Debate Tips
Written by Doris L.
Glossophobia is defined as the fear of public speaking. This phobia is believed to affect approximately 75% of the global population.
Fortunately there are many ways to overcome this fear!
Debating is an excellent way to help with becoming a better public speaker. Through debating, you can become more confident and resilient. Debates encourage students to think on their feet and communicate eloquently and efficiently to get their point across within a set time limit.
Though adaptability can be particularly challenging during a presentation or debate, fortunately, there are many tips and tricks to aid your performance. The following tips and tricks can also be of aid for any presentation you may have in your high school and post-secondary career.
1. Know your subject matter well.
This knowledge includes your argument, your topic, relevant research and statistics, as well as a broad idea of the overall topic or general area. Your research and statistics will back up your argument by providing sufficient evidence. Understanding the general area of your topic will be extremely important when rebutting or counter-rebutting, as rebuttals and counter-rebuttals require quick thinking and understanding of the argument or rebuttal. This understanding will reduce the chances of your ideas floundering in the limited time frame given during the debate process.
2. Listen attentively and think your words through before speaking.
Since a debate includes two opposing perspectives, you must listen carefully to your opponent(s) words. Without understanding their point of view, it would be challenging to produce a satisfactory counterargument. Similarly, in public speaking, you may be asked questions that require you to answer without preparation. In both debates and public speaking, it is best to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts to help communicate your reply as best as you can.
3. Be concise.
No one likes listening to a very long presentation or argument. Rambling and repetition take up time without providing enough detail or analysis of your perspective. Debates often have time limits on how long a statement, speech, or rebuttal can take. By adding unnecessary words or phrases, you merely take up valuable time when you could have potentially contributed more salient points.
Hopefully, these tips can assist you in gaining more confidence in your debating or public speaking skills or at least an idea of what you should strive to do when presenting.
If you are interested in debating, The Father Bressani Debate Club holds weekly meetings on Wednesdays after school in room 103. The Club is always open to new members!