What Am I Looking For In An Effective Debate
Glad you asked.
Position presentation
- Clearly stated and well supported claims directly and persuasively addressing the assigned position.
Negative rebuttals
- Made specific arguments about the weak points of the opposing team.
Positive rebuttal
- The team was able to defend itself against attack by extending its own position using additional facts to support position.
Closing Statement
- Effectively summarized the main points of the debate.
Content and organization
- Demonstrated knowledge of topic supported by research.
- Claims and support were well researched, informative, and interesting.
- Main arguments and responses are outlined in a clear and orderly way.
Overall presentation
- Team was well prepared
- Good use of eye contact to engage audience
- Volume and articulation enabled understanding of message
- Body language communicated positive interest and intent (attentive and active participation throughout).
- Good use of time.
- Debated the topic, not the other team.
- Worked well as a team.