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Debate Simplified
Debate Simplified
WHY DO WE NEED TO
DEBATE?
- to express ourselves.
- to help us how to think critically.
- to improve our ability to make choices.
- to influence other people.
- TOLERANCE for DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW.
- to seek the truth.
In order to answer lifes questions, one must look for choices. These
choices are scarce, and they need to be researched as they simply
dont exist in a vacuum. Many considerations will be made, and these
choices will be reduced into two: either a yes or a no
Kinds:
Ex:
1. Proposition of Fact:
China.
2. Proposition of Explanation:
China because it is a
3. Proposition of Value:
HOW DO WE DEBATE?
1. UNDERSTAND AND
ANALYSE THE PROPOSITION.
2. MAKE ARGUMENTS, AND
EVALUATE IT
Necessity
2nd Speaker:
Practicability
3rd Speaker:
beneficiality
Beneficiality
v.
Negative
Non- necessity
Non- practicabiity
Non-
NECESSITY V. NONST
NECESSITY (1 SPEAKER)
Why is it necessary to change the status
quo?
The need argument is the most important role in the debate because it
is the foundation for other issues. If the proposition is not needed,
affirmative surely losses the debate. It is inconceivable for a man to do
something that he does not need. And if a thing is not needed, it
follows that it will not be beneficial and it will not be practicable.
You need to prove the change you want to introduce (fact, explanation,
value or policy) is better than the present. How do you do that?
1. Identify the problem
2. Explain why the status quo is not enough.
3. Convince why change of status quo must be done, and how it is
better with the present.
NON-NECESSITY
1. Identify the problem
There is no problem.
Status quo is enough. Attribute the defect on other factors
than the status quo.
The present is the better view. If there is no problem with the
present then why change?
*Note: For better understanding, relate it to a romantic
4. The affirmative policy would not eliminate the cause of the present
problem if such problem exists (hypothetical admissions).
PRACTICABILITY V. NON
PRACTICABILITY
Would the affirmative plan meet the need?
After proving that a serious problem exists, the affirmative now tries to
solve it, its solution being the affirmative policy. A true solution
eliminates evil by eliminating its cause. Wrong identification of problem
leads to wrong solution. There must be a connection between the
problem and its proposed solution. Otherwise, there will be a
mismatch, which is also a fault which if pointed out by the opposing
sides will weaken its case. If the need has been successfully carried,
the practicability speaker will have a little trouble showing its plan. This
covers workability and desirability.
NON PRACTICABILITY
1. Certain insurmountable obstacles would prevent the affirmative plan
from coming into existence or it would not be available.
2. It could not be implemented due to impossibility (factual or legal).
3. The plan would not address the problem if there is such a problem
(hypothetical)
4. The plan will do more harm than good.
BENEFICIALITY V. NON
BENEFICIALITY
The roles of these speakers are easy if their first two speakers have
well established their burdens. For some teams, they put their best
debater as the first speaker because it will set the tone of the debate
and critical of the teams fate. This portion is to point out the benefits
or non- benefits or their sides. In short what will be presented here are
end-results. The speaker must be able to relate the arguments of their
first two speakers. This means that he should have the grasps of the
arguments of their teammates. Failed to do this would warrant
inconsistencies in the debate will can be pointed out by the opposing
speakers, to the discredit of the erring team.
At this point, it is necessary to state that there must be coherence in
the arguments of all speakers in a team. There must be oneness.
Open communication is a must in order to avoid being embarrassed in
the debate proper as there are misunderstandings and opposing
arguments amongst team members.
SPEECHES
1. Constructive
2. Interpellation
3. Rebuttal
TEAMWORK
Debate is all about teamwork. No matter how good an individual speaker is,
if the whole team fails to present arguments which support each others, it
will still be a sure fail. Thus, the team must:
1. Establish a close association to know each others abilities, fields of
knowledge and weaknesses. Ex: eating lunch together regularly.
2. Develop a friendly intimacy and understanding because debate in itself
create tensions and misunderstandings.
3. Work on arguments and divisions together.
LANGUAGE
1. Use simple language to express. Do not impress by using highfaluting
words. You will not be understood. Your goal bridge information, and make
people side in you. You must be persuasive. Debate is not a show of mental
prowess. Language as we know is not a end, but a means to an end. You will
not be believed because of the use of legal jargons. On the contrary, you
might create an impression of being very authoritative and boastful. You will
be believed because you were able to put across your message, and made
them realize that you have a better arguments.
2. Speak as if you are conversing with your audience and not lecturing at
them.
The goal is to win with honor and not to win at all costs.
MANNER
Appearance- should be neat, presentable and most of all, comfortable.
Posture will initially make an impression with the judges and the audience.
Standing straight will show confidence and firmness.