Verbal and Written

Communication

Lecture 29
Debate
Lesson Objectives

In this lecture, you will

■ To know what is debate

■ To know the features of good debate
■ To know the steps to prepare for debate
■ To identify the do’s and don’ts of the
debate
■ To practice debate in the class
Debate: Introduction
■ A debate is a type of argumentative speech in
which one expresses one's opinion on a topic
related to life, society, politics, and so on.

■ It is about taking sides in specific situations

and remaining steadfast in your beliefs.

■ Regardless of whether the debater intends to

support or oppose the topic, they must be
intelligent enough to overcome the opposition
with proper logical arguments.
Features of a Good Debate

▪ A good debate is one that is both convincing and well-

researched.

▪ Before you start a debate, you should weigh the pros and cons.

▪ A debater should try to come up with new ideas.

▪ A debater must play the game with conviction because the

opposition is ready with their arguments
Preparing for the Debate
▪ If you are participating in a debate, you get a specific topic
to speak on. The topic mostly demands logical thinking
and convincing argument. These topics range from
political to international affairs.

▪ Think carefully whether you want to speak for the motion

or against it.

▪ Do some research on the topic you are supposed to speak

on. Try to collect ample information and do not leave any
loose ends as these can be turned against you by your
opponents

▪ Study well and prepare an introduction, it would convince

an audience for your viewpoint.

▪ While preparing the text of your debate, divide the topic

into main and sub points and pay attention to all the
segments
Structure of a Debate

First Speaker (for

the motion) Second Speaker
(against the motion)

Rebuttal 1 (for the

motion)
Rebuttal 2 (against
the motion)

Conclusion (for the

motion)
Conclusion (against the
motion)
Do’s for a Debate

▪ Dress formally

▪ Say ‘Good morning/evening/Sir/Ma’am’ at the

beginning of your debate speech

▪ Show alertness and exhibit proper focus,

intelligence, interest and awareness

▪ Show your appreciation for other speakers

▪ Shake hands with your opponents after the debate

▪ Present your arguments assertively

Don’ts for a Debate
▪ Slouch (if you are sitting) or lean (if you are
standing)

▪ Depend solely on stock arguments

▪ Fumble while speaking

▪ Interrupt other speakers when they speak

▪ Shout or make personal remarks at your

opponents in your speech

▪ Include false evidence or facts in your speech

Strategies for a Good Debate
▪ State the topic explicitly. Write down your thoughts and choose a side by writing 'For' or 'Against'.

▪ Problems and justifications: The problem is determining what the topic is all about. For example, if
the topic is ‘Grass is greener on the other side’, it means you have to talk about a way of life. Once
you've identified the problem, write down your reasons for interpreting it in that manner.

▪ Definitions and justification: Once you've decided how to interpret the topic, you'll have to know how
to use definitions. These definitions can be derived from the context or from an individual's beliefs.

▪ Arguments: You must present a brief point-by-point summary of your arguments. You must provide
facts or evidence to support your arguments for choosing one or not choosing one.
Strategies for a Good Debate

▪ Rebuttal Arguments: Take notes on the other

debater's points of view and remember to bring
them to the forum when rebutting the other side's
arguments.

▪ Anticipated Opposition Arguments: Make a list of

what you expect the opponent may argue about.

▪ There may be multiple ways to argue either side

of a case.

▪ Finally, if you practice, the strategies outlined

above will work.
Activity: Practice Debate
▪ Divide your class into groups of five or six
▪ Assign each team a topic and ask them to prepare a debate
for and against the motion.
▪ Each team should speak one minute for the motion, one
minute against the motion, one minute for rebuttal
arguments and one minute for the conclusion
▪ Topics are as follow:

⎼ Television does more harm than good

⎼ Reality shows should be banned
⎼ Offline vs Online exams
⎼ There should be uniform in colleges/universities
⎼ Violent video games should be banned
⎼ Education is the key to success