Rise & Shine

Dec 28, 2020

What is Manner, Matter &

Method?
Updated: Feb 6, 2022

Manner, Matter and Method are the three main

components of debating. Manner usually accounts
for 40% of a team’s score, Matter for another 40%
and Method for 20%.

Matter is the content and structure of the speech,

Manner is the way it is presented, and

Method is teamwork and the approach a team

takes to the topic.

Manner Skills include:

Eye Contact - not just looking at the audience

but also the way we connect with the audience.
Confidence and knowledge of subject matter.
Body language, including posture, movement
and hand gestures.
Voice, including pace of speech, variation of
speech and voice projection.
Expression - integrates both body language and
voice, and includes speaking and moving
expressively in a way that engages, convinces
and connects with the audience.

Matter Skills include:

Defining the topic.

Having a clear structure to your debate.
Fulfilling the requirements of a debate for your
speaker role – each speaker has a different role
in a debate.
Having an effective introduction and conclusion.
Having effective points and examples to
illustrate each point.
Presenting evidence to back up your arguments.
Research skills.
Signposting.
Rebuttal.

Method Skills include:

The team’s interpretation of the topic.

Cohesion of the debate between all team
members.
Teamwork and collaboration.
Team theme (when relevant).
The way the team has planned to approach the
debate.
Knowledge of each other’s arguments.

As with all debating skills, students will improve and

develop mastery the more they practice. Rise &
Shine debating does not expect students to be
perfect from the start.

Students progress through a series of stages as

they gain experience with public speaking and
debating. It is important to encourage students and
acknowledge their achievements at every stage of
their development of Manner, Matter and Method
skills.

Tips for Teachers For Families Years 4-6