DEBATE
Definition:
• Debate is contention in argument; strife, dissension, controversy,
especially a formal discussion of subjects before a public assembly or
legislature, in Parliament or in any deliberative assembly.
• ..a method of formally presenting an argument in a structured
manner
Academic Debate
- is a formal academic competition in which students argue for
or against of the given motion
- Students deliver speeches based on logic and research,
attempting to persuade a judge to endorse their argument.
Aim and purpose (in academics)
• …….develops the ability to debate rationally from either position with
equal ease.
• ……to improve the knowledge and awareness regarding the theme ..
• …..to improve speaking skills (tone, speed, volume)
• …… builds self-confidence
• ….boosts teamwork & cooperation ability
• …..to develop argumentative and convincing style
• ………..Cultivates Leadership Skills
• ……develops critical listening/thinking skills
Setting
• A debate has two teams: an Affirmative (A) and a Negative (B).
• Each side consists of Three Speakers.
• The First Affirmative speaker (A) begins the debate, and is then
followed by the First Negative speaker (B).
• This pattern is maintained for the second and third speakers of each
team.
• Each speaker speaks for a set time, with a warning bell, to give them
a little time to sum up and finish, then a final bell.
• There will be a Chair Or Moderator who presides over the discussion.
Process
- The job of the Affirmative (Aff) is to prove that the topic is a good
idea.
- The job of the Negative (Neg) is to prove that the topic is a bad idea.
- A judge will evaluate the debate and vote for whichever team does a
better job proving their point.
- Being an eloquent speaker helps, but debate has much more to do with
winning substantive arguments than with oratory.
Contents:
• Proposition…………..a subject/theme to be debated (should be supported by)
• Facts ……………….Something proven to be true
• Opinion……………..A feeling or belief.
• Quote……………To say exactly what someone has said or written
• Evidences………Facts and examples to prove something
• Claim/Contention/Thesis…
Claim: One side of an argument derived from a proposition.
Contention: A strong statement to support one side of an argument
TYPES OF DEBATE
• There are two major types of debates :
• 1. Lincoln- Douglas- is a kind of debate where there is only one
speaker in the affirmative as well as in the negative side. Affirmative
side opens the debate then followed by the negative speaker. The
Affirmative proves the validity of the issue or topic called the
proposition while the Negative disproves the issue providing his own
arguments and contentions. They speaks in turn within the allotted
time.
•2. THE REBUTTAL DEBATE -is a kind of debate where each team
from the affirmative and the negative side is composed of about two
or three members. As the debate starts, the affirmative speaker
opens the constructive speech and the negative speaker starts the
rebuttal. Every speaker is allowed to deliver a rebuttal speech. The
debate is closed with the affirmative side delivering the last rebuttal.
Do’s and Don'ts
• DON’T side track your opponents with irrelevant points, stay on
topic.
• DON’T attack your opponents.
• DO stick to your planned, researched arguments.
• Cue cards can help a debater to stay focused, but DON’T read from
them, use them as a guide.
• 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: Not stating sources or not backing up
statements can lead to heavy rebuttal from your opponents
• Make sure your information is appropriate
• DO be aware of time constraints, if there are any.
• speaking too much or not enough weakens your position.
• DON’T try to “juggle” too many points at once. State your ideas in a
logical order.
• DON’T use inappropriate language or gestures
END
THANK YOU