DEBATE SPECIFICATION FOR JUDGES

Introduction to Team Debate Tournament

● 12 teams TODAY
● 6 classrooms (=6 teachers/judges)
● 3 rounds of debates

Your classroom will be revealed during lunchtime.

Your main job is to conduct a debate according to the structure (next slide),
announce the winner according to the arguments presented (not the total
mark) and give a constructive quick feedback on how to become a better
debater.
Debate Structure
● 15 minutes - preparation time (you write a topic on the board, students prepare
using notes, phones, any resources available, they may discuss anything)
● approx 30 minutes - debate (4 minutes per each speaker maximum + 1 minute
recess between each speaker)
● 2-3 minutes - feedback time + winner announcement by the judge
(one person from each team by the end of the debate should give the other team feedback +
your feedback lasts for approximately 60-90 seconds)
1. Preparation time - 15 minutes
They discuss the STRATEGY and find ARGUMENTS.

They….

- Google arguments
- Divide the arguments
- Extend arguments, take small notes
- Think AS A TEAM of the opponent’s possible arguments and be
ready to attack them
2. Debate - 30 minutes
4 minutes per speaker

1 minute between each speaker to get ready for the speech

● Introduce yourself (Hello. My name is …. I am from Atyrau BIL and I’m the 1st
speaker of the positive team)
● Do NOT read ALL notes/phone (only a little bit)
● Look directly in the examiner’s and opponents’ eyes
● Use some body language (e.g. hand gestures)
● Listen to your opponents carefully and prepare REBUTTALS
Order of speakers in a debate

Positive team Negative team

1st - 1st 1st - 2nd

2nd - 3rd 2nd - 4th

3rd - 5th 3rd - 6th

3. Feedback - 2 minutes (1 minute per each team)
One person from each team gives feedback to the other team. Ex:

“Dear opponents, it was a good experience to debate with all of you. I liked how
clearly you stated your arguments and how you had the eye contact with us.
What I could suggest you to improve is maybe you should read less from your
notes. Thank you very much for debating with us.”
At the end of each debate, there is always…
● one WINNER
● and one LOLLIPOP 🍭
You need to assess on a scale from 1 to 7
Clarity, effectiveness of presentation, body language
Organization, ease to understand, persuasiveness, emotion
Evidence, arguments, rebuttals, logic, defence
Example of a good quick feedback from the judge (you)

Dear debaters, thank you for today’s debate. I enjoyed it. You did a
good job by trying your best.

What I liked most was how you tried to bring best arguments to the
table. They were so spot-on.

What I think could be improved is your body language when you

present those arguments. Try to use hand gestures and read less from
notes. Especially you, student C. You lack that a lot but you can do it.
You should also work on your pronunciation as sometimes the words
may be unclear to the audience.
Thank you. Good luck in the next round.