Debating Tips and Strategies
• There are many ways
to structure a debate
• There are also
different strategies for
participating in
debates, today, we will
look at some of these
strategies
and
of Debating
• DON’T let your
emotions get the better
of you.
• DO stay calm and
speak in a clear,
rational voice.
• Remember, debaters
do not always choose
what side they’re on.
•The first speaker in a debate must
make sure that the resolution being
debated is clearly stated and defined.
•DON’T side track your opponents
with irrelevant points, stay on topic.
•DON’T attack your opponents.
•DO stick to your planned,
researched arguments.
•TIPS:
•Cue cards can help a debater to
stay focused, but DON’T read
from them, use them as a guide.
•Speak to the audience or
moderator.
•DO thoroughly research your
topic and position, the best start to
squashing a rebuttal is a well
researched, well designed
presentation.
•DON’T simply state facts:
•This is the path to being a dull
speaker
•Not stating sources or not backing
up statements can lead to heavy
rebuttal from your opponents
•DO use humor and / or anecdotes in your speaking:
•Using examples helps illustrate your position, and uses
an argument of precedence
•Stories or jokes that are appropriate can be very
involving
IMPORTANT
TIME IS A VERY IMPORTANT
FACTOR IN A
DEBATE……………….
•DO be aware of time
constraints, if there are any.
•TIP:
•Practice your initial speech
so you will be “on top” of the
situation.
•Know what it feels like to
speak for the allotted length of
time, speaking too much or
not enough weakens your
position.
•DON’T try to “juggle” too many points at
once. State your ideas in a logical order.
•TIP: the more you practice and plan your
speaking, the less nervous you will be.
•DON’T use inappropriate
language or gestures:
•People will ignore your
information if not presented in an
appropriate manner.
Any argument that you do not address in
a rebuttal will be left in the memory of
others as your opponents stated it.
Likewise, any rebuttal from your
opponents that you do not address will
also be left in the minds of your
audience / judges.
•DO be aware of what your partner(s) plans are.
•DON’T work alone and risk being redundant, make the most of
your team’s time.
•DO recycle information
in your closing speech.
•TIP:
•The closing speaker(s)
should sum up all
relevant arguments and
rebuttals without
introducing any new
information.
Follow these
tips and
suggestions,
and
everything will
come together
for a
successful
debate!!!