You Debate

2023 You Debate – Debating Competition

1. Entry

(a) 9-10s: The competition will be held in person on the 31st of August and on the 1st of September at the Amity College Prestons Campus for year 9-10s.

7-8s: The competition will be online on the 5th of September and on the 12th of September for year 7-8s.

5-6s: The competition will be online on the 7th of September and on the 14th of September for year 5-6s.

(b) The competition is open to students of Year 5-6s, 7-8s and 9-10s from AUF affiliated schools.

(c) Schools will have 2 teams (per principal).

(d) Each team consists of 3 students.

(e) Applications must be submitted online through the link below.

https://auf.formstack.com/forms/youdebate23

2. Format

(a) The competition comprises of group stage of 3 rounds, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.

(b) Each team will participate in at least 3 and at most 6 debates.

(c) For each round, a topic area will be provided. These topic areas will be emailed to schools prior to the commencement of the competition.

(d) Speakers speak for six minutes each, alternating between affirmative and negative side.

(e) Technology usage is banned. Only a dictionary is allowed in the prep room (for in-person debates).

(f) Broad topic areas will be released in advance of the competition, so schools can prepare and practice before the day.

(g) During online debates, teachers need to monitor students during prep time.

2023 You Debate – Public Speaking

1. Entry

(a) 9-10s: The competition will be held in person on the 31st of August and on the 1st of September at the Amity College Prestons Campus for year 9-10s.

7-8s: The competition will be online on the 5th of September and on the 12th of September for year 7-8s.

5-6s: The competition will be online on the 7th of September and on the 14th of September for year 7-8s.

(b) The competition is open to students of Year 5-6s, 7-8s and 9-10s from AUF affiliated schools.

(c) Schools will have max 2 contestants (per principal).

(e) Applications must be submitted online through the link below.

https://auf.formstack.com/forms/youdebate23

2. Format

(a) The competition comprises of a preliminary stage and finals.

(b) Speeches should be prepared beforehand. The prepared speech can be on any subject chosen by the contestant.

(c)  The speaking time for the prepared speech is 6 minutes with a warning bell at 5 minutes, two bells at 6 minutes and a continuous bell at 7 minutes. Note that speakers are expected to finish at or just beyond the official speaking time, and it will be considered poor timing to reach the continuous bell.

(d) Contestants are not allowed to use any props or external aids such as Powerpoint presentations during their speeches. They are encouraged to speak from palm cards, although judges are often more impressed by speakers who do not use any notes.

(e) Contestants must prepare original speeches. The reference to any quotations and sources used in the speech must be cited during the delivery of the speech.  Plagiarism or using ChatGPT or any other type of AI will lead to Immediate Disqualification.

(f) A lectern should not be used at any level of the competition.

Previous Competitions

Video of You Debate in 2016