The Schedule
Our Team
Philosophers
Cross-Examination—1-3 days of study
When you’re asking your opponent questions, think of yourself as the hunter and him or her as the hunted; to catch the prey, you have to set good traps. A question that is open-ended and allows your opponent to ramble on is like a hunter giving its prey a good head start. This is your time to make your opponent concede, and there is no better way to do so then to hit them with questions that will catch them off-guard, and, consequently, make him or her say something that shouldn’t have been said. There are different ways to do this, and I will go over this in detail when you get back to school, but for now, think of possible methods as you write questions later.
Cross-Examination is a 3-minute segment where you try to get your opponent, no matter what side you’re arguing, to concede to your case and to give up his or her arguments. While your opponent is giving his or her constructive, devise at least 5 to 8 questions—preferably ones that will/should get "yes" or "no" answers—that you can ask during the cross-examination period. Have at least one question for each of your own contentions/observations already prepared (when you walk into the room) so that you can defend or strengthen your own contentions through questioning. Spend at least a day preparing your own questions; the questions on your opponents’ cases will have to be made when you’re in the room debating, so at this point in time I can’t help you with that. When you are asking your opponent questions, DO NOT look at your opponent, but rather the judge. It sounds strange, but this is the technique that allows you to "connect" with the judge; that is, he or she will understand you further. Do not look at your opponent—that is key—look at the judge—that is also key.
If your opponent refuses to give answers, or rambles on, stop them by politely saying "thank you," and move on to the next question. Do not get frustrated; the calm and collected will look better than people who are ripping out their hair after two minutes. Rude comments will almost always lose you the c-x round, and even sometimes the entire debate.
When you are being questioned, the more knowledgeable about your case that you are, the better. If someone asks you a question about your case, and you can answer it directly without referring to your papers, you look all the more prepared. Confidence is the key, and knowledge emanates confidence—knowledge is good. Once again, keep your cool, don’t get frustrated, and you can do well. If your opponent lets you give long answers, go ahead and waste their time, but if he or she asks you to stop, STOP. Rambling on and ignoring your opponent is seen as a sign of rudeness. Cross-examination is vital—it can win or lose a round.