The WDCA is middle and high school coaches who set competition standards and policies for interscholastic debate, which teaches students how to research, develop defendable positions, take and organize notes, and argue persuasively.
Speaker Evaluation
In every round of debate, judges evaluate the following six areas of presentation. Debaters receive up to five points in each for
a possible total of 30.
Materials and Evidence-
Speaker supports arguments with sufficient convincing evidence. Evidence is timely, credible, and tagged appropriately. Speaker
can defend the citation.
Analysis - Speaker understands the evidence and can paraphrase or explain it
to opponent. Speaker uses sound reasoning with logical conclusions
to weigh arguments but gets to the point.
Organization - Speaker presents materials in a clear and well-ordered manner, appropriate
to speaker position. Presents and follows a roadmap.
Refutation - Speaker creates a direct clash with the opposition, destroying the
opponents' arguments while reinforcing his/her own position.
Delivery - Speaker articulates well and presents self with poise and confidence.
Cross-examination - Speaker identifies weaknesses in the opposition's case establishing
the groundwork for strategic argument.
