Day 4 Session 1
How to Debate…
By Zara and Miro
ZT
Why are Debating Skills Important…
• While you may not have formal debates in
public (unless you want to be a politician) a lot
of the skills needed in debating are useful for
campaigning and challenging perceptions.
• The skills gained through learning how to
debate successfully can also be useful in all
areas of your life, such as: explaining to
people what you need to lead an independent
life.
Top Tips for Debating…
• Know your topic of debate and the arguments in
support and against it (so you can counter argue).
• Do not make it too personal – relate to your audience
and provide evidence for what you are saying.
• Keep your discussion simple and to the point.
• Work out a plan – introduction, detailed arguments,
conclusion with key points and summary.
• Respect your opposite debater.
• Always feel free to take a break and never speak too
quickly – the audience are there to listen!
ZT
Where Can I Use My Debating Skills?
• Debating can occur in formal and informal
settings. For example, you may have a debate
with a politician regarding your
campaign/lobby message or with a group of
friends over dinner. Most of the time
debating will not be formal but the way you
structure your debate should be the same.
Who has a question?!?
Time for Debating Activity!!!
• Get ready for some fun!!!
• You will be split into four groups…
• …there are two debate topics; one group for
and one group against in each debate topic.
• You will then be given time to prepare your
arguments.
• During the debate, each person in the group
will need to introduce themselves and present
at least one point for their team.
Who is debating what?
• Debate Topic One: “Family and friends should
not be allowed to become paid Personal
Assistants for people with disabilities.” –
– Group One (For) = Milica, Iain, Karin,
Aleksandra (Peter)
– Group Two (Against) = Sofiya, Ryan, Gatis,
Mirela (Miro)
Who is debating what?
• Debate Topic Two “Government are in the
best position to decide how to arrange the
support and meet the needs of disabled
people.” –
• Group Three (For) = Beth, Agnes, Sidney (Zara)
• Group Four (Against) = Dilyana, Stelios,
Ralouca (Embla)