TALLER DE DEBATE

What makes a speaker GREAT?

Debating Guidelines

Debating is about developing your communication skills. It is about assembling and organising effective arguments, persuading and entertaining an audience, and using your voice and gestures to convince an adjudicator that your arguments outweigh your oppositions. Debating is not about personal abuse, irrational attacks or purely emotional appeals.

Debating is about developing your communication skills. It is about assembling and organising effective arguments, persuading and entertaining an audience, and using your voice and gestures to convince an adjudicator that your arguments outweigh your oppositions. Debating is not about personal abuse, irrational attacks or purely emotional appeals.

El debate• Tanto la argumentación como el debate son actividadesreflexivas para llegar a la búsqueda cooperativa de laverdad.(Rangel Hinojosa)• El debate es una forma de interacción verbal sometida auna regulación especial.• El objetivo es llegar a un acuerdo racionalmentemotivado.• Nunca hay que proceder sin dejar asentada la mecánicadel debate (rol del moderador y del jurado).• La mejor manera de ganar un debate es lograr unacuerdo en el cual no hay ganadores ni perdedores.

• Tanto la argumentación como el debate son actividadesreflexivas para llegar a la búsqueda cooperativa de laverdad.(Rangel Hinojosa)• El debate es una forma de interacción verbal sometida auna regulación especial.• El objetivo es llegar a un acuerdo racionalmentemotivado.• Nunca hay que proceder sin dejar asentada la mecánicadel debate (rol del moderador y del jurado).• La mejor manera de ganar un debate es lograr unacuerdo en el cual no hay ganadores ni perdedores.

El debate

• Para Aristóteles, el debate posee cuatro valores:

– el triunfo de la justicia,– la instrucción del público,– la visión de ambos lados de un caso y– la posibilidad de una defensa.

• Para Aristóteles, el debate posee cuatro valores:

– el triunfo de la justicia,– la instrucción del público,– la visión de ambos lados de un caso y– la posibilidad de una defensa.

El debateSi se consideran las relaciones entre los adversarios en el debate, se

distinguen dos tipos de estrategia: a) la erística o polémica, en la que interesa solamente la lucha, abatir

al adversario, yb) la dialéctica, de carácter contractual o conciliatorio, que comporta

una actitud de apertura positiva y de búsqueda de la verdad en el diálogo.

- En la polémica no existe voluntad de concertación: se suceden los argumentos de cada parte como en un diálogo de sordos y se trata solamente de ganar la voluntad del público o de quien debe rendir su decisión.

- La dialéctica es una controversia constructiva, que presupone la voluntad de llegar a algún tipo de concertación con el oponente; sin embargo, no excluye la posibilidad de desacuerdo.

Si se consideran las relaciones entre los adversarios en el debate, se distinguen dos tipos de estrategia:

a) la erística o polémica, en la que interesa solamente la lucha, abatir al adversario, y

b) la dialéctica, de carácter contractual o conciliatorio, que comporta una actitud de apertura positiva y de búsqueda de la verdad en el diálogo.

- En la polémica no existe voluntad de concertación: se suceden los argumentos de cada parte como en un diálogo de sordos y se trata solamente de ganar la voluntad del público o de quien debe rendir su decisión.

- La dialéctica es una controversia constructiva, que presupone la voluntad de llegar a algún tipo de concertación con el oponente; sin embargo, no excluye la posibilidad de desacuerdo.

El debate

El debate se clasifica en: debate aplicado(especial -con reglas de juego fijadas por losparticipantes-, judicial, parlamentario, no formal-televisión, medios en general-), y debateacadémico (conducido por una institucióneducativa).

El debate se clasifica en: debate aplicado(especial -con reglas de juego fijadas por losparticipantes-, judicial, parlamentario, no formal-televisión, medios en general-), y debateacadémico (conducido por una institucióneducativa).

The TopicIf a debate is a form of argument then it logically follows that there must be something to argue about. This is called the TOPIC. The topic changes from debate to debate. They are often about current issues of public importance ("That Canberra should have self government") or about general philosophies or ideas ("That beauty is better than brains"). All topics begin with the word "That". As in other arguments there are two sides to any topic. The team that agrees with the topic is called the AFFIRMATIVE (or the `government' in parliamentary debating) and the team that disagrees with the topic is called the NEGATIVE (or the `opposition' in parliamentary debating). When organising a debate it is important to select a topic that is appropriate to the age and education of the debaters concerned. Often topics will cover areas that the debaters have a specific interest in or, in the case of schools debates, that have been covered in classes or are current news items.

If a debate is a form of argument then it logically follows that there must be something to argue about. This is called the TOPIC. The topic changes from debate to debate. They are often about current issues of public importance ("That Canberra should have self government") or about general philosophies or ideas ("That beauty is better than brains"). All topics begin with the word "That". As in other arguments there are two sides to any topic. The team that agrees with the topic is called the AFFIRMATIVE (or the `government' in parliamentary debating) and the team that disagrees with the topic is called the NEGATIVE (or the `opposition' in parliamentary debating). When organising a debate it is important to select a topic that is appropriate to the age and education of the debaters concerned. Often topics will cover areas that the debaters have a specific interest in or, in the case of schools debates, that have been covered in classes or are current news items.

Team Line

Because debating is a team event it is important that the three speakers work together as a team. The TEAM LINE is the basic statement of "why the topic is true" (for the affirmative) and "why the topic is false" (for the negative). It should be a short sentence, presented by the first speaker of each team and used by the other two speakers to enforce the idea of teamwork.

Because debating is a team event it is important that the three speakers work together as a team. The TEAM LINE is the basic statement of "why the topic is true" (for the affirmative) and "why the topic is false" (for the negative). It should be a short sentence, presented by the first speaker of each team and used by the other two speakers to enforce the idea of teamwork.

The DefinitionClarifies the topic. The definition should take the topic as a whole, defining individual words only if they

have a key role. Out of the definition should come a clear understanding of the issues that will be fought over in the debate. It forms the basis of the team's argument.

Define words or phrases by their common usage. Dictionaries may be useful for finding a common meaning or a pithy explanation of a word, but they are not an absolute authority. If a dictionary is necessary the Concise Oxford is often recommended, but squabbles over whose dictionary has the higher status have no place in good debating.

A definition must be reasonable: It must be debatable (i.e. have two sides to it). It must not be a bizarre distortion of the moot. (This is not to say that an affirmative may not choose an

unusual interpretation of the moot, but they must be prepared to justify it). If the definition does not conform to either of these two requirements, the negative has the right to

challenge it. Be very careful about challenging the definition-only do so if you are absolutely certain that the affirmative's definition is unfair. It is better to be brave and dump your prepared case in favour of tackling the affirmative on their own terms than to issue an unjustified definitional challenge. By the same token, affirmative teams should try to ensure that their definition is fair.

The negative team must accept or reject the definition. If a negative team accepts the definition, they only need to say so-it is not necessary to restate it. If they challenge it, their justification for doing so must be clearly stated, and an alternative put forward. If the definition is accepted that definition must stand. The negative must adjust their case to that definition, and the adjudicator's views on its reasonableness become irrelevant.

Clarifies the topic. The definition should take the topic as a whole, defining individual words only if they have a key role. Out of the definition should come a clear understanding of the issues that will be fought over in the debate. It forms the basis of the team's argument.

Define words or phrases by their common usage. Dictionaries may be useful for finding a common meaning or a pithy explanation of a word, but they are not an absolute authority. If a dictionary is necessary the Concise Oxford is often recommended, but squabbles over whose dictionary has the higher status have no place in good debating.

A definition must be reasonable: It must be debatable (i.e. have two sides to it). It must not be a bizarre distortion of the moot. (This is not to say that an affirmative may not choose an

unusual interpretation of the moot, but they must be prepared to justify it). If the definition does not conform to either of these two requirements, the negative has the right to

challenge it. Be very careful about challenging the definition-only do so if you are absolutely certain that the affirmative's definition is unfair. It is better to be brave and dump your prepared case in favour of tackling the affirmative on their own terms than to issue an unjustified definitional challenge. By the same token, affirmative teams should try to ensure that their definition is fair.

The negative team must accept or reject the definition. If a negative team accepts the definition, they only need to say so-it is not necessary to restate it. If they challenge it, their justification for doing so must be clearly stated, and an alternative put forward. If the definition is accepted that definition must stand. The negative must adjust their case to that definition, and the adjudicator's views on its reasonableness become irrelevant.

The definition• If a debate is going to take place then it must be agreed in advance what the debate is going to be

about. Thus it must be agreed what the topic means. This may seem obvious in a topic like "That Canberra should have self government" but with something like "That a cabbage is better than a rose" is might not be so clear. Deciding and explaining what a topic means is called `defining the topic'. The job of defining begins with the AFFIRMATIVE. The first speaker of the affirmative must explain in clear terms what they believe the topic means. In deciding this the affirmative team should always try to use the "person on the street" test. That is if this topic were presented to the average person on the street - is this what they would take it to mean. Where the topic is too obscure to allow this test then apply the `reasonability' test. The affirmative team should ask themselves "Is this definition reasonable ? Is it something the average person might expect ? Does it allow for both sides of the debate ?". If you can answer yes to these questions then the definition is probably reasonable, if not search for something more reasonable. Try to avoid the dictionary, except in cases where you don't understand a word. In your definition explain the meaning of the whole topic rather than each separate word.

• The negative team may agree with or choose to challenge the definition presented. The negative team should be very careful about challenging as it is difficult to continue the debate with two definitions. Challenges may be made if the definition given is unreasonable or if it defines the opposition out of the debate. If the negative team chooses to challenge the definition it should be done by the first speaker who should clearly outline why the negative is challenging and then propose a better definition.

• If a debate is going to take place then it must be agreed in advance what the debate is going to be about. Thus it must be agreed what the topic means. This may seem obvious in a topic like "That Canberra should have self government" but with something like "That a cabbage is better than a rose" is might not be so clear. Deciding and explaining what a topic means is called `defining the topic'. The job of defining begins with the AFFIRMATIVE. The first speaker of the affirmative must explain in clear terms what they believe the topic means. In deciding this the affirmative team should always try to use the "person on the street" test. That is if this topic were presented to the average person on the street - is this what they would take it to mean. Where the topic is too obscure to allow this test then apply the `reasonability' test. The affirmative team should ask themselves "Is this definition reasonable ? Is it something the average person might expect ? Does it allow for both sides of the debate ?". If you can answer yes to these questions then the definition is probably reasonable, if not search for something more reasonable. Try to avoid the dictionary, except in cases where you don't understand a word. In your definition explain the meaning of the whole topic rather than each separate word.

• The negative team may agree with or choose to challenge the definition presented. The negative team should be very careful about challenging as it is difficult to continue the debate with two definitions. Challenges may be made if the definition given is unreasonable or if it defines the opposition out of the debate. If the negative team chooses to challenge the definition it should be done by the first speaker who should clearly outline why the negative is challenging and then propose a better definition.

Argument• Argument is not assertion • Argument is the process of explaining why a point of view should be accepted. It

concerns the logic and the evidence supporting a particular conclusion. • Use evidence (i.e. examples, facts, statistics, quotations of expert/public opinion

etc.) to back up each point you make in your argument. Show how each piece of evidence is relevant and how it advances your argument. Make a point, give the reason for that point, and supply evidence to back it up.

What adjudicators look for in a good argument:• Relevance • Organisation • Consistency and internal logic-i.e. don't contradict yourself or your team mates • Clarity (remember, debating is about persuading your audience and adjudicator

that you're right-so make sure they can understand what you're saying!) • Effective use of evidence

• Argument is not assertion • Argument is the process of explaining why a point of view should be accepted. It

concerns the logic and the evidence supporting a particular conclusion. • Use evidence (i.e. examples, facts, statistics, quotations of expert/public opinion

etc.) to back up each point you make in your argument. Show how each piece of evidence is relevant and how it advances your argument. Make a point, give the reason for that point, and supply evidence to back it up.

What adjudicators look for in a good argument:• Relevance • Organisation • Consistency and internal logic-i.e. don't contradict yourself or your team mates • Clarity (remember, debating is about persuading your audience and adjudicator

that you're right-so make sure they can understand what you're saying!) • Effective use of evidence

Rebuttal• Rebuttal is vital. An argument, however weak, stands until it is rebutted, and may still stand if

it is badly rebutted. Adjudicators cannot regard an argument as knocked down until the opposition has rebutted it effectively. If a team makes an error in fact or logic, the adjudicator cannot penalise them unless the other team points out the error, or if the error is so blatant a reasonable member of the audience would discredit the argument.

• As with argument, assertion does not equal rebuttal. Just as teams must show how and why their own arguments are valid, so they must show how and why the opposition's arguments are invalid.

• An argument may be wrong in fact or logic-if so, say how and why • An argument may contradict their team line, or something else a speaker on that team has

said • An argument may be true but irrelevant-watch out for red herrings.

Organisation of rebuttalIt is not necessary to rebut every single point and fact raised by the opposition. Single out their

main arguments and attack those first. Savage their team case and show how it falls down-and show why yours is better! You should rebut by both destroying the opposition's arguments and by establishing a case that directly opposes theirs.

• Rebuttal is vital. An argument, however weak, stands until it is rebutted, and may still stand if it is badly rebutted. Adjudicators cannot regard an argument as knocked down until the opposition has rebutted it effectively. If a team makes an error in fact or logic, the adjudicator cannot penalise them unless the other team points out the error, or if the error is so blatant a reasonable member of the audience would discredit the argument.

• As with argument, assertion does not equal rebuttal. Just as teams must show how and why their own arguments are valid, so they must show how and why the opposition's arguments are invalid.

• An argument may be wrong in fact or logic-if so, say how and why • An argument may contradict their team line, or something else a speaker on that team has

said • An argument may be true but irrelevant-watch out for red herrings.

Organisation of rebuttalIt is not necessary to rebut every single point and fact raised by the opposition. Single out their

main arguments and attack those first. Savage their team case and show how it falls down-and show why yours is better! You should rebut by both destroying the opposition's arguments and by establishing a case that directly opposes theirs.

RebuttalIn debating each team will present points in favour of their case. They will also spend some time criticising the arguments presented by the other team. This is called rebuttal. There are a few things to remember about rebuttal.

• 1. Logic - to say that the other side is wrong is not enough. You have to show why the other side is wrong. This is best done by taking a main point of the other side's argument and showing that it does not make sense. Because a lot of the thinking for this needs to be done quickly this is one of the most challenging and enjoyable aspects of debating.

• 2. Pick the important points - try to rebut the most important points of the other side's case. You will find that after a while these are easier and easier to spot. One obvious spot to find them is when the first speaker of the other team outlines briefly what the rest of the team will say. But do not rebut those points until after they have actually been presented by the other team.

• 3. `Play the ball' - do not criticise the individual speakers, criticise what they say. To call someone fat, ugly or a nerd does not make what they say wrong and it will also lose you marks.

In debating each team will present points in favour of their case. They will also spend some time criticising the arguments presented by the other team. This is called rebuttal. There are a few things to remember about rebuttal.

• 1. Logic - to say that the other side is wrong is not enough. You have to show why the other side is wrong. This is best done by taking a main point of the other side's argument and showing that it does not make sense. Because a lot of the thinking for this needs to be done quickly this is one of the most challenging and enjoyable aspects of debating.

• 2. Pick the important points - try to rebut the most important points of the other side's case. You will find that after a while these are easier and easier to spot. One obvious spot to find them is when the first speaker of the other team outlines briefly what the rest of the team will say. But do not rebut those points until after they have actually been presented by the other team.

• 3. `Play the ball' - do not criticise the individual speakers, criticise what they say. To call someone fat, ugly or a nerd does not make what they say wrong and it will also lose you marks.

What makes a speaker GREAT?

El poder del discurso

¡Del conocimiento viene la voluntad de resurgir! Han quedado dos millones en la lucha. También ellos tienen derechos, no solamente nosotros los sobrevivientes. Hay millones de huerfanos, lisiados y viudas entre nosotros. ¡También ellos tienen derechos! Para la nación de hoy ninguno ha muerto ni ha quedado lisiado, huérfano o viuda. ¡Tenemos la deuda con estos millones de construir una nueva patria!

¡Del conocimiento viene la voluntad de resurgir! Han quedado dos millones en la lucha. También ellos tienen derechos, no solamente nosotros los sobrevivientes. Hay millones de huerfanos, lisiados y viudas entre nosotros. ¡También ellos tienen derechos! Para la nación de hoy ninguno ha muerto ni ha quedado lisiado, huérfano o viuda. ¡Tenemos la deuda con estos millones de construir una nueva patria!

En la Biblia está escrito: "Lo que no es ni caliente ni frío lo quiero escupir de mi boca". Este frase del gran Nazareno ha conservado hasta el dia de hoy su honda validez. El que quiera deambular por el dorado camino del medio debe renunciar a la consecución de grandes y máximas metas.

En la Biblia está escrito: "Lo que no es ni caliente ni frío lo quiero escupir de mi boca". Este frase del gran Nazareno ha conservado hasta el dia de hoy su honda validez. El que quiera deambular por el dorado camino del medio debe renunciar a la consecución de grandes y máximas metas.

Requirements of the Speakers

Estructura de un debate de 30 minutos

• Grupo 1: Primera afirmación de la tesis (introducción o exordio): 4 minutos• Grupo 2: Primera afirmación de la antítesis (introducción o exordio): 4 minutos

• Grupo 1: Interrogación cruzada de la antítesis: 3 minutos• Grupo 2: Interrogación cruzada de la tesis: 3 minutos

• Grupo 1: Refutación de la antítesis: 4 minutos• Grupo 2: Refutación de la tesis: 4 minutos

• Grupo 1: Segunda afirmación de la tesis (cierre o peroración): 4 minutos• Grupo 2: Segunda afirmación de la antítesis (cierre o peroración): 4 minutos

• Grupo 1: Primera afirmación de la tesis (introducción o exordio): 4 minutos• Grupo 2: Primera afirmación de la antítesis (introducción o exordio): 4 minutos

• Grupo 1: Interrogación cruzada de la antítesis: 3 minutos• Grupo 2: Interrogación cruzada de la tesis: 3 minutos

• Grupo 1: Refutación de la antítesis: 4 minutos• Grupo 2: Refutación de la tesis: 4 minutos

• Grupo 1: Segunda afirmación de la tesis (cierre o peroración): 4 minutos• Grupo 2: Segunda afirmación de la antítesis (cierre o peroración): 4 minutos

The six speakers each have different roles to play and adjudicators should take account of how well a speaker fulfils his/her obligations. Teamwork is very important. It can be seen in the development and support of the team line by all speakers in a team, and in a team case

that does not contain contradictions or redundancies.

The six speakers each have different roles to play and adjudicators should take account of how well a speaker fulfils his/her obligations. Teamwork is very important. It can be seen in the development and support of the team line by all speakers in a team, and in a team case

that does not contain contradictions or redundancies.

Exordium

• A talented speaker is fundamental• A strong first impression equals a solid

possition• Must win the audience• Body language• Presents the team case with

• A talented speaker is fundamental• A strong first impression equals a solid

possition• Must win the audience• Body language• Presents the team case with

First SpeakersThe first speakers establish the fundamentals of their team's cases. First Affirmative• Defines the topic, presents the basic team line and team split. She or he should set

out the basis of the team's case, and should ensure that no important points of definition are left out. He or she may spend some time on the definition and on establishing the team case and showing how it is going to develop. But it is important to leave time to present some substantive arguments.

First Negative• Accepts or rejects the definition. (See definition section above). • Outlines her/his team line and team split, • Rebuts lst affirmative, delivers a part of the negative's substantive case. • As a negative it is important to both attack the opposition's argument and put

forward an alternative. • After the first speakers have spoken the direction of each case should be

apparent.

The first speakers establish the fundamentals of their team's cases. First Affirmative• Defines the topic, presents the basic team line and team split. She or he should set

out the basis of the team's case, and should ensure that no important points of definition are left out. He or she may spend some time on the definition and on establishing the team case and showing how it is going to develop. But it is important to leave time to present some substantive arguments.

First Negative• Accepts or rejects the definition. (See definition section above). • Outlines her/his team line and team split, • Rebuts lst affirmative, delivers a part of the negative's substantive case. • As a negative it is important to both attack the opposition's argument and put

forward an alternative. • After the first speakers have spoken the direction of each case should be

apparent.

Second speakersSecond speakers - deal with the bulk of the substantive argument. Second Affirmative• Some rebuttal of the lst negative's major arguments. • Shore up and develop own team's case, and be prepared to defend the definition

if necessary. If it is attacked, it is vital for the second affirmative to win back the initiative. However most of the 2nd affirmative's time should be spent dealing with new material and the bulk of the affirmative's case,

Second Negative• Some rebuttal of the first two affirmative speakers. • Develops substantive negative line. • Depending on the circumstances, a second negative speaker should adjust the

amount of time spent on each of the above according to which seems more important.

• Most of the teams' substantive argument should have emerged by the time the second speakers have spoken.

Second speakers - deal with the bulk of the substantive argument. Second Affirmative• Some rebuttal of the lst negative's major arguments. • Shore up and develop own team's case, and be prepared to defend the definition

if necessary. If it is attacked, it is vital for the second affirmative to win back the initiative. However most of the 2nd affirmative's time should be spent dealing with new material and the bulk of the affirmative's case,

Second Negative• Some rebuttal of the first two affirmative speakers. • Develops substantive negative line. • Depending on the circumstances, a second negative speaker should adjust the

amount of time spent on each of the above according to which seems more important.

• Most of the teams' substantive argument should have emerged by the time the second speakers have spoken.

Third speakers

• The role of the third speakers is simply this: Attack! Most of a third speaker's time must be spent rebutting the preceding speakers. Generally at least three quarters of a third speech should be rebuttal.

• The third speakers must also introduce an additional aspect of the team case and show development of the team line. However, they should not introduce major new arguments.

• The role of the third speakers is simply this: Attack! Most of a third speaker's time must be spent rebutting the preceding speakers. Generally at least three quarters of a third speech should be rebuttal.

• The third speakers must also introduce an additional aspect of the team case and show development of the team line. However, they should not introduce major new arguments.

Peroratio• A Peroratio is a review of both your own and the opposition's case.

It represents a chance for the teams to show their arguments in the best light and to summarise the flaws in the opposition's case.

• The aim is to emphasise the major points made by your own team and to show how these contributed to a logical progression of argument in support of your team line. At the same time the flaws in the opposition's argument must be outlined. This can be done case by case, or by taking a more global approach to the arguments. Both are effective if well done, so find the summary style that suits you best.

• New material should not be introduced, except in direct rebuttal. The arguments used in the summaries must remain within the parameters established during the debate.

• A strong end is important: make the audience think!• A Talented speaker is required

• A Peroratio is a review of both your own and the opposition's case. It represents a chance for the teams to show their arguments in the best light and to summarise the flaws in the opposition's case.

• The aim is to emphasise the major points made by your own team and to show how these contributed to a logical progression of argument in support of your team line. At the same time the flaws in the opposition's argument must be outlined. This can be done case by case, or by taking a more global approach to the arguments. Both are effective if well done, so find the summary style that suits you best.

• New material should not be introduced, except in direct rebuttal. The arguments used in the summaries must remain within the parameters established during the debate.

• A strong end is important: make the audience think!• A Talented speaker is required

Judging• Matter:

Subject knowledge Relevance

Logical Reasoning Quoted Authorities

Definition Refutation

• Manner: Personality

Persuasiveness Language

• Method: Speech Structure

Introduction Peroration Technique Strategy

• Teamwork:Compare teams as a whole

Collective presentation of case Continuity of argument

• Reply Summary and Refutation

• Matter: Subject knowledge

Relevance Logical Reasoning

Quoted Authorities Definition Refutation

• Manner: Personality

Persuasiveness Language

• Method: Speech Structure

Introduction Peroration Technique Strategy

• Teamwork:Compare teams as a whole

Collective presentation of case Continuity of argument

• Reply Summary and Refutation

Observaciones para el juradoIntroducción o exordio: • Claridad de la tesis• Contextualización• Importancia e interés

• Desarrollo o cuerpo: • Orden para presentar las ideas • Ideas secundarias empleadas • Secuencia en la presentación de los

argumentos • Coherencia en las definiciones • Uso de la concesión y de la

adversación • Fundamentación de la refutación • Empleo de la contrarrefutación

acertada

Introducción o exordio: • Claridad de la tesis• Contextualización• Importancia e interés

• Desarrollo o cuerpo: • Orden para presentar las ideas • Ideas secundarias empleadas • Secuencia en la presentación de los

argumentos • Coherencia en las definiciones • Uso de la concesión y de la

adversación • Fundamentación de la refutación • Empleo de la contrarrefutación

acertada

Uso de evidencias: Hechos Ejemplos Analogías Estadísticas Inclusión de narración o descripción pertinentes Uso de anécdotas Citas de autoridad

Otros aspectos para observar: Uso de enlaces o conectores Uso del léxico Corrección idiomática Tecnicismos Falacias Aspectos no verbales: voz, gestos, posturas… Muletillas

Cierre o PeroraciónRepetición de la tesisPresentación de soluciones o propuestas al problemaUso de citas de autoridadEfecto de apelación al auditorio para actuar

Uso de evidencias: Hechos Ejemplos Analogías Estadísticas Inclusión de narración o descripción pertinentes Uso de anécdotas Citas de autoridad

Otros aspectos para observar: Uso de enlaces o conectores Uso del léxico Corrección idiomática Tecnicismos Falacias Aspectos no verbales: voz, gestos, posturas… Muletillas

Cierre o PeroraciónRepetición de la tesisPresentación de soluciones o propuestas al problemaUso de citas de autoridadEfecto de apelación al auditorio para actuar

Debate Rules and Suggestions

Advice on Debating with Others• Avoid the use of Never. • Avoid the use of Always. • Refrain from saying you are wrong. • You can say your idea is mistaken. • Don't disagree with obvious truths. • Attack the idea not the person. • Use many rather than most. • Avoid exaggeration. • Use some rather than many. • The use of often allows for exceptions. • The use of generally allows for exceptions. • Quote sources and numbers. • If it is just an opinion, admit it. • Do not present opinion as facts. • Smile when disagreeing. • Stress the positive. • You do not need to win every battle to win the war. • Concede minor or trivial points. • Avoid bickering, quarreling, and wrangling. • Watch your tone of voice. • Don't win a debate and lose a friend. • Keep your perspective - You're just debating.

• Avoid the use of Never. • Avoid the use of Always. • Refrain from saying you are wrong. • You can say your idea is mistaken. • Don't disagree with obvious truths. • Attack the idea not the person. • Use many rather than most. • Avoid exaggeration. • Use some rather than many. • The use of often allows for exceptions. • The use of generally allows for exceptions. • Quote sources and numbers. • If it is just an opinion, admit it. • Do not present opinion as facts. • Smile when disagreeing. • Stress the positive. • You do not need to win every battle to win the war. • Concede minor or trivial points. • Avoid bickering, quarreling, and wrangling. • Watch your tone of voice. • Don't win a debate and lose a friend. • Keep your perspective - You're just debating.

Techniques 4 the

individual speaker

Techniques 4 the

individual speaker

Matter• Matter is what you say, it is the substance of your speech. You should divide your matter into

arguments and examples. • An argument is a statement "The topic is true (or false depending on which side you are on)

because of x", where the argument fills in for the x . For example in the topic "That the zoos should be closed" an argument may be: "the zoos should be closed because they confine the animals in an unnatural environment".

• An example is a fact or piece of evidence which supports an argument. If our argument is: "that zoos should be closed because they confine the animals in an unnatural environment" then an example might be: "that in the lion cage at Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney the animals only have about 200 square metres where in the wild they would have 2000 square kilometres to roam in.".

• Any examples that you use should be relevant to the topic at hand. Examples which have very little or nothing to do with the topic only make a speech look weak and lacking substance.

• Matter cannot be just a long list of examples. You do not win a debate by creating the biggest pile of facts. Facts are like bricks in a wall, if you don't use them, cement them together properly then they are useless. Similarly you cannot win a debate solely by proving that some of the facts of the opposition are wrong. It may weaken their case a little, the same way that removing some of the bricks from a wall will, but you really need to attack the main arguments that the other side presents to bring the whole wall crashing down.

• Many debates are on currently important issues so it is good for any debater to keep themselves informed of what is happening in the world around them and what are the issues involved.

• Matter is what you say, it is the substance of your speech. You should divide your matter into arguments and examples.

• An argument is a statement "The topic is true (or false depending on which side you are on) because of x", where the argument fills in for the x . For example in the topic "That the zoos should be closed" an argument may be: "the zoos should be closed because they confine the animals in an unnatural environment".

• An example is a fact or piece of evidence which supports an argument. If our argument is: "that zoos should be closed because they confine the animals in an unnatural environment" then an example might be: "that in the lion cage at Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney the animals only have about 200 square metres where in the wild they would have 2000 square kilometres to roam in.".

• Any examples that you use should be relevant to the topic at hand. Examples which have very little or nothing to do with the topic only make a speech look weak and lacking substance.

• Matter cannot be just a long list of examples. You do not win a debate by creating the biggest pile of facts. Facts are like bricks in a wall, if you don't use them, cement them together properly then they are useless. Similarly you cannot win a debate solely by proving that some of the facts of the opposition are wrong. It may weaken their case a little, the same way that removing some of the bricks from a wall will, but you really need to attack the main arguments that the other side presents to bring the whole wall crashing down.

• Many debates are on currently important issues so it is good for any debater to keep themselves informed of what is happening in the world around them and what are the issues involved.

Method• Where matter is what you say method is how you organise what you say. There are many delicious pieces

of the method pie; here are a few tantalising crumbs....... • 1. TEAM. Good team method involves unity and logic. Unity is created by all members being aware of the

definition, what the other speakers have said and what the team line is. Each member of the team needs to reinforce the team line and be consistent with what has already been said and what will be said by the other members of their team. You may as well shoot yourself in the foot as change the team line mid debate just because you think it isn't working. Your team will look poorly organised and will be severely penalised by the adjudicator.

• 2. INDIVIDUAL. You must structure your own speech well. The first step is to have a clear idea of your own arguments and which examples you will be using to support those arguments. As you speak make a clear division between arguments and let the audience know when you are moving from one argument to the next, this is called sign posting and is a very important debating tool. The key thing to remember is that although you know exactly what you are saying the audience has never heard it before and will only hear it once so you have to be very clear about it. When you are presenting one particular argument make sure that the argument is logical (makes sense) and that you make clear links between your team line and the argument, and between the argument and the examples that you will use to support it. Rebuttal should be organised the same way. Attack each argument that the opposition presents in turn. Spend a little while on each and then move on to the next. That way the other team's case is completely demolished. Also organise your speech well in terms of time. Adjudicators can pick up when you are waffling just to fill in time .... and can see when you've spent too long on one point and then have to rush through all your other points and rebuttal just to finish your speech in time. Whew!! You will probably make a few mistakes with this early on but practice makes perfect.

• Where matter is what you say method is how you organise what you say. There are many delicious pieces of the method pie; here are a few tantalising crumbs.......

• 1. TEAM. Good team method involves unity and logic. Unity is created by all members being aware of the definition, what the other speakers have said and what the team line is. Each member of the team needs to reinforce the team line and be consistent with what has already been said and what will be said by the other members of their team. You may as well shoot yourself in the foot as change the team line mid debate just because you think it isn't working. Your team will look poorly organised and will be severely penalised by the adjudicator.

• 2. INDIVIDUAL. You must structure your own speech well. The first step is to have a clear idea of your own arguments and which examples you will be using to support those arguments. As you speak make a clear division between arguments and let the audience know when you are moving from one argument to the next, this is called sign posting and is a very important debating tool. The key thing to remember is that although you know exactly what you are saying the audience has never heard it before and will only hear it once so you have to be very clear about it. When you are presenting one particular argument make sure that the argument is logical (makes sense) and that you make clear links between your team line and the argument, and between the argument and the examples that you will use to support it. Rebuttal should be organised the same way. Attack each argument that the opposition presents in turn. Spend a little while on each and then move on to the next. That way the other team's case is completely demolished. Also organise your speech well in terms of time. Adjudicators can pick up when you are waffling just to fill in time .... and can see when you've spent too long on one point and then have to rush through all your other points and rebuttal just to finish your speech in time. Whew!! You will probably make a few mistakes with this early on but practice makes perfect.

Manner• Manner is how you present what you say and there are various aspects of manner that you need to be aware of. There is

no one prescribed way of presenting your argument. It is not true, no matter what Paul Keating thinks, that the best way of being convincing is to shout and thump on the table. The best advice you can get is to develop a manner style that is natural to you. Here are some tips and pointers.

• 1. CUE CARDS. Do not write out your speech on cue cards. There is even a current, and indeed deplorable, trend towards computer generated cue cards. Debating is an exercise in lively interaction between two teams and between the teams and the audience, not in reading a speech. Use cue cards the same way you would use a prompt it a play, they are there for reference if you lose your spot. You can tell when someone is reading.. remember the television announcements by the politicians in the recent ACT elections?

• 2 EYE CONTACT. Is very closely related to cue cards. If you look at the audience you will hold their attention. If you spend your time reading from cue cards or looking at a point just above the audience's head they will lose concentration very quickly. When you've got them by the eyeballs their hearts and minds will follow.

• 3 VOICE. There are many things you can do with your voice to make it effective. You must project so that you can be heard but 4 minutes of constant shouting will become very annoying very quickly. ( Like a butcher shouting out the daily specials ). Use volume, pitch and speed to emphasise important points in your speech. A sudden loud burst will grab your audience's attention while a period of quiet speaking can draw your audience in and make them listen carefully.

• 4. BODY. "Work it baby, work it!". ( Although any other links between the movie Pretty Woman and debating end here ! Your body is a tool for you to use. Make hand gestures deliberately and with confidence (a fine example of someone who can't is that idiot on the Canberra Toyota ads at the moment). Move your head and upper body to maintain eye contact with all members of the audience (although automatically moving your head from side to side makes the adjudicator want to pop a ping-pong ball in there). If you want to walk up and down do so but move with effect and deliberately, don't wear worry lines into the carpet. If you are going to stand still, stand with confidence. Don't let your body apologise for your presence by appearing nervous.

• 5 NERVOUS HABITS. Avoid them like the plague. Playing with your cue cards, pulling on a stray strand of hair, fiddling with your watch, bouncing up and down on the balls of your feet or bouncing your cue cards off the nose of the nearest audience member as you are finished with them only distracts from your presentation. Use your whole person to effect, don't let any one thing detract from your ability to persuade the audience.

• 6 ELOCUTION AND OTHER BIG WORDS. This is not an exercise in grammar or elocution. Try to avoid being too informal but don't go overboard the other way. There are no marks to be gained from trying to use big words you don't understand or can't pronounce. In the same way it is a huge mistake to let someone else write your speech. People that do that aren't entering the spirit or developing the skills of debating and end up looking really silly getting stuck on a word they just can't say.

• Manner is how you present what you say and there are various aspects of manner that you need to be aware of. There is no one prescribed way of presenting your argument. It is not true, no matter what Paul Keating thinks, that the best way of being convincing is to shout and thump on the table. The best advice you can get is to develop a manner style that is natural to you. Here are some tips and pointers.

• 1. CUE CARDS. Do not write out your speech on cue cards. There is even a current, and indeed deplorable, trend towards computer generated cue cards. Debating is an exercise in lively interaction between two teams and between the teams and the audience, not in reading a speech. Use cue cards the same way you would use a prompt it a play, they are there for reference if you lose your spot. You can tell when someone is reading.. remember the television announcements by the politicians in the recent ACT elections?

• 2 EYE CONTACT. Is very closely related to cue cards. If you look at the audience you will hold their attention. If you spend your time reading from cue cards or looking at a point just above the audience's head they will lose concentration very quickly. When you've got them by the eyeballs their hearts and minds will follow.

• 3 VOICE. There are many things you can do with your voice to make it effective. You must project so that you can be heard but 4 minutes of constant shouting will become very annoying very quickly. ( Like a butcher shouting out the daily specials ). Use volume, pitch and speed to emphasise important points in your speech. A sudden loud burst will grab your audience's attention while a period of quiet speaking can draw your audience in and make them listen carefully.

• 4. BODY. "Work it baby, work it!". ( Although any other links between the movie Pretty Woman and debating end here ! Your body is a tool for you to use. Make hand gestures deliberately and with confidence (a fine example of someone who can't is that idiot on the Canberra Toyota ads at the moment). Move your head and upper body to maintain eye contact with all members of the audience (although automatically moving your head from side to side makes the adjudicator want to pop a ping-pong ball in there). If you want to walk up and down do so but move with effect and deliberately, don't wear worry lines into the carpet. If you are going to stand still, stand with confidence. Don't let your body apologise for your presence by appearing nervous.

• 5 NERVOUS HABITS. Avoid them like the plague. Playing with your cue cards, pulling on a stray strand of hair, fiddling with your watch, bouncing up and down on the balls of your feet or bouncing your cue cards off the nose of the nearest audience member as you are finished with them only distracts from your presentation. Use your whole person to effect, don't let any one thing detract from your ability to persuade the audience.

• 6 ELOCUTION AND OTHER BIG WORDS. This is not an exercise in grammar or elocution. Try to avoid being too informal but don't go overboard the other way. There are no marks to be gained from trying to use big words you don't understand or can't pronounce. In the same way it is a huge mistake to let someone else write your speech. People that do that aren't entering the spirit or developing the skills of debating and end up looking really silly getting stuck on a word they just can't say.

Debating vs. Public Speaking

Debating and Public Speaking: the Differences

• Debating is not the same as giving a speech. When debating you will need public speaking skills, but you must also take account of these differences:

• · You have opponents who will argue against what you are saying. • Anticipate (= think of in advance) what their arguments will be, and be prepared to rebut them. • Make sure you own arguments are well-supported, consistent and logical.

You must be flexible. • A speech may be fully prepared, but in debating you must be ready to alter your planned

statements to rebut your opponents or steer the debate in a ways which suits your team. • You have to think on your feet. Some rule of debating allow your opponents to make 'points of

information' in which they may ask a brief question or make a comment. You must be prepared to deal with these without getting flustered.

– If you can think quickly and rebut your opponent's comment with a witty remark do so - but respond to the argument. Don't insult the speaker. Comments like 'Well, what would you know!' or 'That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard' are childish and lose you marks.

• Debating is not the same as giving a speech. When debating you will need public speaking skills, but you must also take account of these differences:

• · You have opponents who will argue against what you are saying. • Anticipate (= think of in advance) what their arguments will be, and be prepared to rebut them. • Make sure you own arguments are well-supported, consistent and logical.

You must be flexible. • A speech may be fully prepared, but in debating you must be ready to alter your planned

statements to rebut your opponents or steer the debate in a ways which suits your team. • You have to think on your feet. Some rule of debating allow your opponents to make 'points of

information' in which they may ask a brief question or make a comment. You must be prepared to deal with these without getting flustered.

– If you can think quickly and rebut your opponent's comment with a witty remark do so - but respond to the argument. Don't insult the speaker. Comments like 'Well, what would you know!' or 'That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard' are childish and lose you marks.

Debating and Public Speaking: the Differences

You must work as a team. • The leader must apportion (divide up) the roles. For example: I will show how many areas of society have been damaged by

new technology; my second speaker will demonstrate the health risks of computers and cellphones; and our third speaker will show how much better off we would be without these so-called advances.

• As well as researching and arguing their own case, each speaker should support the others and reinforce their arguments. For example, As my colleague has explained, cellphones have enabled criminals to be caught more easily. The Negative point out that criminals use cellphones too. This is true. But, in the end, criminals need secrecy, while law enforcement is enhanced by better communication. On balance, cellphones have benefited law and order.

You should practise appearing confident. • Public speaking needs confidence, but debating needs more., because you must relate to both your audience and the

opposition, obey the Chairperson, and impress the adjudicators - and you may have to think up replies on the spur of the moment.

• A lot of confidence is self-created. Many confident people started out feeling terrified, but if you appear confident then other people treat you as a confident person - which gives you confidence. It works!

• These things make you look unconfident: – Stuttering – Hiding your face by lowering your head or covering it with your hand – Giggling nervously – Awkward gestures such a biting your lip or rubbing your hands together

• This is how to make yourself look more confident:

– Even if you feel 'caught out', embarrassed, or your mind is a blank, make no reaction. – Fill in time while you think using 'fillers' such as 'Thank you, I was just coming to that.' or 'Yes, a lot of people seem to

agree with that. But we don't accept it because...'

You must work as a team. • The leader must apportion (divide up) the roles. For example: I will show how many areas of society have been damaged by

new technology; my second speaker will demonstrate the health risks of computers and cellphones; and our third speaker will show how much better off we would be without these so-called advances.

• As well as researching and arguing their own case, each speaker should support the others and reinforce their arguments. For example, As my colleague has explained, cellphones have enabled criminals to be caught more easily. The Negative point out that criminals use cellphones too. This is true. But, in the end, criminals need secrecy, while law enforcement is enhanced by better communication. On balance, cellphones have benefited law and order.

You should practise appearing confident. • Public speaking needs confidence, but debating needs more., because you must relate to both your audience and the

opposition, obey the Chairperson, and impress the adjudicators - and you may have to think up replies on the spur of the moment.

• A lot of confidence is self-created. Many confident people started out feeling terrified, but if you appear confident then other people treat you as a confident person - which gives you confidence. It works!

• These things make you look unconfident: – Stuttering – Hiding your face by lowering your head or covering it with your hand – Giggling nervously – Awkward gestures such a biting your lip or rubbing your hands together

• This is how to make yourself look more confident:

– Even if you feel 'caught out', embarrassed, or your mind is a blank, make no reaction. – Fill in time while you think using 'fillers' such as 'Thank you, I was just coming to that.' or 'Yes, a lot of people seem to

agree with that. But we don't accept it because...'

What makes a speaker GREAT?

How 2-be a great speakerHow 2-be a great speakerSteps• Eye contact is number one. • Make sure that your pronunciation is correct and clear, and there are no problems with your information. • You have to attract others’ attention and let them have interest in your words. • Talk friendly and politely. Remember to smile! • Make sure that your speed is proper when you talk to people, not too fast or slow. • Make sure to be well-prepared before presenting a speech. • If the listener doesn’t have any interest in the topic of the conversation, just change the subject of the talk.

Tips• When using a microphone, don’t put it too close or too far away from your mouth. • When emphasizing some important information, you can raise your intonation, slow your speed or repeat it at

least twice. • Taking a deep breath when you stand on a stage can relieve your tension.

Warnings• When sneezing or laughing, put the microphone far away from your mouth. • Make clear pauses when reading something.

Steps• Eye contact is number one. • Make sure that your pronunciation is correct and clear, and there are no problems with your information. • You have to attract others’ attention and let them have interest in your words. • Talk friendly and politely. Remember to smile! • Make sure that your speed is proper when you talk to people, not too fast or slow. • Make sure to be well-prepared before presenting a speech. • If the listener doesn’t have any interest in the topic of the conversation, just change the subject of the talk.

Tips• When using a microphone, don’t put it too close or too far away from your mouth. • When emphasizing some important information, you can raise your intonation, slow your speed or repeat it at

least twice. • Taking a deep breath when you stand on a stage can relieve your tension.

Warnings• When sneezing or laughing, put the microphone far away from your mouth. • Make clear pauses when reading something.

1. Be Yourself• It's great to watch other successful speakers, to see what they do and how they do it. To be a great

speaker in your own right requires you to develop your own style, to speak using your own voice. Be yourself when you speak and you can't help but be successful.

2. Be Bold• You might think that it takes boldness just to stand up and start talking, and it does, but there are

plenty of speakers out there who come across like timid mice. Be bold as a speaker, confident in your abilities. Practice every day, give speeches whenever you can.

3. Be different• Successful speakers aren't like everybody else. There's something that sets them apart. Makes

them stand out. They're the speakers who do more than just stand in the front of the room and talk at you.

4. Be funny• Successful speakers know how to be funny, that is: they know when and where to use humor in

their presentations... and they aren't afraid to do so. 5. Be engaging• Listening to a speech is, for most people, a passive activity. Successful speakers involve their

audiences and converse with them so that it's a conversation, not a talking-to. 6. Be positive• No matter what the subject, successful speakers are always positive with their audiences. They

help their audiences learn what to do as opposed to what NOT to do. They focus on the upside, not the downside.

7. Be challenging• Lastly, great speakers always challenge their audiences to do great things. And again, it doesn't

matter what the subject. A successful speaker gives you the know-how and the challenge to make your life more enjoyable and more rewarding everyday.

1. Be Yourself• It's great to watch other successful speakers, to see what they do and how they do it. To be a great

speaker in your own right requires you to develop your own style, to speak using your own voice. Be yourself when you speak and you can't help but be successful.

2. Be Bold• You might think that it takes boldness just to stand up and start talking, and it does, but there are

plenty of speakers out there who come across like timid mice. Be bold as a speaker, confident in your abilities. Practice every day, give speeches whenever you can.

3. Be different• Successful speakers aren't like everybody else. There's something that sets them apart. Makes

them stand out. They're the speakers who do more than just stand in the front of the room and talk at you.

4. Be funny• Successful speakers know how to be funny, that is: they know when and where to use humor in

their presentations... and they aren't afraid to do so. 5. Be engaging• Listening to a speech is, for most people, a passive activity. Successful speakers involve their

audiences and converse with them so that it's a conversation, not a talking-to. 6. Be positive• No matter what the subject, successful speakers are always positive with their audiences. They

help their audiences learn what to do as opposed to what NOT to do. They focus on the upside, not the downside.

7. Be challenging• Lastly, great speakers always challenge their audiences to do great things. And again, it doesn't

matter what the subject. A successful speaker gives you the know-how and the challenge to make your life more enjoyable and more rewarding everyday.

Your personal brand• Appearance:

Your body language, clothing attire and overall posture.

• Personality:Your behavior, communication skills and attitudes toward people.

• Competencies: Your special skills fulfilling task requirements.

• Differentiation: What separates you from others and leaves a lasting memory in the minds of others.

• Appearance:Your body language, clothing attire and overall posture.

• Personality:Your behavior, communication skills and attitudes toward people.

• Competencies: Your special skills fulfilling task requirements.

• Differentiation: What separates you from others and leaves a lasting memory in the minds of others.

How 2-overcome Stage FrightHow 2-overcome Stage FrightSteps• Practice your part. Do this until you know it by heart. Remember the words of the person who speaks before you,

so you recognize the cue for you to speak. Practice in front of family, friends, AND STUFFED ANIMALS (surprise?)and even in front of empty chairs. so that you are used to performing in front of people.

• Gain confidence in yourself by reciting your lines in front of a mirror. Watch your mannerisms, look at how you move your hands as you speak. Try different ways of saying the same words or sentences. Wear the same outfit while watching yourself.

• Keep your voice warm by humming softly whenever you can. • Concentrate on what you are about to do. Forget about the audience. Make believe that you are in front of the

mirror or your family. Go over your act prior to leaving the house. Be confident in the knowledge that what you are about to perform on stage has been learned well, whether you are going to dance, sing, or perform in a play with others. Take a deep breath and go!

• While you are singing, in the parts where you have to sing a solo, you think how great you are. Have confidence.

Tips• If you forget a word, do not stop, just continue. Try to use other words that were not in the script. If your scene

partner makes a mistake, do not react to it. Simply ignore the mistake, or, if it was too large to let pass, improvise around the error. Ability to improvise is the mark of a true actor.

• Turn the tables in your own mind: tell yourself that the people watching you should be nervous in your presence, not the other way around -- this "ego trip" really works!

• Sometimes it's ok to be a little nervous. If you are so paranoid you are going to make a mistake, then you will be more careful. It's the overly confident people that make the most mistakes.

• Remember: EVERYONE makes mistakes. Anyone who will laugh for a mistake you made is just self-conscious. If you do make a mistake out of nervousness, who cares? Forget about it. You shouldn't be nervous from then on, anyway, because it can't get too much worse! Almost like reverse psychology.

Steps• Practice your part. Do this until you know it by heart. Remember the words of the person who speaks before you,

so you recognize the cue for you to speak. Practice in front of family, friends, AND STUFFED ANIMALS (surprise?)and even in front of empty chairs. so that you are used to performing in front of people.

• Gain confidence in yourself by reciting your lines in front of a mirror. Watch your mannerisms, look at how you move your hands as you speak. Try different ways of saying the same words or sentences. Wear the same outfit while watching yourself.

• Keep your voice warm by humming softly whenever you can. • Concentrate on what you are about to do. Forget about the audience. Make believe that you are in front of the

mirror or your family. Go over your act prior to leaving the house. Be confident in the knowledge that what you are about to perform on stage has been learned well, whether you are going to dance, sing, or perform in a play with others. Take a deep breath and go!

• While you are singing, in the parts where you have to sing a solo, you think how great you are. Have confidence.

Tips• If you forget a word, do not stop, just continue. Try to use other words that were not in the script. If your scene

partner makes a mistake, do not react to it. Simply ignore the mistake, or, if it was too large to let pass, improvise around the error. Ability to improvise is the mark of a true actor.

• Turn the tables in your own mind: tell yourself that the people watching you should be nervous in your presence, not the other way around -- this "ego trip" really works!

• Sometimes it's ok to be a little nervous. If you are so paranoid you are going to make a mistake, then you will be more careful. It's the overly confident people that make the most mistakes.

• Remember: EVERYONE makes mistakes. Anyone who will laugh for a mistake you made is just self-conscious. If you do make a mistake out of nervousness, who cares? Forget about it. You shouldn't be nervous from then on, anyway, because it can't get too much worse! Almost like reverse psychology.