“Skills” Debate Championship (2023)

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

We are hosting a “skills” debate event… to learn more, please read the information below…
Date: Saturday, April 29, 2023 (Sunday, April 30th in Korea).
Time (US, Eastern): Saturday, 5:00-9:00 PM.
Time (US, Pacific): Saturday, 2:00-6:00 PM.
Time (Korea/Asia): Sunday, 6:00-10:00 AM.
Location: Online (using Zoom – same information as before).
ORIENTATION VIDEOS (ALL) = See “Schedule” Below.
RESULTS: [HERE]

DETAILS (PDF): This event requires no experience, we develop skills and gain a little recognition for excellent results. We are scheduling four 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 low-cost and open to everyone. Anyone in grades 4th-9th can compete.  Volunteerism is encouraged (letters for service hours) are available.

This event adds the following changes… An extra speech = Voting Issues (after the crossfire!). The ballots will be changed slightly to reflect these changes.

Topic: “On-Balance, boycotting the ‘Fast Fashion’ industry would be desirable“.
[Event Guidelines] [Research Page] [Evidence Packet] [Sample Outlines]* (*Done!)

“21st Century Skills” Debate: Each debater chooses their own partner, or has a partner assigned at 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 of prep time, each speaker will defend their argument (a rejoinder speech). A three-minute “crossfire,” will occur after the rejoinder speeches. Then there will be a final two minutes of preparation time, followed by a “voting issues” speech lasting one minute per person. This will end the debate. After the debate, judges will provide feedback (but not disclose the winning team).

Divisions: Grades 4-6th, and 6-9th (Grade 6 students can choose the division they prefer). Grade 3 students are welcome – with prior permission.

Schedule (Eastern Time): We will be using a ‘fixed’ schedule for these debates (punctuality is very important).
4:45 pm to 5:00 pm: Orientation Videos: [For Everyone (10 min)] [For Judges (20 min)] & [Skills Ballot]
5:10 pm to 6:00 pm: Round 1 (Posting = 4:30 pm) [Click Here]
6:10 pm to 7:00 pm: Round 2 (Posting = 5:30 pm) [Click Here]
7:10 pm to 8:00 pm: Round 3 (Posting = 7:00 pm) [Click Here]
8:10 pm to 9:00 pm: Round 4 (Posting = 8:00 pm) [Click Here]

Crossfire Only Debates = Between debate rounds, please visit the breakout room in Zoom for “Crossfires.”
[Crossfire Judging (8 min)] & [Crossfire Ballot]

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

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

COST: $10.00 per competitor (judges & observers = no cost).