Judging Criteria

A few things to look for.  Please note: This list is not exhaustive!

Analysis:

  • Definitions
  • General knowledge of topic
  • Penetrating analysis of crucial issues
  • Is interpretation sound and reasonable?

Evidence & Reasoning:

  • Facts, statistics & authorities
  • Thorough research
  • Relevant research
  • Use of sound logic

Organization:

  • Effective introduction & conclusion
  • Well structured
  • Logical & coherent
  • Development of theme
  • Smooth transition from issue to issue
  • Effective use of time
  • Co-ordination with colleagues

Delivery:

A) Voice

  • Strength
  • Effective use of rate, pitch and expression
  • Good enunciation
  • Good control (esp. effective use of pauses)

B) Language

  • Proper grammar
  • Advanced vocabulary

C) Deportment

  • Good posture
  • Gestures (effective or distracting?)
  • Good eye contact
  • Natural or contrived?

Refutation & Defence:

  • Ability to use logic to refute arguments of opponents
  • Ability to use logic to defend their position
  • Ability to focus on crucial issues
  • Recognition of fallacies
  • Anticipation of opponents
  • Collected & organized, not flustered
  • Uses info. from opponents to bolster their position
  • Spirited point-by-point attack
  • Attentive listener & accurate note-taker

Basic Debating Skills:

Parliamentary:

  • Familiarity with rules
  • Intelligent use of points of order/privilege
  • Effective heckling
  • Ability to handle heckling while speaking

Cross Examination:

  • Organized series of questions
  • No speech-making or arguing
  • Valuable admissions elicited
  • Courtesy & respect for witness
  • Effective use of time
  • Effective control of witness
  • Fair but effective questions
  • Direct, honest answers
  • Skillful responses
  • No questions in reply
  • Reasonable qualifications
  • Co-operative & respectful
  • Ability to use exam period to bolster own points

Penalties:

  • Inappropriate conduct
  • Objectionable language
  • Severe personal attack on another debater
  • Falsified evidence (proven false by opponents)
  • Irrelevancy
  • Reading of speech and/or memorization of speech
  • Unfair tactics
  • Poor teamwork
  • Unfamiliar with rules