Debating Tips and Strategies

• There are many ways to structure a debate

• There are also different strategies for participating in debates, today, we will look at some of these strategies

Debate Terminology1. Debate: A formal contest in which the

affirmative and negative sides of a proposition are advocated by opposing speakers.

2. Affirmative: Expressing agreement or consent with a proposition.

3. Negative: Refusing consent; as to a proposal

4. Argument: An address or composition intended to convince or persuade; persuasive discourse.

and of Debating

• DON’T let your emotions get the better of you.

• DO stay calm and speak in a clear, rational voice.

• Remember, debaters do not always choose what side they’re on.

• The first speaker in a debate must make sure that the resolution being debated is clearly stated and defined.

• DON’T side track your opponents with irrelevant points, stay on topic.

• DON’T attack your opponents.

• DO stick to your planned, researched arguments.

• TIPS:

• Cue cards can help a debater to stay focused, but DON’T read from them, use them as a guide.

• Speak to the audience or moderator.

• DO thoroughly research your topic and position, the best start to squashing a rebuttal is a well researched, well designed presentation.

• DON’T simply state facts:

• This is the path to being a dull speaker

• Not stating sources or not backing up statements can lead to heavy rebuttal from your opponents

• DO use humor and / or anecdotes in your speaking:

• Using examples helps illustrate your position, and uses an argument of precedence

• Stories or jokes that are appropriate can be very involving

IMPORTANT

TIME IS A VERY IMPORTANT FACTOR IN A DEBATE……………….

• DO be aware of time constraints, if there are any.

• TIP:

• Practice your initial speech so you will be “on top” of the situation.

• Know what it feels like to speak for the allotted length of time, speaking too much or not enough weakens your position.

• DON’T use inappropriate language or gestures:

• People will ignore your information if not presented in an appropriate manner.

• DON’T try to “juggle” too many points at once. State your ideas in a logical order.

• TIP: the more you practice and plan your speaking, the less nervous you will be.

Any argument that you do not address in a rebuttal will be left in the memory of others as your opponents stated it.

Likewise, any rebuttal from your opponents that you do not address will also be left in the minds of your audience / judges.

• DO be aware of what your partner(s) plans are.

• DON’T work alone and risk being redundant, make the most of your team’s time.

•DO recycle information in your closing speech.

•TIP:

•The closing speaker(s) should sum up all relevant arguments and rebuttals without introducing any new information.

Follow these tips and suggestions, and everything will come together for a successful debate!!!

Types of Debate

Congressional Debate

• This is individual debate in a large group setting. Congressional Debate models the legislative process of democracy, specifically, the United States Congress.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

• This is individual debate in a large group setting. Congressional Debate models the legislative process of democracy, specifically, the United States Congress.

Types of Debate Continued

Parliamentary Debate• Team style (two person)

based on the rules of parliamentary procedure. Participants debate issues related to international relations and world bodies such as the United Nations.

Public Forum Debate• Public Forum Debate is

audience friendly debate. Two pairs (teams) debate monthly controversial topics ripped from newspaper headlines.