DEBATE SKILLS
WHAT SKILLS ARE
NEEDED?
• Researching and Reasoning
• Critical Thinking
In debate, you need
to be good at:
• Public Speaking
• Listening and Adaptability
• Time management and Organizing
• Team working
RESEARCH AND
REASONING
How to rebut?
 Repeat the argument you are going to
rebut
 Refute – explain what is wrong with
that argument
 Replace the argument with your
argument
EXAMPLE
• Their argument: College students should not have part-time jobs because
it interferes with their studies.
• Repeat: The other team argued that college students should not have part-time
jobs because it interferes with their studies
• Refute: But this statement is not very true according to the research which has
been conducted.
• Replace: A research was conducted by the university of Chicago between 2022 and
2023 to examine the performance of students who have part-time jobs. The findings
suggest that having a part-time job benefits students by teaching them time
management and real real-world experience which means that if students have part
time-jobs, they will improve their personal development and this will improve their
overall academic performance.
CRITICAL THINKING
1. Compare viewpoints of others with your
own and analyze why you believe what you
believe
Ways to become
critical thinker
2. Always ask questions on points which are
not clear to you
3. Don’t compromise
4. Read articles on a topic from two different
perspective
5. Listen carefully, take notes and analyze the
information
TIPS FOR SPEECH DELIVERY
• Nervousness is normal.
• Organize Your Material in the Most
Effective Manner
• Let Your Personality Come Through
• Use Your Voice and Hands Effectively.
• Practice, Practice and Practice
LISTENING AND ADAPTABILITY
LISTEN AND TAKE NOTES
TIME MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZING
Managing your time
Organizing your speech
TEAM WORKING
Team working is the key