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Things to consider when hosting a debate
Things to consider when hosting a debate
The Speaking Competitions Hub contains all the information you'll need to host a debate (including Chairperson scripts and competition information guides)
Note: the below is general advice only. Consider the requirements of your competition when organising a debate.
Selecting a time
Selecting a time
You should consider the following when selecting a time:
adjudicator availability
travel time for the visiting school
your availability and class timetable
your break times (you want to avoid a bell going off mid-debate!)
an audience (it is always preferable for students to debate in front of an audience, if possible)
noise levels (if you are debating during break, there might be a lot of residual noise making it difficult for the teams and adjudicator to hear).
Booking an adjudicator
Booking an adjudicator
Consider the following when you are booking adjudicators:
It is strongly recommended that you get availability from your frequently used adjudicators prior to locking in dates with other schools.
Keep your adjudicator in the loop, confirming the time, date and location once it's been decided.
Make sure you use the list of adjudicators you receive from your competition organiser. This will ensure they are qualified.
If a person you contact indicates that they are no longer adjudicating, make sure you let your competition organiser know so they can update their master list.
Timing for a primary debate
Timing for a primary debate
Depending on various factors, you may need to allow for roughly 2-2.5 hours to host a primary debate (if the debate includes 1 hour of preparation). Approximate timing might be:
Topic selection and/or affirmative and negative allocation (10-15 mins)
Take students to their prep rooms (5 mins)
Preparation time, if applicable (60 mins)
Students to debating room and audience to be seated/settled (5 mins)
The debate (30 to 40 mins)
Adjudication (5 to 10 mins)
Post-debate snacks and debrief with adjudicator, if applicable (15 mins)
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