here - College of Arts & Sciences - Bethel University

change. Opposition teams, if you are able to tear apart the government's postition on
stock issues, you will be much more likely to succeed.
Relative importance of presentation/communication skills to the critic in decision-making
:
In rhetoric, presentation plays a big part in whether or not an argument is accepted.
Remember the three proofs as taught by Aristotle, Ethos, Pathos and Logos. Ethos
represents credibility, in which presentation plays a large role. With that in mind, present
complete arguments, and be warned, speed will not help you. I realize most people
believe getting more information out than the other team is an advantage, but if I can not
understand your arguments, they lose their affectiveness...
Relative importance of on-case argumentation to the critic in decision-making:
On case argumentation is extremely important. If you rely completely on techniques
such as topicality, resolutionality and kritiks, these only work if I agree with you.
However, if I feel you are running them to take up time, or because that's what you had
prepared in advance, these will not be highly regarded.
Openness to critical/performative styles of debating:
Creativity is something I admire, but remember also that credibility is extremely
important. If you try a performance debate, it may help you, or it may reduce your
credibility. If you do it, do it well. Also keep in mind that creativity and novelty is not a
replacement for good rhetoric and argumentation.
Any additional comments:
I love debate, but not what it's becoming. I see a trend in which people rely less upon
good argumentation, and more upon little tricks which their experience tells them will
grant them victory. Good argumentation is about more than just confusing your
opponants and rendering them speechless. I believe the argument in its entirity is
important, and look at which team was most convincing overal.
One last note, while I do look at the flow, and notice when teams drop arguments, it is
extremely rare for me to make a decision based strictly upon the flow. While dropped
arguments can become a problem, the fact that they were dropped is not enough in itself
to grant a victory.
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