Debating Tips and Strategies There are many ways to structure a debate There are also different strategies for participating in debates, today, we will look at some of these strategies >There are as many different styles and forms of debates as there are debtaes

and of Debating Don't 's Do's DON’T let your emotions get the better of you. DO stay calm and speak in a clear, rational voice. Remember, debaters do not always choose what side they’re on. >Getting angry, flustered, nervous, upset, or breaking down in any way WILL affect how others see your position >Always remember that people rarely decide what side of a formal debate they will argue, so they may not be defending their own views: do not attack your opponent, attack their argument(s)

Important: The first speaker in a debate must make sure that the resolution being debated is clearly stated and defined. DON’T side track your opponents with irrelevant points, stay on topic. Make sure you speak clearly: the general rule for public speaking is to speak half as fast and twice as loud as you usually would

DON’T attack your opponents. DO stick to your planned, researched arguments. TIPS: Cue cards can help a debater to stay focused, but DON’T read from them, use them as a guide. Speak to the audience or moderator.

DO thoroughly research your topic and position, the best start to squashing a rebuttal is a well researched, well designed presentation. DON’T simply state facts: This is the path to being a dull speaker Not stating sources or not backing up statements can lead to heavy rebuttal from your opponents Make sure you are presenting an informed position, being proven wrong is damaging and embarrassing, things everyone wants to avoid Be an exciting speaker, be animated, monotone or dry speaking will bore your audience, not win them over Debating is equal parts Substance and Presentation

DO use humor and / or anecdotes in your speaking: Using examples helps illustrate your position, and uses an argument of precedence Stories or jokes that are appropriate can be very involving MAKE SURE you do not insult or offend with your anecdotes / jokes, they can be very powerful tools when used properly

IMPORTANT TIME IS A VERY IMPORTANT FACTOR IN A DEBATE……………….

DO be aware of time constraints, if there are any. TIP: Practice your initial speech so you will be “on top” of the situation. Know what it feels like to speak for the allotted length of time, speaking too much or not enough weakens your position. Knowing and being ready for time constraints will make you appear better organized for your debate, it will also make you less nervous about speaking publicly

DON’T try to “juggle” too many points at once DON’T try to “juggle” too many points at once. State your ideas in a logical order. TIP: the more you practice and plan your speaking, the less nervous you will be. DON’T use inappropriate language or gestures: People will ignore your information if not presented in an appropriate manner.

Remember: Any argument that you do not address in a rebuttal will be left in the memory of others as your opponents stated it. Likewise, any rebuttal from your opponents that you do not address will also be left in the minds of your audience / judges. In order to be the most effective, you need to make strong, solid points about your topic, but you also need to take apart your opponents points

DO be aware of what your partner(s) plans are. Having a strategy worked out for your side ahead of time will definitely help you win your debate by being unified and prepared enough to stay collected DON’T work alone and risk being redundant, make the most of your team’s time.

DO recycle information in your closing speech. TIP: The closing speaker(s) should sum up all relevant arguments and rebuttals without introducing any new information.

Follow these tips and suggestions, and everything will come together for a successful debate!!!