Abu Dhabi University

University College
3rd Inter-University Public Speaking Competition
Turncoat Debate Competition
Rules and Regulations
1. A Turncoat Debate is a form of debate where the speaker literally debates against himself /
herself. The speaker starts by speaking For or Against and switches sides after a specific
duration of time.
2. The Turncoat Debate Competition will be hosted at Abu Dhabi University Auditorium on
Nov 14th, 2018 from 9: 00 A.M. to 5: 00 P.M.
3. The competition is open to students from all universities across the UAE.
4. Each university may send in a maximum of two participants and submit the online registration
form at https://goo.gl/forms/WoxlHE6Hq1bXrgdL2 by October 30, 2018.
5. Participants will receive an acknowledgement on successful submission of the registration
form.
6. The participants, accompanied by an authorized supervisor, must register latest by 9: 00 A.M.
on the day of the competition to ensure that the competition starts and finishes on time.
7. Participants will be allotted their order of presentation at the registration desk on the day of the
competition.
8. Every participant will choose his / her motion through a draw of lots and will be given 10
minutes to prepare for the same.
9. It is the discretion of the organizer to ask the participant to begin the debate either by speaking
For or Against the motion.
10. The Rules and Regulations are as follows:
Speaking Time: Each speaker will have to speak for 5 minutes on the given topic. The initial
(For or Against) will be given to the speaker along with the topic. The order of changing sides is
as follows.
(In case of For)
a) Start with an introduction of yourself and your topic.
b) Competitors will be judged on their ability to equally divide time and arguments between
for and against within the given time limit
c) The last minute is crucial to conclude your arguments.
There will be a buzzer after 4 minutes, informing the need to wrap up with the argument in 1
minute.
The bell-person is the time keeper of the debate. He or she will indicate the first and fifth minute
of the speech by showing up a placard.
11. The judgement criteria are as follows.
a. Relevance of the Content 15%
b. Appropriate and accurate use of language 10%
c. Articulation and Presentation Skills (Volume, pace, rhythm, intonation and proper
pronunciation, Eye contact, body language and poise) 15%
d. Ability to change sides and conclude 10%
e. Penalty will apply for running over time.
12. The switch over between the two parts must be smooth and fluid.
13. The decision of the judges will be final and binding to all participants. In case of a tie at the
end, the Judges will decide amongst themselves the Winner/s by consensus.
14. A panel of four prominent jury members will judge the students’ speeches.
15. The participants will not be allowed to access the internet for preparing the speech.
16. Reading from a paper/device will entail negative points for the participants.
16. Trophies and Certificates of Merit will be awarded to the winners. All participants will
receive a Certificate of Participation on successful participation in the competition.
18. We look forward for your university’s participation. In case of any queries feel free to call the
event coordinator Ms. Beena Vijayan – 050-1753500 send email to spksociety@adu.ac.ae