But that is not what is wanted. What is wanted is precisely a chess timer controlling the mic. That is, there is no presumption that a speaker has a certain amount of time, use it or lose it, to be devoted to a given topic. What is needed is a switch you throw to turn off your mic so you can conserve your time, of which you and your opponent have an equal initial amount. Your opponent has the same.That, and no other moderator. Jungle rules, as far as each participant’s choice of topic. If you pick a topic your audience isn’t interested in, and ignore the topic that your opponent scores with, shame on you. If you burn up most of your time pontificating early, your opponent dominates late. Discipline!
The rules of prior “
debates” joint news conferences have precluded things like notes and exhibits; I would see both participants put up any exhibits, and supporting evidence/links, on a web site, long enough in advance that neither side is blindsided. That could entail negotiation as each prepares to rebut the other’s evidence. The objective is to advantage facts and logic over sophistry and emotional appeals.
The chess timer idea is interesting.