Monash Association of Debaters

by Chris Fladgate

Matter

Matter, like all things in debating, is an amalgam of a number on concepts. Matter consists of all facts, arguments and examples in a speech plus rebuttal. It is important to remember that the rebuttal does count towards matter as it places an onus on all speakers apart from the first speaker of the debater to engage in analysis of the opposition's arguments. This is what separates debating from public speaking.

Matter is judged within the parameters of logic and relevance. This requires each speaker to keep what they say within the context of the debate. Thus to score well, it is necessary to build on simple concepts on a step by step basis, otherwise you will lose cohesion, audience comprehension and vital marks. Finally, with examples, keep them relevant and use them to support matter, not to launch it. But do use them as what they offer is proof of what you are talking about.

Method

In a word, method is balance. A balance between positive matter and rebuttal, a balance between arguments and examples and a balance in time allocation between positive matter, rebuttal and a summary.

Adjudicators judge method on the structure of a speakers speech, the overall structure of the team and the way each speaker responds to the dynamics of the debate. Both structure of the individual and team come under balance as mentioned above.

Responding to the dynamics of the debate is often the 'X factor' that will be the difference between two teams, and often it will involve a definitional dispute. If the negative challenges the definition, then it is the duty of the last four speakers to dedicate time in their speech to this fundamental problem. Similarly, ignoring your opponent's key arguments won't make them go away, you will lose points and probably the debate.

If your method is not working your matter and manner marks will probably suffer. Finally, as with matter, if each step of your speech is followed through and logical progressions explained then method marks will look after themselves.

Manner

Manner is about delivering a speech in a way that appears natural and comfortable in that situation. Adjudicators are instructed that no one style of manner is preferable to another, so if you find yourself uncomfortable in a humourous debate you will not be marked down but the speaker who relishes this type of debate will score more marks.

Improving manner is difficult, but doing as many debates as possible will help. Adjudicator's comments of manner are often taken the hardest as they relate to the way you speak, but if you understand that they are trying to be constructive and really want to help you improve then when you heed their advice your manner will improve rapidly.

So long as you debate regularly you will improve. Everyone has bad debates and it seems hard to win. All it requires to be a successful uni. debater is your own perseverance.

Matter, Method & Manner