Debate

The debate club is recruiting new members? Perfect for me! I’m good at arguing and have opinions on everything. Danni, formal debate is about more than just arguing you know! Debating is about learning how to see many sides of an issue, and develop strong arguments using evidence and research.

Then you need to communicate your point of view, clearly and confidently. Can you handle it? - Of course! Formal debate uses arguments to have a competitive discussion about a topic. Debate topics can be anything at all, from “dogs are better than cats”, to “all museums should have free admission.” Maybe you have strong opinions on your topic. That’s great!

But debaters should avoid being overly influenced by their own feelings and opinions. Instead, you should rely on research to create strong, clear arguments. Usually there are two individuals or teams, each representing opposite sides of the topic. Rather than just talking back-and-forth, in a formal debate, each team has a set amount of time to present their argument. The other side isn’t allowed to interrupt.

But- No buts! There will be someone to make sure you follow the rules and stay on schedule - a moderator. There are also people who listen to both sides and then pick the strongest argument. They are the judges, and they are the people you need to wow with your impressive arguments in order to win the debate! Got it!

Let’s get started! There are many ways to set up a debate. Here’s one basic way: First, the side arguing FOR the topic - the affirmative side - has ten minutes to present their arguments. Then, the side arguing against the topic - the negative side - has ten minutes to present their arguments. Ten minutes isn’t a lot of time, so it’s important to use it well.

Do your research ahead of time, organise your facts, and focus on a few main points that support your argument. Maybe prepare three to start. After both sides have had a chance to speak, both teams get five minutes to prepare a response to what they just heard - a rebuttal. For this, the order is reversed. First, the negative team presents their rebuttal in five minutes.

Then the affirmative team presents their rebuttal in five minutes. Finally, each team gets three minutes to give a final summary of why their argument is the best. After the debate, the judges make a decision. Usually, the winner is the one who has presented the most convincing argument. - And that will be me, of course! One last thing Danni!

A couple of common mistakes, called logical fallacies, can seriously weaken your argument. Attacking the person you’re debating, instead of their ideas is a logical fallacy called ad hominem. You should also avoid exaggerating what the other team says, or taking it out of context to try to prove your own point. Making something up and then attacking it is called a straw man argument. The judges won’t be fooled by these common debating mistakes!

Though debates have rules and structure, try to stay calm! Remember: one reason we do debates is to grow our confidence speaking in front of others. And though debating is competitive, you should also be prepared to see the good points in your opponents’ arguments. You might even gain a new perspective! As a future politician, I need to be good at hearing different opinions and defending my own, so I’ll give debating a try!

Good luck Danni!