So I was asked to judge a parlimentary debate round for a group on campus. The way it's set up is that one person takes one side, tells us what they think (only arguments, not actual quotes or support), the other side takes the other, and after this their partners address the points of the other side and shoot them down solely by reasoning. After each person speaks on behalf of their side, there is a question period and a comment period where anyone from the audience can make a short, 1 min. speech on behalf of either side.
It was interesting, and some group members compete in this area on campus. I was so proud of everyone, however, because regardless of our varied experience in speaking opportunities, your skills have progressed to the point where I sincerely believe you could have blown these speakers away! :) Great job in your work!
Things I noticed with other individuals--lots and lots of "ums" and "likes," too much movement and nervous gestures, incomplete sentences, and lots of rushing, to the point where five sentences turned into one! All of you have improved these particular problems significantly.
Posted by tsch0070 at April 19, 2005 11:33 AM