Last changed on
Mon January 8, 2024 at 2:06 AM SAST
My judging is premised on 2 main things.
1) Argumentation
2) Responsive Work
1) Argumentation
The key thing here is twofold, a technical weigh up of the argument itself, and a truth litmus test. So first off, your argument needs to have the 3 core components of an argument, the claim, the grounding and analysis and finally the tie-back. Tell me what you want me to believe, show me why it is true and tell me it matters in the context of the debate we’re having. It’s not enough to just have a “true” argument, why does it matter, why should I care about it, and in what way does that argument, on its own, help you in your endeavour to win the debate. Then comes the truth test, is your analysis sound enough to stand in the debate, do you give me reason to believe that what you’re claiming is true and would the analysis convince an average intelligent voter. After all, it’s a game of conviction.
2) Responsive Work
Responses work two ways, they are offensive and defensive. Offensive responses juxtapose your arguments with your opponents’ and show why yours are more important, more relevant and basically warrant more weight in the debate. Does the argument, at the very least, respond to the burdens set upon either side by the motion itself, and the chats that happen during the debate? What’s the strategic importance of the argument to your opponent ,and what does their case look like without that one argument, why is it significantly weaker after your rebuttal.
The second part of responsive work is defensive, weighing up the responses. Why was your opponent’s rebuttal insufficient to deal with your case. And even if it was enough to respond, why is the loss of that one argument not enough to warrant you losing the entire debate?
Always be respectful to everyone in the room, be courteous and Remember that debate is supposed to be fun, enjoy and learn from the experience of debating with different people from different backgrounds
Experience
2 Years judging PF
4 Years judging BP
5 Years World Schools Style
Current Senior Coach for the Zimbabwe National Debate Team
