DEBATE

WHAT IS DEBATE?
- Debating is a more formal way of communicating.
- Debate is a method of interactive and representational argument
- A Debate is a contest where two teams present their arguments intent on
persuading one another.
- It is a way of persuasive communication – of making someone believe what you are
saying.
- Debate embodies the ideals of reasoned argument, tolerance for divergent points of
view and rigorous self- examination.
- A way for those who hold opposing views to discuss controversial issues without
descending to insult, emotional appeals or personal bias.
Debate Terminology
Affirmative: Expressing agreement or consent with a proposition.
Negative: Refusing consent; as to a proposal
Argument: An address or composition intended to convince or persuade; persuasive
discourse
PROPOSITION- Topic or Issues to be argued

WHY DEBATE?

 Multi-faceted knowledge cutting across several topics outside the debaters’

basic academic subjects
 Increasing debaters’ confidence, poise, and self- esteem
 Improving rigorous higher order and critical thinking
 Ability to form balanced, informed arguments and to use reasoning
 Encouraging teamwork

BASIC DEBATING SKILLS

1. STYLE- This is the most basic part of debating to master. Style is the manner in
which you communicate your arguments.
2. SPEED - It is vital to talk at a pace which is fast enough to sound intelligent and
allow you time to say what you want, but slow enough to be easily understood.
3. TONE -Varying tone is what makes you sound interesting. Listening to one tone for
an entire presentation is boring.
4. CLARITY-It is important to keep it simple. While long words may make you sound
clever, they may also make you incomprehensible.
5. VOLUME- Shouting does not win debates. Speaking too quietly is clearly disastrous
since no one will be able to hear you
6. EYE CONTACT - Eye contact with the audience is very important, but keeps
shifting your gaze. No one likes to be stared at.

DO’S AND DONT’S DURING DEBATE

 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.
 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.
 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
 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

 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.

 DON’T use inappropriate language or gestures:

- People will ignore your information if not presented in an appropriate manner
 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