Why Speaker Scores Matter

Speaker scores are more than just numbers on a tab sheet. They determine individual speaker rankings, influence break calculations, and provide crucial feedback to debaters about their performance. Understanding what the numbers mean — and how to assign them consistently — is essential for both judges and debaters.

The Standard Scale

Most parliamentary debate tournaments use a speaker score scale that runs from approximately 50 to 100, though the practical range is usually much narrower. Here is a detailed breakdown of what each score range typically represents:

Below 70 — Well Below Average

Scores in this range indicate major issues with the speech. The speaker may have struggled to complete their time, provided no coherent arguments, or displayed severe structural problems. These scores are rare and should be used sparingly — they signal that the speech was significantly deficient.

70–74 — Below Average

The speaker made some attempt at argumentation but fell short in key areas. Arguments may have been superficial, poorly explained, or largely unresponsive to the debate. Delivery may have been unclear or disengaged. This range is appropriate for speeches that show basic competence but lack depth.

75–79 — Average

This is the most common scoring range and represents a competent speech. The speaker presented identifiable arguments with some reasoning and examples, engaged at least partially with opponents, and demonstrated adequate delivery. Most speeches in a typical university tournament fall in this range.

80–84 — Good

A good speech demonstrates clear structure, well-reasoned arguments supported by specific examples, effective rebuttal that addresses the strongest opposing points, and engaging delivery. Speakers in this range show strong analytical ability and persuasive skill. These scores are appropriate for speakers who stand out in a round.

85–89 — Very Good to Excellent

Speeches in this range are exceptional. The speaker presents innovative arguments with deep analysis, provides devastating rebuttal, demonstrates mastery of the debate dynamics, and delivers with confidence and flair. These scores should be reserved for performances that would be competitive at national or international level.

90+ — Outstanding

Scores above 90 are exceedingly rare and signal a truly remarkable speech — the kind of performance that would be remembered as one of the best at a major international tournament. Judges should be very cautious about assigning these scores to maintain scale integrity.

Calibration Across Formats

Different debate formats and circuits may use slightly different scoring conventions:

  • BP (British Parliamentary): Most tournaments centre scores around 75, with top speakers in a tournament averaging around 80–82.
  • Australs: Similar to BP, though some circuits use 70 as the centre point.
  • WSDC: Uses a percentage-based system with content (40%), style (40%), and strategy (20%) components, scored out of 100.

Always check the tournament's judging briefing for specific scale guidance. Consistency within a tournament is more important than matching external benchmarks.

Common Scoring Mistakes

Judges should avoid these common pitfalls when assigning speaker scores:

  • Score compression: Assigning all speakers between 76 and 78, making it impossible to distinguish performance. Use the full range.
  • Team-rank anchoring: Automatically giving the top-ranked team's speakers the highest scores. A strong individual speaker on a losing team can and should outscore a weaker speaker on a winning team.
  • Inconsistency: Scoring higher in later rounds because you've seen "better" debates. Control for round-to-round drift by keeping your overall averages consistent.
  • Punishment scoring: Using abnormally low scores to "punish" rule violations or poor behaviour. Address these through tournament mechanisms, not the scorecard.

Tips for Debaters

Understanding speaker scores helps you set improvement targets:

  • Track your scores across tournaments to identify trends
  • Compare your average to the tournament's overall speaker average
  • Focus on moving from "average" (75–79) to "good" (80+) by improving rebuttal and argument depth
  • Ask adjudicators for specific feedback after oral adjs — what would push your speech up 2–3 points?