Verbattle Karnataka 2026Register
Code of Conduct

On Stage,
Every WordCounts.

Home / Conduct Rules

Every speaker who steps onto a Verbattle stage agrees to compete with discipline, respect, and reason. These 18 standards keep the debate sharp — and the platform safe — for everyone in the room.

10 Dos 8 Don'ts Zero-tolerance on stage
Read the RulesWhat Gets You Disqualified
THINK CLEARLYSPEAK BOLDLYRESPECT ALWAYSREASON FIRSTSTAY DISCIPLINEDDEBATE THE IDEATHINK CLEARLYSPEAK BOLDLYRESPECT ALWAYSREASON FIRSTSTAY DISCIPLINEDDEBATE THE IDEA
The Foundation

Three Pillars Every Speaker Stands On

Every rule below traces back to one of these. Learn the pillars and the specifics take care of themselves.

Respect

Every opponent, judge, and audience member on that stage deserves civility — win or lose.

Reasoning

Evidence and structure beat volume. The strongest argument, not the loudest voice, carries the round.

Discipline

Composure under pressure is a skill Verbattle tests as much as your words themselves.

Verbattle Visual Archive

The Dos & Don'ts

Read both columns before you step on stage. Judges score against these directly.

Do

Bring your best self to the stage

  • Speak with claritySpeak with clarity, confidence, and discipline.
  • Own your ideasFocus on your own ideas and reasoning.
  • Argue with logicSupport your arguments with logic and relevant examples.
  • Handle the mic wellUse the microphone correctly. Speak clearly, hold it steadily, and avoid playing with it when you are not speaking.
  • Stay audibleEnsure that your voice is audible and your speech is easy to understand.
  • Stay composedStay calm under criticism. Listen carefully, think clearly, and respond with confidence.
  • Respect the roomRespect your opponents and the audience.
  • Debate the ideaDebate the statement, not the person.
  • Stay within the lawStay within the laws of the nation and the principles of civil discourse.
  • Raise disputes on stageIf you have a dispute about anything that happens while you are on stage, ensure that you raise it before stepping down. Any allegation or dispute concerning the debate or the performance or conduct of any team or team member will not be entertained once the debate is over.
Don't

Conduct that will not be entertained

  • Lean on anecdotesDon't rely excessively on anecdotes or quotations.
  • Pace or driftDon't pace around or keep shifting your position on stage.
  • Shout for effectDon't shout or repeat yourself merely because the audience applauds.
  • Attack personallyDon't make personal attacks, use abusive language, or use slurs.
  • Claim without proofDon't make unverified claims, especially on sensitive issues.
  • Insult beliefsDon't insult religions, communities, or people's beliefs, or make racist remarks.
  • Carry aidsDon't carry chits, written material, electronic devices, or anything else that may aid you during the debate, even if you do not use them. Possession of such material or devices may result in disqualification.
  • Chase applauseDon't treat Verbattle as a popularity contest. Clever one-liners may earn applause, but sound reasoning earns respect.

Remember, Verbattle tests your reasoning, character, and presence under pressure.

Zero Tolerance

What Can Get You Disqualified

  • 01Possession of chits, notes, or electronic aids — used or not
  • 02Personal attacks, slurs, or abusive language toward anyone on stage
  • 03Insults directed at a religion, community, or belief system
  • 04Unverified or deliberately misleading claims on sensitive issues
  • 05Disputes raised after stepping off stage rather than before
Ready When You Are

Know the rules. Own the stage.

Register for the next Verbattle stage and put these standards into practice in front of a real audience.

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