Welcome to the DAV Website
The DAV is a non-profit association which exists to promote debate. It
is the peak debating body in Victoria and runs large competitions for
adults and for schools across Victoria. It provides training and
resources for debaters, teachers and adjudicators.
Debating is about persuasion. Debating is not about rules.Price: AU$17.50 includes GST & postage.
Available: contact the DAV Office (+613) 9348 9477.
You can download a PDF copy of the AADG here.
Foreword
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Chapter 2 – Adjudicating
2.1 Role of the adjudicator
2.2 Functions of the adjudicator
(a) Deciding which team has won
(b) Explaining reasons for the decision
(c) Providing constructive feedback
2.3 The adjudication process
Chapter 3 – Matter
3.1 Introduction
3.2 The elements of matter
(a) Logic
(b) Relevance
3.3 Particular matter issues
(a) Rebuttal
(b) The onus of proof
(c) Taking the audience into account
(d) Assessing the quality of arguments
(e) Argument by example
(f) References to experts
(g) New matter from third negative speakers
(h) The ‘invalid’case
(i) The ‘hung’ case
(j) Humorous arguments
Chapter 4 – Method
4.1 Introduction
4.2 The elements of method
(a) Responsiveness
(b) Structure
4.3 Particular method issues
(a) Under-time and over-time speeches
(b) New matter from third negative speakers
(c) Overemphasis of method
Chapter 5 – Manner
5.1 Introduction
5.2 The elements of manner
(a) Body language
(b) Vocal style
5.3 Particular manner issues
(a) Humour
(b) Personal attacks on opponents
(c) Dress
Chapter 6 – Definitions
6.1 The purposes of the definition
(a) Identifying the issues to be debated
(b) Clarifying the meaning of words
6.2 Prohibited definitions
(a) Definitions without a logical and relevant link to the topic
(b) Self-proving or truistic definitions
(c) Definitions which time set the debate
(d) Definitions which place set the debate unfairly
6.3 Definitional debates
(a) The more reasonable definition rule
(b) The unreasonable definition rule
6.4 The even-if argument
Chapter 7 – Marking the debate
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Selecting a starting point
7.3 Dividing the points
7.4 Determining the margins
Chapter 8 – Reply Speeches
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Particular reply speeches issues
(a) Marking
(b) Method
(c) New matter
(d) Points of information
Chapter 9 – Points of Information
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Asking a point of information
9.3 Answering a point of information
9.4 Assessing points of information
(a) Matter
(b) Method
(c) Manner
9.5 Chairing the debate
Chapter 10 – World Parliamentary Style
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Format
10.3 The onus of proof
10.4 The roles of teams and speakers
(a) Opening Government
(b) Opening Opposition
(c) Closing Government
(d) Closing Opposition
10.5 Particular Worlds Style issues
(a) Points of information
(b) Role of the adjudicator
(c) Panel decisions
(d) Marking the debate
Chapter 11 – American Parliamentary Style
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Format
11.3 The onus of proof
11.4 Definitions
(a) Linking the resolution and the case
(b) Prohibited definitions
(c) Time-space definitions
11.5 The roles of teams and speakers
(a) Government
(b) Opposition
(c) Reply speeches
11.6 Particular American style issues
(a) Points of information
(b) Points of order
(c) Points of personal privilege
(d) Maintaining a fair and orderly debate
(e) Deciding who won the debate
(f) Panel decisions
(g) Marking the debate