Last changed on
Tue February 20, 2024 at 12:19 AM EDT
I coach Public Forum and British Parliamentary debate at the National High School Debate League of China.
Time each other including each other’s prep time
Please email me the speech docs & any evidence read : sunny@debatersdiary.cn
I hope you please share the evidence you’re reading with your opponent before the round so half of the round isn’t “can I have this specific card” (it ruins the flow/pace of the round) thanks! I would run disclosure theory every round. It makes debate more fair & outweighs if someone runs your case against you/your school as you should know how to block it anyway.
When I judge debate, I flow throughout the round. I appreciate debaters who take time to crystallize, weigh arguments/clearly and emphasize impacts.
I like to see teams:
- Sharing cases/evidence with your opponent/the judge before your speeches/rebuttals; there should be no conditions on your opponent having access to your evidence.
- Enunciating clearly throughout the round.
-Having explicit voters. Substance is key. Signpost throughout.
- I am not familiar with kritiks.
- And again, delivery matters and being monotone gets tiring after judging rounds throughout the day so practice, practice.
I dislike:
- Any form of discrimination, including bigoted language and ableist actions (such as using pace as a way to exclude opponents who are new to circuit).
- Also ad homs against your opponent such as insulting their clothing or practices, and attacks against an opponent's team or school. Don't yell. Be kind.
- I have noticed lately more and more debaters trailing off in volume as they go; ideally I don't like to have to motion the "I can't hear you or slow down" sign throughout the round.
- Non-verbal reactions when your opponent is speaking (e.g., making faces, throwing up your hands, rapid "no" shaking).
Speaker points:
Be as clear as you can.