DEBATING UNION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 116, 26 February 1937, Page 3

DEBATING UNION

FORMATION IN ASHBURTON. SUGGESTIONS FOR ORGANISATION The formation of a debating league was decided on in Ashburton last winter, and after a good deal of preparation in deciding the lines on which the league will act, its activities will begin about April, and it is expected that at feast about seven or eight clubs and friendly societies will take part. A constitution has been mapped out, which suggests the name of the league as the Mid-Canterbury Debating Union, the objects of which are to be the advancement of debating, oratory and kindred arts. It is to lie open to any club or lodge fostering the art of debating and public speaking, and these organisations will pay an affiliation fee of 2s 6d a year, according to the suggestion made. Competitions will be held annually and will be organised and controlled by the executive. The judges will be appointed by th’e executive from the judges who accept the union’s judging chart. To draw up this chart- the opinions of many interested in debating and oratory were obtained and the results combined. The chart, as at present drawn up, is as follows, divisions and possible marks being given:— Suggested Judge’s Chart. Alatter —To- include arguments brought forward in defence or attack, and facts, illustrations, adequacy, and relevancy, 50 per cent, marks, total 30. Arrangement or Aletliod—Logical order in which arguments are presented, and continuity of arguments, 20 per cent., total 12. Style—lmpression made by voice, deportment, etc., 25 per cent, marks, total 15.

Team Work—Arrangement of arguments amongst speakers, lead given by leader, and general presentation of subject, 5 per cent, marks, total 3; 100 per cent, marks, total 60. Summing Up—For criticism of opposition arguments, 15, summing up chief points of own case, 5; total 20. Total' Alarks—Three speakers at 60, total 180, summing up, 20; total 200. Judge’s Remarks—Points and arguments missed, for and against. Faults in arrangements and style, weak or unfinished arguments, general impression of speakers, amount of team work. Constructive suggestions, and marks allotted, and why. -Judge’s Preparation —All judges should make themselves conversant with the subject, in order that they may judge the completeness of the case presented, and that they may in their remarks, point out good arguments net used. Fcr Public Speaking. Public Speaking-—The following allocation is suggested:—Alatter, 18; arrangement. i2; style, 30; total 60. Each affiliated club or lodge will ho requested to endeavour to arrange debates with as many of the members of the union as possible, such debates to he judged if possible by those prepared to accept the union’s judging charts. In the case of seniors, it is suggested that the time for debate be 10 minutes, seven minutes and seven minutes, with five for reply, and in the case of juniors, seven, five, five, and three, in order to accustom the speakers to competition conditions. Club secretaries will be asked to advise the union secretary of the subjects debated .both in club and inter-club debates, and of impromptu speeches, so that a record of work done can he kept by the union, and. that clubs desiring subjects may thus be assisted.