Online Debate Forums and the Process of Change

Online Debate Forums and the Process of Change
By Si Anderson
Online debating forums have become a contributor to the process of change. Such forums encourage commoners to participate in debates, express themselves in rational manner and enrich themselves intellectually. Thanks to the advantages such forums offer, their popularity is on rise.
Old order changes yielding place to new. This famous line of Alfred Lord Tennyson holds as much truth now as it had when it was written. Everything changes with time. In fact, the change is essential to keep things in sync with the contemporary times. If the things do not change, the system will decay. So it is for our own betterment.
Any tradition or law, no matter how good or well-intentioned it is, loses its relevance over time. So, it is essential that the rules, legal or social, be updated to suit the current requirements. Outdated things will only cause problems. Hence, it is important that everything be analysed in terms of the current scenario and the required changes be introduced.
History is witness to events that have shaped its course, changing the way we live and view things. Wars, discoveries, uprisings, revolutions - all have been tools of the change. Every event, major or minor, contributed to the change. Some changes were forced and some spontaneous, but nevertheless, they did happen, contributing in some way to the making of history.
However, the time of forced changes is over now. We are living in democratic societies and the system intends to effect changes through debates and mutual discussion. Debates can be done at any level - parliament, state legislatures, city councils, courtrooms, public assemblies, room meetings or street side discussions. In fact, debate is an essential cog of democratic system. Debates enable people to consider matters of importance and come out with mutually acceptable changes.
Debates promote holistic approach to problems, something which is the base of a democratic society. Matters are discussed threadbare, which helps in looking at an issue from every aspect, factor in the pros and cons, and churn out the best possible decision. A healthy debate is essentially rational and gives every participant a fair chance to voice views. Ideas are exchanged and arguments weighed in according to their merit.
Online debate forums have emerged as a popular platform today for the commoners to discuss prevalent issues, come across diverse views about these and develop a broad-based viewpoint. You need not be an academic for debating issues online. Anyone who has the ability to see through the issues and contribute with a logical point of view can participate on such forums. There are online debating forums where you will find well-known academics giving in their point of view on various subjects. Joining such forums will help enriching your intellect.
Active participation in debates encourages the contributors cultivate the ability to construct arguments in your support and, in the process, fine-tune their analytical and presentation skills. You will be part of a community of intellectuals who are the harbinger of any change in a society. Easy access to Internet has made online debating forums a preferred platform for the people to express themselves. The number of people actively participating in these forums is consistently increasing. Online debates have been instrumental in getting the commoners participate enthusiastically to discuss the matters of importance and contribute to society.
This article has been written by an expert associated with Leicester Exchanges, a debate article website which conducts debates to discuss the issues prevalent in our society.
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Preparing For Debate - Debate Formats

Preparing For Debate - Debate Formats
By Rahul Shariff
There is often a misconception that debates are nothing but arguments with people who have an opposing view. Debates are actually persuading your opponent to accept your point of view through reasoning. There are strict rules of conduct that need to be followed by both sides.
Both sides will need to be given equal time to put forth their argument in a convincing manner. You will need to stick to logic and facts while opening and closing the debate and not indulge in any kind of slander against your opponent. This will help you distinguish yourself in the eyes of the audience.
6 Simple Ways to Prepare for Debate

1. It will be advisable to find a common ground and debate on the commonly shared viewpoints. You would be able to persuade the audience with your reasoning when you base it on beliefs that are commonly held.


2. You will need to start with an affirmative so that you are able to clearly specify what you believe in. Challenges will be made to the affirmation and you would need to search for something reasonable to continue with the debate.


3. Points will need to be presented in favor of the case. You would also need to rebut the points that have been raised by your opponent. Spot and pick the important points to show that they make sense or do not make any sense. It is one of the most challenging aspects of debating.


4. The substance of your speech can be divided into arguments and examples. You will need to make use of both arguments and examples while presenting your case or rebutting your opponent. You will need to logically move from one point to another in a seamless manner and know exactly what you would be saying. This will help you have a good perspective of the debate.


5. Listen to what your opponent is saying in an attentive way so that you are able to place your rebuttal in a convincing manner. There are various ways of presenting your argument and you will need to choose the most appropriate way of doing so depending on the topic that you are discussing. You would be able to influence the audience with a clever use of tone, volume, speed and style of the argument.


6. It would be advisable to keep the arguments simple so that others are able to understand what you are saying. Take your time to say what you want and this will help you express even the most complex issues in a clear manner.

Both of the sides would need to be given equal amount of time to debate the various points of the debate. The affirmative will need to give proof about the various points that they had raised and should be allowed to open and close the debate. The affirmative takes a stand on the topic of the debate and uses a constructive speech to express their views. The rebuttal speech responds to the points raised in the constructive speech and rebuts it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rahul_Shariff
http://EzineArticles.com/?Preparing-For-Debate---Debate-Formats&id=7139393

How to Debate - Tips and Tricks

How to Debate - Tips and Tricks
By Russ Egan
"Ignorance is no argument' - Baruch Spinoza
The first round of the QDU took place last week, and I am involved in a team (fortuantly we won). Seeing that this is a world wide activity I felt that I should write some basic tips for debating, as I realize how hard it is when I first started. I have been debating for 5 years and hopefully I can pas my experience on to others.
I'm not sure if different countries have different types of debating, but Australia has a system where there are 3 people on each side who take it in turns to argue a point.
(1) - You are always right - no matter what you really believe, if you want to win then you have to know that what ever you say is correct and your opposition is always wrong.
(2) - Strong central argument - after you make each point link it back to your teams case. This makes the whole team look more prepared and gets big marks.
(3) - Rebut - if they have an incorrect fact, rebut it. If they do not link back to their teams case, rebut it. If they give an example that has no relevance, rebut it. Remember, the opposition is always wrong.
(4) - If you need more time, summerize - a good summery not only gets good points, it also increases your time. If you go under time you lost points and the same occurs if you go over. Try to find a balance.
(5) - Never insult the opposition - no matter how much you want to, don't! If you want to insult something, do it to their argument. Don't use personal attacks if you want to win.
(6) - Have passion - believe in what you are saying and you probably will win. Speak from the heart, but also use logic and academic research.
This is not so much a guide but just some helpful tips, so that you can earn maximum points. If you still have some query's, then post a comment below.
Russ Egan http://s-bend.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russ_Egan
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Debate---Tips-and-Tricks&id=163559

Argument And Debate Quotes

There are 20 quotes for the subject - Argument & Debate

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Debate Information

What is Debate?

Why Debate?

Four Types of Debate

How to Get Started in Debate

General Rules for Debate

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When You Debate Or Disagree

by Stephen Boyd

Presidential debates are on our minds. Who won? Who lost? Why did he lose or win? We are unlikely to be on television to debate or discuss issues that will change the world, but we all have situations where there is a debate of issues or opportunities to resolve conflict. Whether you are discussing a new proposal in your department or deciding where to spend Thanksgiving with your family, here are some ways to ensure a positive outcome for you.

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[from speaking-tips.com]

About the Author

Stephen D. Boyd, Ph.D., CSP, is Professor Emeritus of Speech Communication, College of Informatics, Northern Kentucky University, near Cincinnati. He presents keynotes and seminars to corporations and associations whose people want to speak and listen effectively. See additional articles and resources at http://www.sboyd.com. To book Steve, call 800-727-6520 or email him through his website.

Debate Rules - Oxford Style

Rules of debates held in Oxford style

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PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
MEETING TIPS AND MYTHS

Shane D. Dunbar, MEd, PRP, PAPProfessional Registered Parliamentarian, and
Professional Accredited Parliamentarian

Meeting Tip 1 -- Unanimous Consent
Meeting Tip 2 -- Agendas
Meeting Tip 3 -- Bending Bylaws
Meeting Tip 4 -- Handling Urgent Business
Meeting Tip 5 -- Perfecting Proposals
Meeting Tip 6 -- Undoing Done Deals
Meeting Tip 7 -- Minutes Matter
Meeting Tip 8 -- Resolving Ambiguous or Conflicting Rules
Meeting Tip 9 -- Medicine for Meandering Meetings
Meeting Tip 10 -- Voting Vexations
Meeting Tip 11 -- Quorum Questions
Meeting Tip 12 -- Small Boards and Committees
Meeting Tip 13 -- What to Bring to Meetings
Meeting Tip 14 -- Postponing a Motion
Meeting Tip 15 -- Member's Rights
Meeting Tip 16 -- Deterring Disorderly Discussion
Meeting Tip 17 -- Format of a Resolution
Meeting Tip 18 -- Role of the Parliamentarian
Meeting Tip 19 -- When In Doubt, Ask
Meeting Tip 20 -- When Robert's Rules Don't Matter
Meeting Tip 21 -- Preferential Voting
Meeting Tip 22 -- Efficient Meetings
Meeting Tip 23 -- Nominating No Nos
Meeting Tip 24 -- Five Fatal Fumbles
Meeting Tip 25 -- Debate, Discuss, Deliberate
Meeting Tip 26 -- Gavels
Meeting Tip 27 -- Previous Notice
Meeting Tip 28 -- Tellers
Meeting Tip 29 -- Voting by Mail
Meeting Tip 30 -- Drafting Motions
Meeting Tip 31-- When Two-Thirds Vote is Needed
Meeting Tip 32--Chairitable Chairing
Meeting Tip 33--Sample Meeting Script
Meeting Tip 34--Disciplinary Procedures
Meeting Tip 35--Update Your Bylaws
Meeting Tip 36--Making Decisions When You Can't Meet In Person
Meeting Tip 37--When You Can't Vote

Click here to read each of the tips in detail.

[from http://pzen.northwest.net/index.php?main_page=page_55]

Learning Classic Debate

Learning Classic Debate Mounds Park Academy
Michael Vergin - mvergin@moundsparkacademy.org
Saturday, August 28, 2004 9:53 PM

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