Hot Takes

HOT TAKES — 10 Essential Rules

1. Individual Event: No teams or batches; each participant is scored individually.

2. The Anchor: One Anchor defends the assigned hot take and is not scored.

3. 20-Minute Session: 2 min opening → 16 min open floor → 2 min closing & judging.

4. Placard System: Raise your placard to speak; the moderator decides the speaking order.

5. Valid Point: Your point must be relevant, new and supported by a reason/example.

6. 45-Second Limit: Each speech is limited to 45 seconds. Continuing after the bell incurs a penalty.

7. Fair Turns: Everyone gets one turn before anyone gets a second; after that, the floor opens freely.

8. Stay Respectful: No interruptions, personal attacks or off-topic arguments.

9. Scoring: 30 marks — Content & Argument (10), Response to Anchor (10), Speech Flow (5), Delivery & Persuasion (5). Penalties are deducted.

10. Winning: At least one valid point is required to qualify. Your total score across all speeches determines the winner; fewer penalties break ties.