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.
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