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Academic Script ~ |
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MODERATOR'S SCRIPT Academic Style Debating (Two Person Teams) Before you begin, write the exact resolution and the names of all the debaters in the order in which they will speak on a blackboard clearly visible to the judges. Check to be sure that all debaters, judges, and the timekeeper are ready; then ask all persons present to be seated and announce clearly and firmly: I call this debate to order. I am pleased to welcome you to the (1st, 2nd, 3rd) round of the (name of school) tournament. The question before us today is _________________________________________________________? The Affirmative team, seated on my right, consists of: The first speaker: ______________________________________________ The second speaker: ____________________________________________ Arguing the Negative case will be: The first speaker: ______________________________________________ The second speaker: ____________________________________________ The judges for this debate are: ____________________________________ _____________________________________________________________. I, _________________________, will serve as your Moderator (AND Timekeeper, if necessary.) Each debater will have a 5-minute constructive speech. As well, there will be one rebuttal speech per debater, each lasting 3 minutes. The timekeeper will indicate that 30 seconds of speaking time is remaining by raising a hand. Fifteen seconds grace will be allowed. Judges should not confer with one another until after they have heard all debaters and have scored the debate. Heckling is allowed, but all heckles should be short. Points of Information are allowed only if the debater who holds the floor will allow the question. Points of Information are not allowed during any of the rebuttal speeches. I will not entertain Points of Order or Personal Privilege until the debate is over. I will not entertain any objections other than those noted above. After all speeches have concluded, I will give both teams an opportunity to comment on rule violations by their opponents. Are there any questions regarding the Rules of Debate? Pause for, and answer, any questions that may be raised about the Rules. Then introduce the first debater: I call upon the first Affirmative speaker to deliver his/her constructive speech, including a definition of the question. When they are done, say: I call upon the first Negative debater to deliver his/her main address. If the Negative wishes to contest the definitions, they must do so during this speech. When they are done, say: I call upon the second Affirmative speaker to render his/her constructive remarks. When they are done, say: I call upon the second Negative debater to present his/her main speech. When they are done, say: I now call upon the first Negative speaker to deliver a 3-minute speech rebutting his/her opponents. No new constructive argument or evidence may be introduced at this time except by way of refutation. When they are done, say: I now call upon the first Affirmative speaker to deliver a 3-minute speech rebutting his/her opponents. No new constructive argument or evidence may be introduced at this time except by way of refutation. When they are done, say: Next I call upon the second Negative debater to speak for 3 minutes defending and summarizing his or her team's case. When they are done, say: Next I call upon the second Affirmative debater to speak for 3 minutes defending and summarizing his or her case. Have the members of either team complaints of rule violations by their opponents? Rule on any such complaints that are raised. Then ask the debaters to leave the room while the judges complete the score sheets. When the judges are done scoring and have chosen the winner, call the debaters back into the room. Ask the judges to deliver a critique of the debaters. Finally, say: On behalf of the debating organization, I thank the Judges for their assistance. I congratulate all debaters on their performances and I hope that all the spectators enjoyed the event. I declare this debate officially concluded. |