Speech Unit III: Intro to Debate! Ms. Brown’s Class

What is a Debate? Two opposing teams use STRUCTURED, FORMAL arguments to support a given topic. An adjudicator decides which team has developed their argument most convincingly. Think of it as a courtroom! Debating Teams = Lawyers! Adjudicator = Judge!

Characteristics of Debate: 1. Informative- a good debate presents complete information and factual setting. Debate is supposed to inform the public of what they should know, to educate the people, and to help them reach a logical understanding of the facts. 2. Well-reasoned- arguments raised in a debate must be logical, relevant, competent and well explained. Arguments must show a direct link on the motion that is debated upon. Arguments must support the core that will aid the team prove their claims. 3. Persuasive- Debate should give emphasis and force to strong arguments that need the support of the people. 4. Orderly- A debate must follow a certain format that will govern the proceeding of the debate and the conduct of the debaters. 5. Dynamic- Since in a debate, two teams present opposing views, said views must be responded to by both teams respectively. All important points must be questioned and answered by each team and teams must directly clash with the points raised by their opponent. Each speaker must contribute and respond to the requirements and necessities of the debate.

A Debate is NOT… An undisciplined shouting match Yelling back and forth One person sharing until he/she feels his/her point has been made A fight! Overly emotional

Topic Each debate is centered around a topic. Topics are often about issues of public importance Examples: That beauty is better than brains That women should have the right to choose That Fenger High School should have a uniform policy All Topics begin with the word “That” There are ALWAYS two sides to any debate.

Affirmative and Negative Teams Affirmative = YES! Negative = NO! The affirmative team opens the debate, and the negative team closes the debate. Debate teams normally have four members (3 speakers and 1 writer)

What is a Structured, Formal Argument?! It starts with a topic or “Team Line” Sums up your debate. Each member must relate their arguments to the topic.

Arguments Statement Reason Evidence Arguments are made up of the following: Statement Reason Evidence

Rebuttal You will try to disprove the other team’s argument or undermine what they have said. When it is your turn to rebuttal the opposing team’s argument, you must be able to think on your feet! Note: You do this by attacking the argument NOT the speaker.

Closing Statements Sum up your final arguments Closing should be concise—wrap it up! After each team offers their short closing statements, the judges vote on which team won the debate.

Examples Now, we will watch THREE film clips of different debates. Try and figure out what is happening in each scene (introduction of topic, argument, rebuttal, closing). Brainstorm a list of “Qualities of Good Debaters.” Use your knowledge of debate as well as the film clips to create this list.