Forms & Downloads
Adjudication & scoring for competitive speaking
Procedural Motions
Procedural or formal motions are a special class of motions that can be moved in the course of debate about a substantive motion. The following is a brief overview of the relevant rules and provisions that are applicable to procedural motions. Further information about these motions are contained in Take the chair.
That the question be now put
When can this be moved?
During debate – to the extent of interrupting a speaker.
Consequence of this motion
If this motion is carried this requires that the question being debated at the time is to be immediately put. When the question is going to be put the mover of the original motion has a right of reply.
If this motion is not carried, the debate on the formal motion continues.
Can this motion be debated?
Debate is not permitted on this motion, nor may it be moved or seconded by anyone who has spoken to the question.
That the question be not now put
When can this be moved?
During debate on a substantive motion. This motion cannot be moved in relation to an amendment.
Consequence of this motion
If this motion is carried it prevents a decision being made about the substantive motion as debate ceases. If this motion is not carried the substantive motion must be immediately put.
Can this motion be debated?
There is no limit on debate of this or the original motion. This means that also anyone who has spoken on the substantive question may also speak on the procedural motion.
That the meeting proceed to the next business
When can this be moved?
This can be moved any time, but it cannot be moved to interrupt a speaker.
Consequence of this motion
If this motion is carried, it suspends any further debate on the underlying motion that was being considered. This means that the substantive motion could again be raised at the next meeting. If this motion is lost, debate continues.
If an amendment is being considered and this motion is carried, then the next business is the substantive motion.
Can this motion be debated?
There is no debate on this motion.
That the debate be adjourned
When can this be moved?
This can moved at any time, including interrupting a speaker.
Consequence of this motion
If this motion is carried, debate on the substantive motion is adjourned.
Can this motion be debated?
The only debate that is permissible on this motion is the matter of the period of time that debate is to be adjourned.
That the meeting be adjourned
When can this be moved?
This can moved at any time, including interrupting a speaker.
Consequence of this motion
If this motion is carried, the meeting is adjourned.
Can this motion be debated?
The only debate that is permissible on this motion is the matter of the period of time, date and place of the next meeting.
That the question lie on the table
When can this be moved?
This can moved at any time, including interrupting a speaker.
Consequence of this motion
If this motion is carried, debate is suspended until a motion to lift the substantive motion from the table has been carried. (If a motion to life the substantive motion is carried, then debate on the substantive motion would resume where it had been suspended.)
Can this motion be debated?
This particular motion can only be moved once during debate involving a particular substantive motion.
That the speaker no longer be heard
When can this be moved?
This is moved by interrupting a speaker.
Consequence of this motion
If this motion is carried, the speaker may not speak again during debate about the particular question being considered.
Can this motion be debated?
This particular motion can be debated. But it may not be moved by anyone who has spoken during debate on the substantive motion.
That the chairman’s ruling be disagreed with
When can this be moved?
This can only be moved immediately after the Chairman has made a ruling.
Consequence of this motion
If this motion is carried, the Chairman’s ruling is reversed.
Can this motion be debated?
This particular motion can be debated. The Chairman is entitled to offer an explanation regarding his or her ruling.
That the chairman lacks the confidence of the meeting
When can this be moved?
This can be moved by anyone who believes the Chairman is not adequately performing his or her duties at the meeting.
Consequence of this motion
After this motion has been moved and seconded, the Chairman should then call for a substitute Chairman to take over the debate on this procedural motion. If the motion is carried, the substitute Chairman seeks approval from the meeting to continue in the chair.
Can this motion be debated?
This particular motion can be debated. The Chairman can speak during debate on this procedural motion.
That the meeting move into the Committee of the Whole
When can this be moved?
This can be moved at any time. It can not be moved to interrupt a speaker.
Consequence of this motion
If this motion is carried, it enables the rules of debate to be suspended. This means that a free discussion can occur, such as speakers speaking multiple times. It is a device that is useful to consider a complex matter.
Can this motion be debated?
This particular motion is usually not debated.
Adjudication & scoring for competitive speaking
Analysis of each speaker’s performance is based on scoring of two broad areas of their speech to judge the speech as a whole:
- 50% for impact on the intellect, and
- 50% for impact on the emotions.
Scoring Matrix
In a competition all competitors are ranked by each individual competitor’s aggregate of both these scores.
For instance, the highest mark is scored as 1, the next speaker as 2 and so on. As all speakers are ranked this means that speakers cannot be given an equal ranking.
The rankings of each adjudicator are then totalled and will produce a score of the winner being the speaker with the lowest total score.
Impact on intellect
Judge the ability of the speaker to achieve a perceived purpose with logical and sequential theme development, based on consideration of:
- Material – Scope, accuracy, clarity, relevance, logic and adequacy.
- Arrangement – Introduction, body, conclusion and general construction.
- Progression – Cohesion, timing, logic, development, evidence of research and preparation. Language – Words, sentences, phrases, grammar, word pictures and figures of speech.
- Appeal – Imagination, originality, wit, illustrations and highlights.
Impact on emotions
Judge the ability of the speaker to affect the audience with the presentation of the material, based on consideration of:
- Visual impact – Appearance, stance, gesture, notes, use of eyes, visual aids.
- Vocal impact – Quality, clarity, variety, volume, pitch, pause, pace and pronunciation.
- Empathy – Contact, understanding, acceptance and audience involvement.
- Mood – Feeling, emphasis, enthusiasm, sincerity and speaker involvement.
- Appeal – Credible, entertaining, memorable, motivating and convincing.
Guidelines For Debating
Based on guidelines produced by Freeman David Carlson
1. Topics
A good debating topic is one which is easily debated in both the positive and in the negative. For example:
“That incentive payments are the best means of ensuring peace in industry.” “That euthanasia should be made legal”.”
2. Preparing the Case
Techniques of preparation of the case:
Analyse the question: What does it really mean?
Master the subject – research/knowledge/understanding.
Arrangement of the subject – planning of the attack.
Investigate contra arguments – be prepared for what your opponents might say. Teamwork is a vital element of debating
3. Presentation
Define terms – vital – often the key.
Outline teamwork.
Logical application.
Balance and perspective – concentrate on the main issues. Combative elements – need for rebuttal.
Summing up – the essential conclusion.
4. Duties of the speakers
4.1 Speaker 1 – Affirmative
Opens the team’s argument.
Announces what each speaker will contribute to the team effort. Defines the terms.
Presents his/her part of the team’s case.
4.2 Speaker 1 – Negative
Opens the team’s argument.
Announces what each speaker will contribute to the team effort. Attacks the Affirmative definitions and attempts to adjust them to his/her team’s advantage.
Presents some rebuttal of affirmative speaker 1’s material Presents his/her part of the team’s case.
4.3 Speaker 2 – Affirmative
Presents some rebuttal of affirmative speaker 1’s material. Presents his/her part of the team’s argument. This should be the body of the team’s effort.
4.4 Speaker 2 – Negative
Presents some rebuttal of affirmative speaker 2’s material Presents his/her part of the team’s argument. This should be the body of the team’s effort.
4.5 Speaker 3 – Affirmative
Presents a comprehensive rebuttal of negative team’s argument.
Sums up the affirmative team’s case and summarises it with a strong peroration.
4.6 Speaker 3 – Negative
Presents a comprehensive rebuttal of affirmative team’s argument. New material is not introduced.
Sums up the negative team’s case and summarises it with a strong peroration.
5. Method of Adjudication
Analysis of each speaker’s performance is based on scoring for three areas of their speech that they delivered over the course the debate.
5.1 Matter
Substantial argument, reinforced by examples and illustrations.
5.2 Manner
Vocal sound (volume, clarity, variety, audience contact), appearance (stance, facial expression), gesture and use of notes.
5.3 Method
Architecture of a speech and of the team case – teamwork is a vital element.
5.4 Scoring matrix
Click here to download or view a PDF of Rostrum WA’s Guidelines for debating.
Model for competition speeches
Click here to download or view a PDF of a table by Joanne Turbett setting out the three elements of a framework preparing, composing & presenting a competitive speech.
Model for competition speeches
Click here to download or view a PDF of a table by Joanne Turbett setting out the three elements of a framework preparing, composing & presenting a competitive speech.
Club Executive Manual
The Club Executive Manual is a handy guide for all Rostrum Club office bearers. Click here to download or view a PDF of Rostrum WA’s Club executive manual.
Competitive adjudication scoring sheet
Click here to download or view a PDF of Rostrum WA’s Competitive adjudication scoring sheet.
Guidelines for debating
Click here to download or view a PDF of Rostrum WA’s Guidelines for debating.
Procedural Motions Guidelines
Click here to download or view a PDF of Rostrum WA’s Procedural motions guidelines.
