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A debate is basically a formal disagreement. It's when opposing sides bring their arguments forward in a formal and organized way.
A debate is basically a formal disagreement. It's when opposing sides bring their arguments forward in a formal and organized way.
Two sides:
Two sides:
PRO SIDE
PRO SIDE
In agreement (For)
Called the "Proposition"
CON SIDE
CON SIDE
In disagreement (Against/Opposed)
Called the "Opposition"
Format for a Class Debate
Format for a Class Debate
1 min - Facilitator introduces the topic
2 min - Proposition makes arguments
2 min - Opposition makes arguments
2 min - Proposition makes arguments
2 min - Opposition makes arguments
5 min - BREAK to prepare for counterarguments
2 min - Proposition makes arguments
2 min - Opposition makes arguments
Discussion - not part of the formal debate, but here in class the facilitator will open up the floor for a brief discussion with both sides.
Winner - the audience will determine who was more persuasive in their argument.
"I Object" Statments
"I Object" Statments
I highly doubt your logic.
I’m confident that your statements were incorrectly researched.
The problem with this point of view is…
Your statement is flawed.
Your point is invalid.
I strongly doubt….
Getting back to the actual point…
Have you thought about…
I find your point highly incorrect…
Face the facts…
Frankly, I disagree with your opinion.
I question your knowledge towards the subject.
Personally, I feel what you just said made no sense.
I strongly doubt those facts.
The problem with your point of view is…
I object to your statements.
Nothing you said made factual sense.
To get back to the actual topic…
Strategies
Strategies
If you don’t want to debate a point, don’t bring it up.
Don’t get mad – get even with logic!
Know the rules and insist they be followed.
Control the floor when it’s your turn.
Negative body language (like rolling your eyes) does not serve to give the judge/audience a positive impression of you.
Appear to be listening sympathetically – then devastate the other side with logical attack.
Use formal language. Slang, name-calling, or cursing makes you appear uninformed and unprofessional.
Speak with passion and intensity, but not melodrama.
Loud is not logic. A quiet voice can command the most attention. An old trick of politicians is to lower the voice so that everyone listens more closely.
Know the position of the other side as well as know your own. This way you won’t be surprised, and you can prepare rebuttals.
Save your strongest point or your highest-impact emotional point for last.
Don’t sound patronizing or condescending. It doesn’t come across well.
If possible, stand to speak. Walk around courtroom style. It’s very impressive and intimidating to the opposition.
Don’t overuse any single strategy.
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