Battle of Wits - Rules & Regulations

Battle of Wits Rules and Regulations

1. Team

There shall be 4 teams made up of members of D'Utama Advanced Toastmasters Club (add other participating club names here).

Each team shall comprise of 4 members (including 1 reserve speaker) who must be paid-up members of the respective Toastmasters clubs.

It shall be decided by a toss of coin the teams that will be debating each other.

In the event of any change of members(s) of the team, the organiser must be informed at least 24 hours before the time scheduled for the event.

2. Topic

It shall be decided by a toss of coin the topic the team will be debating on; and if the team were to be debating "for" or "against" the topic.

3. Time Allocation

The time allotted for each speaker is as follows :

First speaker : 5 minutes (+ 30 seconds)
Second speaker : 5 minutes (+ 30 seconds)
Third speaker : 7 minutes (+ 30 seconds)

Through the use of a lighting system (or an alternative system should the lights fail), the speakers shall be given indication of the time they have remaining as follows :

For the first and second speaker, the green light will be switched on at 3 minutes, the amber at 4 minutes and the red at 5 minutes; the bell will be rung and the speaker calpped off at 5 minutes 30 seconds. For the third speaker, the lights will be switched on at 5 minutes, 6 minutes and 7 minutes respectively, and the bell at 7 minutes 30 seconds.

Each speaker shall adhere to the time allotted to him/her. A penalty of 3 points will be deducted from the total score of the speaker if he/she continues to speak beyond the allotted time.

4. Winner

The team that scores the highest aggregate points will be declared as the winner of the debate. A "Best Speaker" will also be selected from the 2 teams debating on a particular topic.

5. Judges

The organisers shall appoint a panel of judges for each of the debate. The decision of the panel shall be final and no objection shall be entertained.

6. Judging Criteria

Points will be awarded based on the following :

Wit (40%)
Substance & Argument (20%)
Delivery (20%)
Language (20%)

Wit refers to how the points for the presentation and rebuttal are presented in a humorous or witty manner. Extemporaneous witty remarks will carry more weight compared to humorous stories that are preapred in advance. Audience response will provide a good indication of whether the wit/humour is appreciated.

Substance & Argument includes the logival and emotional argument presented by the speaker. It also covner the clarity indefining the issues in contention and how the opinions are presented and defended.

Delivery consists of the following elements :

Physical presentation through the speaker's appearance body language which should support and reinforce his/her points.
Voice should be clearly heard and the words easily understood; it shouldbe flexible, moving from one pitch level to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume.
Manner of the speaker should be enthusiastic and assured, showing interest in the audience and in his/her subject matter.

Language covers :

Appropirateness which refers to the choice of words. Language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely.
Correctness of language include the proper use of grammar and corect pronunciation.