Debates often take place in school settings, but also in political ones, where candidates discuss important issues before elections. You can learn how to judge a debate by knowing its basic structure and understanding what role is played by those who have to evaluate them.
Steps
Step 1. Understand the basic structure and terminology of the debate
The debates are divided into contradictory or discussions that have a certain structure. The parties alternate their interventions thanks to which they present arguments and refute those of the others. While the speaker may use emotional language, they shouldn't yell or be rude to the other party or audience.
- Each party must present and demonstrate their arguments. The party that affirms a thesis argues for a particular problem or a certain solution to the problem. The antithetical one seeks confrontation and dispute. Sometimes, speakers don't know where to argue until the debate is ready to begin.
- Each party has the opportunity to present their arguments, but also to propose rebuttals with respect to the arguments of the opposing party. It is not possible to bring new arguments or evidence during a rebuttal.
- Some debates include cross-examination where one party can question the other. There are no restrictions on the questions to ask, as long as the speakers are courteous.
Step 2. Identify the type of debate to judge
Examples include the Lincoln-Douglas debate, parliamentary debates, public forums, and political debates. Know what you are going to evaluate so that you can correctly apply the time limitations and rules.
- The Lincoln-Douglas style debates give one side the opportunity to present their thesis and then the other side to cross-compare. Then the second part presents his thesis, while the first will be able to examine it.
- The parliamentary debate is divided as follows: the head of the government (constructive), leader of the opposition (constructive), member of the government (constructive), member of the opposition (constructive), leader of the opposition (rebuttal) and the head of the government (refutation).
- Debates in public forums alternate interventions between parties presenting their arguments. Between rounds, however, there is a moment of exchange of views where each speaker is allowed to question the others.
- Political debates allow each side two time periods in the first half of the debate to present their arguments. The second part of the discussion consists of two moments of refutation.
Step 3. Apply the debate rules
It is also possible to hold debates within school contexts, perhaps in oratory competitions. Everyone can adhere to different rules and guidelines. Read them in advance so that you are aware of them. However, there are some general rules and responsibilities that every judge must enforce during a debate.
- Do not comment during the debate. Express them only when the debate is over. It is especially important if you are a judge in a competition or tournament.
- Apply time limits. Each segment of the speech has a certain period of time. Don't let the speakers get over it. In some cases, they may finish their sentence when the time is called, but afterwards they cannot say anything more.
- Speakers cannot receive external help. Do not allow them to talk to people who are not on their team and do not use electronic devices during the debate.
Step 4. Listen carefully
Take notes on each party's arguments. Indicate your strengths and weaknesses. In some cases, you will be given a spreadsheet or card to write the ballot on. If not, bring a notebook.
- Notice when a certain topic has been dropped. One side may raise a somewhat weak argument, but if it is not refuted by the other side, that reasoning is valid. In this case, the "point" goes to the team that made this argument, however weak it may seem.
- Evaluate the testimonials. When speakers speak, they should cite the sources they use. If any seem unreliable, irrelevant, or out of date, take note. In some cases, you can ask a presenter to check it out.
- Identify any errors. Mistakes are arguments that seem logical, but which in reality are not. If you are unfamiliar with the different types of mistakes, do a little research before the debate to find out.
Step 5. Choose the winner
Judging a debate is a bit subjective. However, it is important not to allow prejudices or personal beliefs about the topic of discussion to influence the choice of the winner.
- Decide who presented the most logical arguments. Some teams present their version of the problem very rationally and consistently. If the reasoning is strong, supported by reliable testimonies, it will not be difficult to decree their victory.
- Determine who presented the most complete arguments and answers. In some cases, the teams do not present strong arguments, but a series of small arguments that are the prerogative of their version of the problem. They can also receive a valid rebuttal from the other team. In these cases, you can consider the latter the winner.
