Third & Final Presidential Debate - 2012

The Rise of China

• What is Obama’s position? • What is Romney’s position?• Does China cheat with trade rules?• Is China the United States’ biggest

competitor?• Is China a “currency manipulator”?• How do the candidates go off topic?• Logical Fallacies?• Ethos, Logos, Pathos?

Basic Debating Skills

What is a debate? A debate is basically an argument.

It is not an undisciplined shouting match between parties that passionately believe in a particular point of view. In fact the opposite is true. Debating has strict rules of conduct and quite sophisticated arguing techniques and you will often be in a position where you will have to argue the opposite of what you believe in.

What is a topic?

The team that agrees with the topic is called the AFFIRMATIVE and the team that disagrees with the topic is called the NEGATIVE.

The Team line

Because debating is a team event it is important that the 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).

The Roles of The Speakers

In a debating team each speaker has specified roles that they must fulfill to play their part in the team.

How to debate

1. Students given topic and side (pro or con)

2. Students given time to work on/finalize their statements

3. Set-up desks (2 rows facing each other)

4. 4 minutes introduction (each side) 1 or 2 speakers

5. 5 minute work period

6. 3 minute rebuttal (each side)

7. 3 minute work period

8. 2 minute response (each side)

9. 1 minute work period

10. 4 minute position statement (conclusion)

11. OPEN DEBATE!

12. Decision Time – Students Decide!

Rebuttal

• To prove that a statement or charge is false

• To refute by evidence or argument. • To oppose by contrary proof.

RebuttalIn debating each team will present points in

favor of their case. They will also spend some time criticizing 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.

2. Pick the important points - try to rebut the most important points of the other side's case.

3. `Play the ball' - do not criticizes the individual speakers, criticize what they say.

Address the audience

INTRODUCTION

Good afternoon Mr/Madam Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, Students, Teacher, etc.

(Use Madam or Mr depending upon the gender of the Chairman.)

Debating/discussion vocabulary

• I agree/ disagree…………• In my opinion…………….• I am in favor of…………• To be honest…………….• That is your opinion. My opinion is

that………….• However…………• On the other hand……………

Before & during the debate

• Research the topic thoroughly and back up the argument with facts. Arm yourself with enough facts to lessen the likelihood of resorting to an emotional plea.

• Construct the argument on paper and memorize it. Do not read from the paper. Be sure to include reasons the opponent's position is incorrect-dismantle their argument, to disprove their point.

• Listen closely to the other team’s argument – write down notes

• Incorporate gestures and body language that communicate conviction. Learn to project an air of authority that clearly conveys confidence in the point you're arguing.

• Listen carefully to the opponent and be prepared to answer any questions she may pose. Research the opposing argument to know what to expect and deconstruct major points.

Rules

• No talking while the other team is talking• You are only allowed to speak when it is

your time/turn• If you are sharing the timeslot with another

speaker, you must divide the speaking time evenly.

survey

• What do you want to debate?

• Please take your time – Do not rush through this

Homework

• Answer post on Edmodo• Read the Polling article and answer the

questions (posted on our class website)