WHAT IS DEBATE?

A debate is a form of public discourse; it can be in the form of formal direct oral contest or competition in argumentation
between two or more people on a defined proposition at a specific time. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, debate is “a
formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put
forward and which usually ends with a vote.” (The Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd Edition, Edited by J. Simpson and E. Weiner.
Clarendon Press, 2010).
Competitive debate can be in the form of a formal, disciplined, and rule-governed contest/competition that is conducted
within a set framework. A debate may comprise single participants or teams that include several individuals.
In a typical debate, two teams are presented with a proposition that they will debate, with each team given a set period of time
to prepare their arguments. Debates are performed in a structured setting that gives all participants a chance to present and
defend their arguments.
In other words, the two debating sides are given a proposition to debate. The Affirmative side of the proposition – also
called the Proposition – advocates, supports, and upholds the resolution. The Negative Side of the proposition – also called the
Opposition – opposes and refutes the resolution; as such, they deny the stance of the Affirmative. Stated differently, the
Proposition is the team that attempts to secure the acceptance of a proposition.
The Opposition is the team that attempts to secure the rejection of a proposition. It is vital that the proposition should take
a definite stance on an issue.
Basic debate styles vary widely in terms of their format, time limits for speeches, the order of speeches, and how
arguments are presented. Despite these differences, debates also have many features in common.
Overall, debates are very common in social, political, and educational environments.
Although the topics addressed in a debate can be virtually anything, most debates tackle controversial issues that appeal to
the audience. Certain debates also allow for audience participation where attendees can pose questions to the debaters.

BENEFITS OF DEBATING
Decades of academic research have proven that the benefits that accrue as a result of engaging in debate are numerous.
Debate provides experiences that are conducive to life-changing, cognitive, and presentational skills.
In addition, through debate debaters acquire unique educational benefits as they learn and polish skills far beyond what can be
learnt in any other setting.
At the very least, debate helps learners to see the power of deploying rational, reasoned arguments and compelling
evidence in action. It enables them to elucidate their standpoint through utilizing rhetorical eloquence. It instills in debaters a
great sense of poise and confidence. It teaches them the skills of researching, organizing, and presenting information in a
compelling fashion.
In general, the benefits of debate include:
-Gaining broad, multi-faceted knowledge cutting across several disciplines outside the learner’s normal academic subjects.
-Increasing learners’ confidence, poise, and self-esteem.
-Providing an engaging, active, learner-centered activity.
-Improving rigorous higher-order and critical thinking skills.
-Enhancing the ability to structure and organize thoughts.
-Enhancing learners’ analytical, research and note-taking kills
-Improving learners’ ability to form balanced, informed arguments and to use reasoning and evidence.
-Developing effective speech composition and delivery.
-Encouraging teamwork

DEBATING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

The 10 best debating tips and techniques are:
Preparation of your topic
1)Stay on topic 2)Speak slowly, clearly and charismatically 3)Be confident with your topic 4)Think about your body language and

What It’s Saying To Your Audience?

-Listen and take notes
-Anticipate your opponent’s questions before they’re uttered
-Tell a story or give an illustration with an example to make your point
-Use a strong conclusion
-Don’t take cheap shots at your opponents
 
Offensive Debating Techniques: Debating Tips to Attack Your Opponent’s Topic
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
This point is arguably the most important debating skill of them all as it affects many of the other debating techniques.  For
instance, if you prepare your material well, you’ll be confident and more believable.
You’ll also be less likely to go down rabbit holes, yet more likely to give a clear and cohesive illustration of your point.
If you can, try to jot down three points for your argument and three points against your argument. The latter tip means you’ll
also be able to anticipate your opponent’s views and be able to better rebut them when they say them.
 
Stay on Topic
You only have a limited amount of time to state your case. If you use that time going off-topic, you lose valuable time. Stay on
topic by telling your audience your three points, elaborating on them further as time permits.
Another great debating tip is to add three more points to your first three points (again, this is very much time-dependent). This
will help you stay on topic too.
 
Speak Slowly, Clearly and Charismatically
When students are new to debating or public speaking, they often speak hurridly or mumble.
This isn’t very attractive or charismatic behaviour for a speaker and, in the long run, it makes it harder for the audience to like
you or want to agree with your points.
When debating, you want to be amicable and likeable. People want to be on your side when you have charisma.
 
Be Confident With Your Topic
If you look like you believe what you’re saying, your audience will also have confidence that you know what you’re saying and
you have a basis for it.
Conversely, if you look nervous or you seem like you don’t really believe what you’re saying, your audience isn’t going to be
filled with confidence in you or your message. So, be confident with your message. It’s one of the best debating techniques of
the lot!
Of course, you’ll feel most confident when you’ve prepared for your subject well – so don’t neglect preparation. One debate
site put it like this: Always act like you’re winning, even if you’re not.

Think About Your Body Language

Another great debating technique is to make sure you’re using your body language to agree with the points you’re making.
Make sure your body indicates confidence by:
Looking at your audience and opponents in their faces (a look, not a stare is what you need here)
Using your arms to talk
Smiling (where appropriate)
Keeping a relaxed posture
NOT folding your arms
NOT looking at the ground
When your team member is making their case, make sure you nod and agree with their points.
 
Your Audience and Judge’s Body Language in Debate
Also, ensure you’re thinking about your audience and judge’s body language. If you do this, you’ll be able to see if are you
getting:
blank stares of boredom – which means it’s time to make an illustration and spice up your argument or make it more cogent
a look of anger or frustration – which means it might be time to tone down the rhetoric or think about another angle
rapt attention and interest – which means you’re on the right track. Continue with what you’re doing!
Your audience’s body language can tell you a lot about whether your message is being received well, so definitely want to keep
an eye on that.
 
DEFENSIVE DEBATING TECHNIQUES: DEBATING TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR TOPIC
Listen and Take Notes
Be careful to listen to the main points of your opponent’s arguments.
Don’t try to take notes on everything; just jot down the major arguments so you’ll be able to rebut this at a future time. Also,
note down any weakness in their logic that can be rebutted.
 
When You’re the Stronger Debating Partner…
When you’re debating on a team where you’re the stronger debater, make sure you’re not trying to answer the points that have
been addressed to your weaker partner’s points.
Instead, make sure you compare notes in the interim (while the opponent is speaking), showing your weaker partner how they
might best score points.
In this way, you’re teaching your weaker partner to stand up and learn debate skills themselves instead of trying to prop up their
argument. If you’re on a team with them in the future, you’ll find your partner is better than they were when you started.
 
Anticipate Your Opponents Questions Before They Come
If you’re in a debating competition, you want to anticipate your opponent’s questions in addition to the judge’s or audience’s
questions.
The Rhode Island Urban Debate League had these debating tips and tricks about considering the thinking about topics
comparatively: