2002年4月22日下午在北京外国语大学电教礼堂，第六届“外研社杯”全国英语辩论赛总决赛隆重举行。早在3月中旬，预赛就开始在各地展开；经过激烈的角逐，最后共有16支大学代表队闯入决赛。

　　By Sue Kay

　　It is an enlightening experience to be asked to sit on the panel of judges of the finals of the National Student Debating Competition—the FLTRP Cup.

　　The dedication of the contestants and the enthusiasm of the audience were clear. The ideas, focus and research exhibited by the debaters were made for interesting and entertaining listening. It seems useful to record some of the comments and advice that the judges made during the Competition.

　　Judgement requires criteria insgroupsto be fair and the criteria for Debating Competitions are clear.

　　Language

　　Language is important, of course, since contestants must be understood. Judges look for accurate pronunciation, enunciation and articulation as well as the ability to vary the pace and pitch of the voice when speaking. This often requires speakers to slow their speech more than they would for everyday language. It was good to find that most of the contestants were doing this although a greater variation in pace and pitch would have helped to keep the audience's attention.

　　Subject/verb agreements were sometimes incorrect and incorrect article and plural/singular use was apparent.

　　Vocabulary use must be appropriate, correct and interesting although it is perhaps better not to use words that you have difficulty pronouncing. Some speakers 'fell over their own words' either by speaking too quickly or because they had difficulty controlling their nerves.

　　Content

　　The content is equally important. What is said must be relevant. However, perhaps the most important aspect of debating is that assertions must be justified. No one can be convinced or persuaded of anything if they are given no reason for doing so. Statements can be backed up with reasons, statistics, examples and even with anecdotes, idioms, proverbs, quotations and analogies.

　　When using quotations they must be short and accurate. This is one occasion when it is OK to read—put the quotation on a card in large type so you can read it accurately.

　　Delivery

　　A debate is like a game of tennis and as such should be enjoyable to play and to watch. To bring the topic alive, contestants need to consider their delivery. A natural stance; gestures; eye contact, both with the audience and the opposing speakers, helps as well as the use of humour. It was clear on a number of occasions that the contestants were actually enjoying the 'game.'

　　Debating skills require good teamwork. The speakers who supported their partners by nodding and smiling or by passing notes gained points.

　　Microphone management can be difficult. The contestant who stopped and waited when his mic suddenly screeched at him showed great control. It is unnerving to have to test your mic in front of a room full of people but remember that it is in their interests that it should work properly as well as in yours. 'Testing. Testing.'is the usual method but 'Bah, Bah Black Sheep' will indicate if you are too close and causing 'mic boom.'Timing was generally good though some debaters went over time by trying to fill their allotted time with too many points. It is usually best to refute the opposition's points and give one clearly made point yourself and then to sit down. If the bell does ring while you are speaking, do finish your sentence before sitting down!

　　Responses

　　Responses were sometimes missing and not always prompt. Occasionally a speaker picked up a previously made point later but it is best to try to 'return fire' immediately.

　　When speakers do not justify their assertions, it is a golden opportunity for the opposition to request facts or figures. They can do this by saying, "Please would the opposition give some evidence for their assertion that..." If the opposition can't or don't do so then they lose the debating point. The other side can also make sure that they have the point by asking again --"Are the opposition unable to provide any evidence?" or by saying, "It would seem that the opposing side is unable to respond on the point about..."

　　A word of warning however, it will be considered 'weak' if a debater merely says,'Please respond'or 'Please give us some evidence' without stating or restating the specific subject that they want evidence on.

　　A number of speakers used the phrase 'My fellow debater'when talking about the opposite side. This sounded inaccurate since 'my fellow debater' should refer to the other team member, not the opposition.

　　Other often used phrases were 'Don't you think so?' and 'Right?' These questions were often ignored by the opposition. It would be better to say,'If you can't agree please explain and give your reasons.' This is more challenging.

　　Saying, "Thank you" at the end of a remark or point is incorrect. Starting the summing-up with "Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen" sounds very strange and should be avoided.

　　Summing Up

　　It should be remembered that the summing-up should leave a lasting impression. Therefore, it must be spoken with conviction and not just read. The main points against the opposition's argument should be restated as well as the main points from your own side.

　　Debates vary. Some make for riveting listening because the ideas have been well thought out and researched and the teams actually appear to help each other to 'peel off the layers of the onion' insgroupsto discover 'the truth.' All else being equal, the winner will be the team that remains focussed and wins with the best ideas.

　　Some debates are seriously or passionately contested while in others the subject is lightly tackled but the contestants battle to win the language rather than the content contest. Other debates sparkle with humour and are entertaining whilst the teams compete for debating points.

　　We experienced these and many other variations this time and it must augur well for China's future that there are so many bright, articulate and focussed young people studying in her universities.

　　Sue Kay is a former member of the Association of Speakers clubs in Britain. She has lived in Beijing for 5 years and teaches English at the Chinese Academy of Social Science.