The Intergalactic Forum

About This Event

The Intergalactic Forum is a formal debating competition that encourages participants to critically examine contemporary issues and defend their viewpoints with clarity and conviction. It focuses on enhancing logical reasoning, structured argumentation, and effective public speaking skills through a team-based format.

Rules

1. The competition is open to students of grades 9 to 12.
2. Each team will consist of two members.
3. Topic A: Should we consider time travel as a legitimate scientific pursuit?
4. Topic B: Is trash in space humanity's most arrogant footprint yet?
5. Topic C: Should science prioritize solving unexplained phenomena over applied technological advancements?
6. Teams should come prepared for all three topics to speak for or against the motion.
7. Students are expected to speak for a total period of 3+1 minutes which is followed by two minutes of questioning and rebuttals.
8. Resolution Announcement: Before the debate begins, the tournament officials announce the resolution, which is the topic for the debate.
9. Constructive Speeches: The first team presents their constructive speeches in support of the resolution.
10. Constructive Speeches: The second team presents their constructive speeches arguing against the resolution.
11. Each member of the first team delivers a rebuttal speech, where they respond to the second team's arguments and reinforce their own case.
12. Each member of the second team delivers a rebuttal speech, countering the first team's arguments and reiterating their own points.
13. No revision of the position of a team is permitted during the debate.
14. No internet access or use of any electronic devices is allowed and referring to a written script during their speaking time is strictly discouraged.
15. POIs and heckling must be used carefully to communicate with the judge and may never be used to distract a speaker or continually interrupt a presentation.
16. Judging will be on the following parameters: Organization and Clarity, Presentation Style, Knowledge of Subject, Originality and Ingenuousness, Ability to deal with questions and rebuttals concisely and effectively.
17. The judge's decision is final.
18. Respectful behaviour: All contestants are expected to maintain a respectful and professional attitude towards each other, the judges, and the competition staff.
19. Disqualification: Any violation of the rules, cheating, or misconduct may result in immediate disqualification from the competition.