Hello wonderful people! Today we're going to be talking about something that we will hopefully be seeing a great display of, at our upcoming regional and national events; giving excellent challenges, rebuttals and appeals! This is a topic that I really have a fun time with, because I've come to greatly enjoy this part of the competition, for several reasons. Firstly, because I just like giving good arguments and expressing my opinion (but you probably already guessed that, since I have a blog :P). Secondly, because it gives us quizzers and adults a chance to pause the fast-paced quizzing, and really think about the meaning of the scriptures we've been studying. And thirdly, it gives the quizzers an opportunity to express and explain how God has been speaking to them through that passage this season. And plus it's just a fun plot twist, whenever a captain stands up after a question. I think it makes quiz rounds just that much more fun, when those arguing their opinions express them correctly. But, there's a reason why not all challenges, rebuttals, and appeals are accepted; And there are some things that we can do, in order to make the best arguments possible. So lets jump into that! There are a few good guidelines that we should follow, when making any of these three types of arguments, so we'll go over those real quickly, and then we will dive into each of the three individually. General guidelines for giving arguments:
If you want to convince the quiz master and the content judge to agree with you, first you have to agree with you. Try to avoid giving arguments that you personally disagree with, even though it can become necessary on occasion (for example, defending an answer given by you or one of your teammates, that you believe should be counted incorrect). In this situation, try to appear as confident as you can, and still give your best argument. It is a competition after all.
Giving challenges, rebuttals, and appeals isn't the soap box to give a sermon, or twenty-minute persuasive speech, even though it can be easy to forget if you personally feel strongly on the subject being discussed. Try to remain as professional, calm, and collected as you can. In addition, even though you might feel like you know/understand more than the adults in the room, it's super important to try to remember that they may actually know something that you don't. Don't come across as a know-it-all, or like you're talking to little kids. Give the people in the room respect, and the benefit of the doubt, as you give your argument.
Very few things irritate me more than when someone stands up to give an argument and just starts being rude or obnoxious. Don't raise your voice, don't point at people, don't single people out, don't criticize them, their answer, or their argument. People who do this, unless they're just obviously having a horrible day, just instantly lose my respect. In addition, I don't think I've ever seen a quiz master accept an argument that is given in this way - so if for no other reason, be polite because it gives you a better chance at winning. But don't go too far, so that it gets weird and you look like you're trying to bribe them - Just give your argument and sit down :P. Okay, now lets get into the fun stuff, of how we can all give friggen BOSS challenges, rebuttals, and appeals! Challenges 1. First, always ask for the question and answer! If you start giving your argument before you even know for sure what you're arguing, you probably don't have a very good chance at winning. 2. Immediately, at the beginning of your argument, quickly identify the reason you're challenging. I.e. "I think [name or he/she] should be counted incorrect/correct, because [brief explanation]". After you give this brief explanation, then you can begin your argument for it. 3. Begin putting emphasis on what you believe was the most important to the question/answer and the passage. If necessary, also hit on what you believe was unimportant or unnecessary to the question/answer/passage (including all three of these is vital, whether you are challenging by the rules, or theologically). 4. If necessary, quickly recap the overall meaning and point of the passage. 5. If any other, supporting scriptures come to mind, go ahead and include those as well. 6. And, finally, end with a strong final statement. Rebuttals 1. Address the points made by the other captain, and state why you disagree. Follow steps 2-6 for challenges Appeals 1. Ask for the question and answer. 2. Explain, in the simplest and shortest way possible, why the question is invalid. 3. If it is a duplicated question, give both of the references where it is duplicated (if you know them) this speeds up the ruling, makes it easier for the quiz master and content judge, and it just furthers the point that you know what you're talking about 4. End with a strong final statement. And that's about it!
Given, if you're new at expressing your opinion, and tactfully countering the opinions of others in a persuasive way, it will probably take a good amount of practice. Don't feel bad if you get overruled a few times! It happens to everyone, and even besides this, it really just depends on the quiz master, and how they personally interpret what you and the other captain said. Just keep practicing, be on the lookout for opportunities to challenge for your team, other individuals, rebutting a challenge, and appealing bad questions. I hope that this helps and encourages you to get into the debating side of quizzing, and go further in your skills in it. Love you guys, and as always, keep quizzing and living victoriously! Keep calm and quiz on (and out)! Your fellow quizzer, Mallory
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Trending Posts:Author:Mallory is a graduated Teen Bible Quizzer originally from the Southern region, moved to the Northwest, coaching quizzing over the book of Matthew. Check out our
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