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Cross-Examination 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 all 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: First speaker: _______________________________________________________ Second speaker: _____________________________________________________ Arguing the Negative case will be: 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, after which he or she will be cross-examined for 3 minutes by an opponent. 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. If a question has been asked before the time limit expires, a short answer may be given. Cross-examination commences immediately after a constructive speech has ended. The examiner will not be re-introduced before questioning begins. Judges should not confer with one another until after they have heard all debaters and have scored the debate. During cross-examination, debaters should treat one another with dignity, as the Judges will penalize debaters guilty of rudeness, flippancy, browbeating, or any attempt to personally belittle another debater. While cross-examining, debaters should ask fair questions on relevant subjects, though these need not arise out of the preceding speech. Examiners will be penalized for arguing with witnesses or making speeches instead of asking questions. They are required to give witnesses reasonable opportunity to answer questions, though they may ask me to cut short witnesses who stall or answer at unreasonable length. While being cross-examined, debaters shall give direct, honest answers. They must not evade questions put to them, but they may impose reasonable qualifications on their answers. The only question they can ask is for clarification of a confusing question. They may not refuse to answer a question, even if it appears irrelevant. If an answer to a question is not relevant, however, I will direct the witness to answer properly. I will not entertain any objections other than those noted above. No heckling or other interjections are in order but 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, then be cross-examined by the first negative debater. When they are done, say: I call upon the first Negative debater to deliver his/her main address, challenging any definitions in issue, then be cross-examined by the second affirmative speaker. When they are done, say: I call upon the second Affirmative speaker to render his/her constructive remarks, then be cross-examined by the second negative debater. When they are done, say: I call upon the second Negative debater to present his/her main speech, then be cross-examined by the first affirmative speaker. 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 case. When they are done, say: Next I call upon the second Affirmative debater to speak for 3 minutes. 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. |
