclusive argument/statement drawn up at the end of your debate. This should be no longer than 10 minutes.
5. There will be a 10 minute interval in which the judges will use to deliberate and review all arguments before deciding the winning team.
6. During the interval, members of the floor are then allowed to have an open debate among the speakers to contest, comment or elaborate on the points or arguments raised during the debate. Audiences are encouraged to participate.
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