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In a debate and speech round you way get asked various questions.

one of which is “what are your paradigms?”

Paradigm: How you evaluate rounds, including what arguments they value most and how they decide a winner.

For middle school this tends to be an uncommon question. It is more of a high school question, though it is not unlikely you get asked!

Debate:

Congress: Middle school Student Congress is a debate event where students simulate a legislature by debating bills, using research, questioning, and parliamentary procedure, and judges look for clear arguments, engagement with others, and respectful, confident participation.

Students are assessed on their research, argumentation, and delivery skills, as well as their knowledge and use of parliamentary procedure.

Times: 1-3 minute speech supporting the Affirmation to Negation

Negation= Against

Affirmation= For

Parliamentary Debate: a team-based, fast-paced debate format with limited prep time where students argue a resolution using logic, strategy, and refutation, and judges look for clear structure, teamwork, responsiveness to opponents, and persuasive delivery rather than heavy evidence.

*This is one where a paradigm is common*

Times and schedule of Parliamentary Debate

(Aff Speaker 1) Aff constructive: 3 minutes

• this builds a case for themselves. The speech regularly is separated into points/contentions.
• sometimes there are weighing mechanisms, this is what that side wants you to judge this debate off of.

(Neg Speaker 1) Neg constructive: 4 minutes

• Builds negations case, usually separated into points as well. During this speech the speaker will rebuttal the other team’s contentions, weighing mechanism, ect.
• plans are sometimes introduced. Plans are other areas this resolution can go, often times offering a middle ground to show a understanding of the resolution while showing they are willing to understand the other side.

(Aff Speaker 2) Aff Rebuttal/ Extensions: 4 minutes

• This speech rebuttals the Negs contentions as well as states why their rebuttals to the Affirmations claims were incorrect or fall short.
• Any other new thoughts are added here, this can be anything that the team feels important to mention as this is their last chance to add any new information to this debate.
  

(Neg Speaker 2) Neg Rebuttal/Extensions: 4 minutes

• This speech counters any rebuttals done to their contentions as well as states why their points still flow through (are still valid) after the opposing teams rebuttals.
• Any new thoughts are added here, this is the last time they can add any new information.

(Neg Speaker 1) Neg final summary: 2 Minutes

• A lot of this speech is explaining why they won this debate, during the speech the speaker will attempt to repair their argument. They will explain on what grounds this debate ran on (weighing mechanism) and why that works in their favor.

(Aff speaker 1): Aff final summary: 3 minutes

• This speech discusses why they won this debate based on the grounds it was laid on (weighing mechanism) and why everything works in their favor. They will rebuild their argument and finish the speech.

Speaker Points:

You will rank each speaker (4 people total) on a scale of 30. Traditionally the points given will never go under 24.

Questions: Questions can be asked to the opposing team after the first minutes and cannot be asked in the summary speeches.

Public Forum Debate (PF)

Teams prepare original cases with evidence for both sides. Sides are assigned each round. Judging PF can be difficult. You should judge off your paradigms (above). You should look for organization, clarity, and actual understanding of the evidence that was stated.

Prep Time: the teams are entitled to 2 minutes of prep time during the round.

Coin Flip: Traditionally a coin flip is done. The winner of the coin flip picks to either speak first or second, or picks to be Aff or Neg.

Team A speaker 1 Constructive: 3 minutes

• This builds the teams case, contentions, evidence, what builds their case to where it is. (not memorized)

Team B speaker 1 Constructive: 3 minutes

• Presents and builds their teams case using contentions and evidence to back it. (not memorized)

2 minute Cross Fire: the speaker 1 of both teams (the ones that just gave speeches) ask questions to one another.

Team A speaker 2 rebuttal: 3 minutes

• refutes the opposing teams arguments using prepared cards, evidence and analysis of the other teams contentions to prove that their case is better.

Team B speaker 2 rebuttal: 3 minutes

• refutes the opposing teams arguments using prepared cards, evidence and analysis of the other teams contentions to prove that their case is better. They also may prove that the opponents rebuttals were faulty and should not be considered. Time management is key with this portion.

2 minute Crossfire: speaker 2 of both teams (the ones that spoke after the last crossfire) ask questions to each other about their case.

Team A summary: 2 minutes

• this concretes the main issues of the debate, why they won and again using evidence states why their argument prevails over the other teams. In this phase it is not uncommon for a speaker to refer to the judge. “judge the opposing teams argument lacks clarity and organization of many fronts….” is an example of how someone may refer to you.

Team B summary: 2 minutes

• this concretes the main issues of the debate, why they won and again using evidence states why their argument prevails over the other teams. In this phase it is not uncommon for a speaker to refer to the judge (example above).

Grand Cross Fire (3 minutes): All speakers engage in asking questions. Often using evidence and their own claims.

Team A final focus/summary: 2 minutes

• explains why they won the round.

Team B final focus/summary: 2 minutes

• explains why you won and rebuilds your case in the progress.

Speech:

Impromptu:

• Given three topics, the student chooses one, prepares for one minute to speak insightfully about the topic, and then speaks for one to three minutes with a grace period of thirty seconds.
• You should look for clarity, organization and even possibly a road map. For example “In this speech I will discuss, point A, point B, point C”. Look to see if the student adds depth and shows understanding.

Tall Tales:

• Given three words, the student has one minute to prepare a tall tale that includes all three words. The student then has up to three minutes to tell the tale.
• This is much like impromptu. You should look for clarity, organization, as well as creativity. Students may use things/ elements like a moral of the story to stand out.

Poetry/Prose:

• For poetry the student will be choosing a collection of poetry, students prepare and perform a speech between 4 min. 30 sec. and 5 min. 30 sec. minutes long This is a storytelling event that focuses on narration, emotion and vocal inflection.
• For Prose the student will be choosing a novel around a theme, students prepare and perform a speech between 4 min. 30 sec. and 5 min. 30 sec. minutes long This is a storytelling event that focuses on narration, emotion and vocal inflection.
• When judging this event it is a lot based on your own paradigms (seen at the top of this page). Clarity, organization and being able to understand the speaker is something to look out for.

Sales:

• Persuasion-based pitch that is a mix of humorous or serious. Visual aids will be provided.
• This should be judged by creativity, organization and how affected you are by their speech.

Oratory:

• Students prepare to present either an informative or persuasive speech about a topic that they choose. Speeches are between 3 min. 30 sec. and 4 min. 30 sec. These speeches are typically structured with an introduction, three main subpoints, and a conclusion.
• sometimes (mostly in high school) these speeches will be memorized, but it is not required. You should judge based on clarity, organization, and persuasion of the topic.