The Three “M”s

Debating is scored based on three main criteria: Matter, Method, and Manner. Together they are known as the “Three M’s”. Together they can describe how effective a speech is at being persuasive (the essence of debating).

Matter

Matter refers to your argumentation. It includes what your arguments are, whether they make sense, what evidence they introduce and how that evidence is used to strengthen the argument. Everything that you say when trying to convince your audience of your team’s side of the debate is assessable as Matter, but the order in which you say when doing this is Method, which is discussed below.

Matter is most effective when a speaker tells you what they are going to talk about (the “topic sentence” of most essays), followed by a straightforward explanation of their contention and the reason for it. They then provide an example to show the audience how it works in the real world, and explain why this evidence is relevant. Finally they must explain why the idea, example, and effect are important to the topic.

Matter is weaker when a speaker is unclear about what their argument is, or when they don’t explain how evidence backs up their claim, or they forget to explain why the argument is important to the topic.

When assessing Matter an adjudicator will consider how persuasive your arguments would be to an average reasonable person. They will consider if the facts and evidence that you introduce advance your argument, and you have delivered ideas in a way that sounds plausible. The more persuaded by the logic and evidence of your arguments, the better your Matter score will be.

For tips to improve your matter, you can refer to our guides on Topic Preparation, Note Taking, Case Setup and Definitions, Mechanisms, Framing, Impacts, and Rebuttal and Responsiveness.

Method

Method refers to the structure and responsiveness of your speech. In terms of structure, speeches typically start with a signpost or summary of main ideas, highlighting what that they will be talking about (or the things that a third speaker will be rebutting).

Good structure should make it clear to the audience what you are talking about and where you are going with your arguments. A speech is delivered at the speed at which you speak, your audience can’t read your speech at the pace that they understand it, so structure plays a vital role in helping the audience follow your train of thought, and remember your most important ideas.

Good structure for a team means that the first speaker gives a clear team split describing what the first and second speakers will each be talking about. It means that the third speaker is summarising correctly what their first two speakers were talking about. And it means that the three speeches of a team all follow on from each other, and work together, avoiding contradictions.

Responsiveness refers to how well a team engages with the opposition’s material during the debate. This includes accurately rebutting all of the major points of the opposing team, adapting arguments to match the model or definition provided, and accounting for concessions made by the opposition.

When assessing Method an adjudicator will consider whether what your team is saying is consistent between the three speakers and that you haven’t contradicted each other, or yourself. They will consider whether the arguments each speaker makes have a logical flow to them, and how important the argument is when linked back to the topic.

For tips to improve your method, you can refer to our guides on Speaker Roles, Speech Templates, Division of Arguments, Rebuttal and Responsiveness.

Manner

Manner considers the techniques you use to engage the audience. It includes vocal delivery and body language. Strong Manner looks like a speaker who is controlling the room and keeps their audience’s attention. Weaker Manner looks like a speaker who isn’t sure of themselves, is not familiar with their speech, or makes few attempts to connect with their audience.

When assessing Manner an adjudicator will consider how well you hold the audience’s attention. They are looking for how speakers utilise eye contact, appropriate and varied volume, and pauses and gestures to emphasise important parts of the speech. They will also look for flaws such as fidgeting with cue cards, not speaking clearly, being overly rehearsed, and other ways speakers may lose the audience.

For tips to improve your manner, you can refer to our guides on Vocal delivery, Body Language, Likeability and Conduct

In Summary

Matter: What you have to say
Manner: How you say it
Method: Structure and responsiveness