NUML

Debate Society Competition - Rules & Regulations


1. Event Overview

The NUML Inter-Departmental Bilingual Declamation Competition is an annual event where departments compete against one another through team-based speeches. The event will feature both serious and humorous categories. However, the humorous category will be for entertainment purposes only and will not be adjudicated.


2. Competition Rules

2.1 General Rules

  • Team Representation: Each department must be represented by a team of speakers.
  • Serious Topics: All speakers will present on serious topics.
  • Speaker’s Stance: Speakers can choose to either agree or disagree with the given topic.
  • Respectful Conduct: Derogatory remarks against the chair are strictly prohibited.
  • Language Use: In English speeches, the use of Urdu is prohibited, and vice versa.

2.2 Time Limits

  • Speech Duration: Each speaker will have a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 4 minutes to deliver their speech.
  • Relaxation Time: A grace period of 30 seconds may be given to speakers.
  • Bell Timing:
    • First bell at 3 minutes.
    • Second bell at 4 minutes.
  • Penalties: Negative marks will be assigned to speakers exceeding the time limit.

3. Conduct Guidelines

  • Political and Inappropriate Remarks: No political or inappropriate comments are allowed on stage.
  • No Desk Banging or Shouting: Desk banging and shouting are strictly discouraged.
  • Decorum: Participants must maintain decorum at the event venue.
    • Violations of these rules will result in immediate removal from the stage and strict actions will be taken.
  • No Interruptions: Interrupting a speaker is forbidden.

4. Adjudication

  • Final Decision: The university’s decision regarding rule interpretation and any other matters related to the competition will be final.
  • Adjudicator’s Discretion: If a situation arises that is not covered by the rules, the adjudicator’s decision will be final.

5. Judging and Awards

  • Originality: The event is not meant for students to mimic others but rather to deliver an original, engaging oration.
  • Winner Selection: Winners in each category will be announced based on the total marks earned by participants.

Download Debate Ruleset