EXAMPLE OF GENERIC MODIFIED
CUMULATIVE TIME FORMAT CANDIDATE LETTER
|
MODIFIED
CUMULATIVE TIME FORMAT
(This
format can be modified to fit most debates of any length of time)
Numbers will be drawn from a hat
to determine the order of answering the first question. The same order will be
used for summations.
There will be no opening
statements. After introduction of the candidates by the moderator, the questions
will immediately begin. Each candidate will answer each question in 2 minutes
or less. A timer will hold up a card indicating the amount of time remaining
at 30 seconds, 15 seconds and then 0. Each candidate will have a 15 - minute
“bank” of time that can be drawn on to elaborate on a response or to use
for rebuttals. All elaborations and rebuttals will be deducted from bank time
regardless of how much time was used to initially answer the question. At the
end of the debate, a 2- minute summation/rebuttal will be allowed.
Each candidate will be assigned
their own bank timer who will keep them apprised of how much time is left in
their bank after each round of questions by holding up a sign. There will be one
other time keeper keeping track of the 2 minutes used to initially answer the
questions and for the summations. Introduce yourself to your timekeeper and make
sure you can see her without difficulty.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT AN
EXACT TIME LIMITED FORMAT. The purpose here is to allow discussion of the
issues. Time saved• on answers and rebuttals will be used to ASK MORE
QUESTIONS, and not added to a candidate’s bank. There will be time for about 7
to 10 questions—more if less time than allotted is used.
As the end of the debate nears,
bank time not used by candidates may be used at the moderator’s discretion for
additional questions. All decisions by the moderator regarding time, when an
issue is exhausted, appropriate discussion, or anything else, are final.
The entire forum will last two
hours.
Questions will be prepared in
advance by the sponsors and solicited from the public and newspaper reporters.
The audience may submit written questions. These questions will be screened by a
bipartisan panel for appropriateness and duplication; all questions must be
phrased so that they are issue orientated and can be appropriately answered by
all candidates. Similar questions may be combined.
Please arrive between 6:00 and
6:30 p.m. to be briefed by the moderator and to draw lots. If you have
questions, please call me ahead of time—the moderator will be busy and might
not have time to give you anything but very brief answers. All candidates are to
be seated by 6:50 p.m. We suggest you test your microphone at that time to be
sure it is working and that you can be heard in the back of the room. Be sure to
speak closely into your microphone if your voice is soft.
Tables for campaign literature
will be available outside the debate room—no campaign literature or
campaign signs allowed inside. Candidates cannot wear campaign paraphernalia. If
candidates use charts or graphs, they must be small enough to be placed out of
sight as soon as the candidate holding them is done speaking. As long as they
are in evidence, time will be taken off that candidate’s bank. Only the League
or its designated cosponsors may audio or videotape the debate for any reason.
All candidates must sign the TV
agreement prior to the debate or they will not be able to participate—no
exceptions.
TV TIPS:
• Use of light sensitive
glasses is strongly discouraged as the lights turn them into sunglasses and
you will acquire a sinister look.
• It may be warm in the room
so men might want to wear short sleeves under a jacket.
• Bright colors show up well
on TV but very busy patterns on clothing or ties make the TV picture shimmer.
• Women might consider using a
little brighter makeup with extra powder and men with “high” foreheads
would probably do well to powder them to reduce glare. Remember the
Nixon/Kennedy debate and be freshly shaven.
• Practice in front of a
mirror or have someone videotape you as you talk. That way you will become
more aware of any nervous movements or overuse of “ers” or “uhs” you
might be making unawares.
• Smile—it makes you look
relaxed, comfortable and confident
Call
__________________________________ with any questions.
Source:
Mark Russak presented this "Example of Generic Modified Cumulative Time
Format Candidate Letter” in his Voter Service Workshop at LWVCT Convention
2003.
