Hi, my name is Ruqayyah Abbas-Yusuf. Over the years, my involvement in debating has taught me to appreciate debates that are structured, engaging, and purposeful. For me, role fulfillment is the most important aspect of any round. When speakers understand their roles and focus on executing them—whether it’s building the case, advancing key arguments, or dismantling the opposition—it creates a sense of balance and cohesion that makes the debate easy to follow and more compelling. Trying to overstep roles or take on too much often muddles the team’s strategy, so I value speakers who stay focused and play to their strengths.

When it comes to presentation, I prefer a conversational and relatable style. Debate is about persuasion, and I find that speakers who come across as natural and approachable are often the most effective. Speak as though you’re having a thoughtful discussion, not delivering a lecture. Overly formal or stiff language can feel distant and unnecessary, and I believe in connecting with your audience through clarity and simplicity. That said, this doesn’t mean being overly relaxed—professionalism still matters, but it shouldn’t overshadow the message you’re trying to convey.

I’m familiar with several debate formats, including British Parliamentary (BP), Public Forum (PF), Asian Parliamentary (AP), Australs, and World Schools Debate (WSDC). Each format has its quirks and expectations, and I really appreciate debaters who show they’ve taken the time to understand these. Whether it’s the dynamic interplay of teams in BP, the structured back-and-forth in PF, or the unique challenges of AP, it’s always clear when someone knows the format inside out. It’s not just about following the rules; it’s about adapting arguments to fit the rhythm of the format and using its structure to your advantage. A speaker who understands the nuances of the format makes my job so much easier because their arguments feel intentional and aligned with what the debate demands.

Respect and fairness are non-negotiable in any round. I expect debates to focus on the strength of ideas, not on personal attacks or unnecessary aggression. Equity matters a lot to me, and I hold all speakers to a high standard when it comes to professionalism and respect. Engaging critically and respectfully with your opponents’ arguments is a mark of a strong debater, and I always take this into account when making my decision.

In short, I reward debaters who fulfill their roles effectively, communicate with clarity and confidence, and respect the integrity of the round. Debating is about connection—between ideas, arguments, and people—and those who can bring all of this together while staying true to their roles and format will always stand out.

Ruqayyah Abbas-Yusuf.

aubrettes555@gmail.com