with the boys who marooned him. Avoid any bitterness on his part. Let it end pleasantly. (4) A Girl's Adventure. Some girls plan an automobile outing in a grove ten miles away. Just for fun, they leave one of the girls originally invited, taking in her place a new girl. To their amazement, on their arrival at the grove, the girl they had left behind comes smilingly to meet them, with no word of explanation. Think out a reasonable and interesting solution, and tell the story. (5) Real Mischief Afoot. - Tell the story of Queen Esther as told in the book of Esther. Show how Haman plotted against the young queen, and how the plot was frustrated. (6) Ancient Mischief Makers. Tell how Joseph's brethren planned to do him harm. If you choose, improvise a class play by which to tell this story. Consult Genesis, xxxvii, 1–34. CHAPTER XX EFFECTIVE DEBATE Conference maketh a ready man. - BACON. Debating Defined. Debate is oral argument on some definite question, and is conducted under agreed rules between opposing sides. Nothing in high school work is more interesting or more valuable than a good debate. It should begin between opposing teams of the same school, or within the same literary society. Interscholastic debate, between high schools of the same rank or standing, is highly useful and always interesting. The Proposition. The question proposed for discussion is called the proposition. It should be clearly set forth as a single affirmative statement, in terms that cannot possibly be misunderstood. In addition to this, the discussion should be confined to one definite phase of the subject, called the point at issue. Order in Debating. Certain prescribed forms are used in debate. The presiding officer is called "Mr. Chairman." In case a lady is chosen as presiding officer, it is proper to address her as "Madam Chairman." It is not allowable to refer to the speakers on either side by name. It is either "my opponent," or "my colleague,” or “the first speaker on the negative side," or "the concluding speaker on the affirmative side." The judges are ad dressed as "Honorable Judges." The introductory address may be thus given, "Mr. Chairman, Honorable Judges, Ladies and Gentlemen:" The following is the usual order of speakers. 1. First speaker on the affirmative side. During the two or three minutes thus afforded, each team holds a hurried consultation to see if any important part has been neglected, and what points should be made by their leader in his closing speech. The chairman calls the meeting to order, allowing not more than three minutes as the limit of this conference. 7. Closing speaker on the negative side. At the conclusion of the debate, the judges retire and agree by ballot as to the decision. If the decision is to be by "points," as it is called, these points should have been definitely agreed upon beforehand, and announced both to contestants, and to the audience. The decision should be announced by the chairman of the judges. As a matter of common courtesy, this decision should be considered final. A slight change in this order is usually made where each contestant speaks but once. In such case, the closing order is as follows: 5. The third speaker on the negative side. Customs in Debate. It is not customary for any one to have anything to say to the debaters after the opening of the debate. No one outside the team should be consulted during the slight intermission, where the teams confer with their captain as to the final speech. Anything in the nature of complaint or criticism of the manner of conducting the debate is manifestly in poor taste. The chairman and the judges are supposed to know their duty and do it. The chairman has it in his power to call attention to any breach of decorum on the part of any one. Preparation for Debate. Both sides should understand the point at issue, and be prepared to defend or attack the proposition in dispute. It should be so stated that they may, to borrow a railroad phrase, meet "head-on.” If the two sides are not discussing the same point, their time is worse than wasted. Often one team chooses the proposition, while the other selects the side it wishes to defend. This is fair to both. Suppose a debate arranged between two teams. The point at issue has been stated and accepted, and the opposing sides know that they have to work hard to win. Each team is supposed to include three students, boys or girls, chosen for their ability. This There should be a competent coach for each side. may be the instructor in English, or the captain of the team, or if it can be so arranged, some experienced debater who can and will take hold and "whip things into shape." Team work in debates is of great importance, and here is where the coach's work will show. When the time comes, let him require a careful brief from each. The student now has three things to do. (1) He is to read, as probably he has never read before. (2) He is to confer with his fellow debaters, and to talk with anyone who is willing to help him, trying to get. points for his side. (3) He is to do some real thinking, first for himself, and then for his team. Use of the Library. He must draw upon the library. In addition to what he can find for himself, he should go to the librarian or attendant, giving a typewritten copy of the question, in order that the available books may be placed upon the "open shelf" to remain there while the debate is preparing. In reading for points, it is well to make a note of everything that looks available, with an exact reference to book, volume, and page; yet practiced debaters soon come to know that a few really telling points outweigh a multitude of indiscriminate suggestions. The student should early cultivate a judgment that will select what is vital and reject anything that is not really useful. Dividing the Work. Hold an early meeting of the debaters on your side. If you have a coach, let him act as chairman. Your instructor in English should be invited to be present as confidential adviser, as should also some active member of your literary society. Your coach, or your captain, or both, will decide as to the order of speakers. In deciding on this important matter, it would be well to ask and answer the following questions: 1. Of the three speakers on your side, who can best arouse the interest of the audience, and especially of the judges who are to render the decision? 2. Who is the wittiest speaker? Which speaker, after the interest is once aroused, can best hold it? 3. Who can best drive conviction home to the hearts and minds of the audience, and of the judges? Work of Each Speaker. - Each of your three speakers has an important function in the debate. The first speaker |