“Future Leader” Debates (Winter 2023)

“21st Century Skills” Online Debate Event (Grades 4-9th)

We are hosting a “skills” debate event… to learn more, please read the information provided below…
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2022 (Sunday, Feb. 26th in Korea).
Time (Eastern): Saturday, 5pm-8:30pm.
Time (Pacific): Saturday, 2pm-5:30pm.
Time (Korea/Asia): Sunday, 7am-10:15am.
Location: Online (using Zoom) – To be announced later (same information as last time).
RESULTS (Feb 26th, 3am ET): Here.

DETAILS (PDF): This event requires no experience, we can develop skills, gain a little recognition for excellent results. We are scheduling three full debates along with the crossfire event. Participate as a debater, judge, and/or observer. We need judges of all experience levels, including beginners. This event is free and open to everyone. It should be considered a low-stress, enjoyable way to build up our confidence and our speaking/debating skills. Anyone in grades 4-9th, can compete.  Parents are welcome! Volunteerism is encouraged (letters of appreciation & service hours) are available for any volunteers.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES: This event adds the following changes… 1.) Please cite your sources, 2.) Prep Time: 2 minutes (instead of three), and 3.) Extra Speech: Defending your argument (Rejoinder). The ballots will be changed slightly to reflect these changes. Also… these changes were always intended for the second half of the school year (FYI).

Topic: “On-Balance, ‘Artificial Intelligence’ is desirable“.  [Research]

“21st Century Skills” Debate: Each debater may choose their own partner, or have a partner assigned to them on the day of the event. No prior experience in public speaking or debate is required. This event is open to the public, so anyone may participate. Each speaker from each team (two students per team) will present one argument. After two minutes of preparation time, each speaker will refute one of the opposing team’s arguments.  After another two minutes or prep time, each speaker will defend their argument (a rejoinder speech). Finally, there is a three-minute “crossfire,” which will end the debate. After the debate ends, judge(s) will give feedback.

Divisions: Grades 4-6th, and 6-9th (Grade 6 students can choose the division they prefer).

Schedule (Eastern Time): We will be using a ‘fixed’ schedule for these debates (punctuality is important).
5:00pm to 5:15pm: Orientation and Judge/Student Training
5:15pm to 6:10pm: Round 1
6:20pm to 7:15pm: Round 2
7:20pm to 8:15pm: Round 3
8:30pm = End of the Event

PRIZES: We will have a prize (medallions) for top teams, top speakers, and crossfire debating.

For more information, please contact the tournament organizer:
Bill Eddy aka “Coach Bill”
billeddy@21stcenturydebate.org

COST: $0.00 per person (free).