Debate Skills:It’s Pure Theatre

Goals: Review qualities of each role in the

debate: Constructor Cross Examiner Rebutter Rejoinder

Learn general debate skills. Collaborate with your team to assign

roles. Clarify your understanding of your role.

The Debate: “A Play in 3 Acts”Act 1: Construction/Cross Ex

~Intermission

Act 2: RebuttalAct 3:Rejoinder

Act 1: The Construction (3 + 3 minutes) In this act, the performer sets the tone for the argument and tells the “story” of your team’s position.

S/he makes a connection with the audience with EYE CONTACT. There’s a smile and confident, relaxed body language.

S/he owns the Grabber—uses questions and surprising facts effectively to open.

The Construction makes sure the THESIS is crystal clear!

Act 1: The Construction

Tips for Construction Success… Eye contact, confidence, and high energy are

important! Practice for the CROSS-EXAMINATION!! Use “Practical Theatricals…(a.k.a. Rhetorical Devices)

Repetition Rhetorical questions Emphasis with Alliteration Prompts: “This is Important” Cues: “This is our Thesis” and “Our arguments are…”

Be sure to give Author credibility information and Sponsor.

Make your position emotionally compelling and persuasive.

Act 1: Enter the Cross Ex (3 minutes)

The drama builds as the Cross Examiner challenges the opening remarks.

Asks questions ONLY based on opening remarks.

Avoids Yes/No questions. Has enough questions to fill….3 minutes! Ignores the audience: Eyes on his/her

target. May use facts to lead into a question, but

not required.

Act 1: Enter the Cross Ex Tips for Cross Examination Success…

Before the debate, create a flow chart: Anticipate your opponents’ arguments. Formulate strong counter-arguments. Create questions that reveal these

arguments and/or expose the other team’s weaknesses.

During the Construction, take notes on the other team’s arguments so that you can address only those points.

During your Cross-Ex, maintain control; don’t let your opponent steal your time.

Act 2: The Rebuttal (3 minutes) Curtain Opens on your most

Active Listener. S/he figures out the angle to

counter the opposition. Bam! The Rebutter is

especially good with using facts to cancel what the other team has said.

S/he earns points by using the better information.

Eye Contact with Audience/Judges

is important!

Act 2: The RebuttalTips for Rebuttal Success…

Take Notes during the other team’s Construction and both Cross Ex’s

Number the opposing points as you hear them. This will help you be complete and organized.

Refute them in order of importance to your own side of the argument.

Use Quotes to support your counter-arguments. Be prepared with many Strong Quotes!

Avoid…• Personal attacks• like-like-like-like-like• Using “I” instead of “We”• Claims without support

(quotes).

Act 3: The Rejoinder (3 minutes) Curtain rises on your most persuasive teammate.

A successful debate tells a story, starting with the Constructor.

The Rejoinder retells the story in a clear, easy-to-follow way. The Rejoinder makes sure that any remaining “holes in the

dam” are patched. The Rejoinder “completes” the argument.

Be Confident…Be Clear…Be ConclusiveCommand Attention!

Act 3: The RejoinderTips for Rejoinder Success…

Articulate your arguments decisively. Evidence is key! Use quotes that prove your

arguments. (These should be different from the Constructor’s quotes, but same arguments).

Address at least two of the other team’s arguments. Explain clearly, by calmly, why their arguments are not valid and why your arguments are (with Quotes).

Make a connection with the Construction’s message.

End with a compelling closer!

Central Casting: Grooming

You are the message.

I say “Good Grooming.”

You say…..

Central Casting: Vocal Coach Emphasize the last word of every sentence. Enunciate (speak slower than you think

necessary). Short, direct sentences are memorable.

“Have it your way!” “Got Milk?” “I have a dream.”

Debate requires the use of Academic English.

No slang No like-like No rants/rambles

Central Casting: Demeanor DirectorBody Language is Important

Always stand to talk. Pay quiet attention to

teammates when they talk. Avoid the slump/slouch. Avoid the fidget.

3 Minutes Can Feel Like Forever!

Is about 500 words How long it takes to run

¼ to ½ mile. 6 TV commercials Microwave setting for

soup.

REHEARSE YOUR TIME!!!!

5 Easy Ways to Play to Poor Reviews1. Poor eye contact2. Not Prepared3. Low Energy4. Stiff or Nervous5. Boring Message

Last Point: Rehearse!

Rehearse 3 times from start to finish.

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.

Colin Powell

Finis