Name: Tiara Nur Hidayana

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.

G. New matter from third negative speakers

The final speaker in the debate may not introduce new matter.
H. The invalid case
The negative teams arguments can be accepted without rejecting the arguments of the affirmative
team.
I. The hung case
That is not possible to prove a final conclusion at the end of the 1 st speakers speech. That structure
doesnt allow each speech to affirm or negate the topic in itself. Hung cases arent permitted.
J. Humorous arguments
Humorous arguments should be judged according to the same requirements as allother arguments
they must be relevant and logical.

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.

Particular Method Issues:

1. Under-time and over-time speeches
One aspect of effective speech organization is the speakers ability to complete the material within the
allocated time.
2. New matter from third negative speakers
Briefly, a third negative speakers is not permitted to introduce any new matter.
3. Overemphasis of method
It may have once beem the case in debating that adjudicators gave all speakers virtually the same
method mark.

MANNER

Manner is the presentation of the speech.

The elements of manner are :
1. Body language is very important element of their speaking style. Some of the elements of body
language are :
a. Eye contact will generally assist a member to persuade an audience as it allows the member to
appear more sincere. The use of notes is permitted, but members should be careful that they do
not rely on their notes too much and detract from the other elements of manner.
b. Gestures will generally assist a member to emphasise important arguments. Excessive hand
movements may however be distracting and reduce the attentiveness of the audience to the
arguments.
c. Stance. The adjudicator will assess whether the speakers stance was distracting. Speaker should
find a stance with which they are comfortable.
2. Vocal style will generally assist a member to persuade an audience as the debater may emphasise
important arguments and keep the attention of the audience. Some of the elements of vocal style :
a. Volume and pace should be such that the speaker can be clearly heard by the whole audience and
should be neither so slow to be ponderous nor so fast that the audience feels over helmed or is
unable to keep with the speaker.
b. Tone of the speech should be confident and conversational.
c. Clarity and the use of language should be clear and simple. Members who use language which is
too verbose or confusing may detract from the argument if they lose the attention of the audience.
Particular Manner Issues :
A. Humor : is a valuable tool in the speakers kit. Sarcastic or insulting humor may even have a
negative effect on the audience.
B. Personal attacks on opponents : audiences generally dont appreciate a speaker who makes
derogatory personal references about the opposing debaters.
C. Dress : should generally not be taken into account when assessing the debate.