Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Class : 3D
NIM : 12.321.127
ENGLISH DEBATE
Summary of MATTER, METHOD, and MANNER
MATTER
Matter is the content of the speech. Matter includes arguments, evidence presented to support those
arguments, examples and analysis. Matter includes substantive matter, rebuttal and points of information. In
debates which points of information are used, both the content of the question and the content of the answer
are considered matter. Matter includes substantive matter and rebuttal (arguments in response to the
otherteam). Where there is no rebuttal, there is no engagement and there is no debate.
The elements of matter are :
1. Logic
Matter should be logical. Arguments should be developed logically in order to be clear and wellreasoned and therefore plausible. The conclusion of all arguments should support the members
case.
2. Relevance
Matter should be relevant. It should relate to the issues of the debate. Relevance is especially
important in debates given the short period of time available to each speaker there is no time for
irrelevance.
All Members should present positive matter (except the final two members in the debate), should
present rebuttal (except the first member in the debate), should attempt to answer at least two points of
information during their own speech and offer points of information during opposing speeches.
Particular Matter Issues :
A. Rebuttal
The proportion of rebuttal to substantive arguments will really depend on the requirements of the
debate.
B. The Onus of Proof
In most debates, there is no onus of proof. Both affirmative and negative teams must provide
arguments.
C. Taking the audience into account
Adjudicators shouldnt take the reaction of an audience into account when making a decision.
D. Assesing the quality of arguments
Adjudicators must assess the quality of arguments. This requires the adjudicator to distinguish a
strong argument from a weak one. Adjudicator shouldnt wait to see whether the opposition attacks an
argument before judging whether it is weak or strong.
E. Argument by example
The effective use of example will add persuasive quality to the argument.
F. References to experts
Debaters will occasionally find that an expert on an issue has expressed a view which supports their
teams argument.
METHOD
Method consists of the effectiveness of the structure and organization of each individual speech, the
effectiveness of the structure and organization of the team case as a whole, and the extent to which the team
reacted appropriately to the dynamics of the debate.
The elements of method are :
1. Responsiveness
The structure of one speech will be affected by previous speeches and will affect subsequent
speeches. Responsiveness impacts on both method and matter. In terms of matter, the response should
be assessed for its logic and relevance.
2. Structure
a. Speech structure
The member should organise his or her matter to improve the effectiveness of their presentation.
The substantive speech of each members should:
(a) include: an introduction, conclusion and a series of arguments
(b) be well-timed in accordance with the time limitations and the need to prioritise and apportion
time to matter.
b. Team structure
A team structure will be most effective when it possesses a single, consistent theme, chunks of
which are assigned to each speaker.
The team should:
(a) contain a consistent approach to the issues being debated
(b) allocate positive matter to each member where both members of the team are introducing
positive matter.
MANNER