Competitive Debating
Thu Feb 24, 2005 2:47 am
Okay, being the silly person that I am I've got myself involved in competitive debating. I have no experience and for that matter, I am totally clueless - it should make things interesting at the very least.
As a result I'm in search of some information. If anyone could possibly provide any of the following it would much appreciated.
1) A brief outline of how a debate is run and its structure. At the moment my knowledge extends about as far as there being 3 speakers per team and the teams take turns sending a speaker up.
2) Any web-sites that may be worth reading. Basically anything that might be relevant to debating; structure, research, putting together an argument, etc etc etc.
3) Any tips, hints or pointers that you might have.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, much appreciated
(I do hope I put this in the correct Board, if not Mods can move, thanks
).
As a result I'm in search of some information. If anyone could possibly provide any of the following it would much appreciated.
1) A brief outline of how a debate is run and its structure. At the moment my knowledge extends about as far as there being 3 speakers per team and the teams take turns sending a speaker up.
2) Any web-sites that may be worth reading. Basically anything that might be relevant to debating; structure, research, putting together an argument, etc etc etc.
3) Any tips, hints or pointers that you might have.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, much appreciated
(I do hope I put this in the correct Board, if not Mods can move, thanks
).
Thu Feb 24, 2005 2:49 am
Look at that current PETA board you'll see a debate there. You'll see all the points to a debate. It's mainly involving me and two other people.
Thu Feb 24, 2005 2:50 am
That's not competitive debating.
Thu Feb 24, 2005 2:50 am
I think that you should be totally prepared for defending both sides, despite what you may believe, just in case you are made to represent the other side.
Thu Feb 24, 2005 2:51 am
but quickly dissolves into a..
"nah uh!"
"ah huh!"
argument..
i do however have a list of good ways to win an argument, they wont enhance anyones enlightenment mind you.
"nah uh!"
"ah huh!"
argument..
i do however have a list of good ways to win an argument, they wont enhance anyones enlightenment mind you.
Thu Feb 24, 2005 2:55 am
I've never done real competitive debating, but I have friends that have. There tends to be a lot of formal rules and protocals, depending on the competition. Learn all of them and use them to your benefit. Get to you know your logical fallacies and know when they're being used, call them out and explain how they're wrong. But most importantly, have fun.
Thu Feb 24, 2005 3:09 am
This seems like a good site, I didn't read all of it but skimmed through some and it seems like it could help. It has a list of the fallicies that Spira mentioned would help to learn. http://www.truthtree.com/debates.shtml
Thu Feb 24, 2005 5:07 am
*muses* What type of debate are you planning to do? I debate on my high school's team and there's lots of unwritten rules like thanking the judge and stuff like that. O.o PM me about it if you want, I can tell you what I know from my experience
Thu Feb 24, 2005 5:33 am
Thank you for the suggestions so far everyone!
Ummm... all I can really tell you (because its all I know) is that its a competitive debate at my University. We're being given the topic shortly before the actual debate itself. I believe we just get given a side, we don't get to choose - time to play devil's advocate. I will probably PM you later today after I've finished all my classes, thanks
Eidolon wrote:*muses* What type of debate are you planning to do? I debate on my high school's team and there's lots of unwritten rules like thanking the judge and stuff like that. O.o PM me about it if you want, I can tell you what I know from my experience
Ummm... all I can really tell you (because its all I know) is that its a competitive debate at my University. We're being given the topic shortly before the actual debate itself. I believe we just get given a side, we don't get to choose - time to play devil's advocate. I will probably PM you later today after I've finished all my classes, thanks
Thu Feb 24, 2005 7:26 am
I'm not sure how is it conducted over there, but here we have 3 speakers, the first speaker, second speaker and third speaker. The first and second speaker presents the points while the third speaker rebuts the opponent's points. The second speaker will also make the reply speech and sum up the points made by both sides.
POI (Point Of Information) can be offered while your opponent are speaking, though there is a buffer time (normally the first and last minute) when they are disallowed.
POI (Point Of Information) can be offered while your opponent are speaking, though there is a buffer time (normally the first and last minute) when they are disallowed.
Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:08 am
Depends of what kind of style of debating; the one I do is world's style and I may be a bit of a help there 
I'll just tell you some now and see if it's the one you need.
-3 speakers on each team, first, second, third and perhaps a reply speech which is usually done by the first or second speaker on the team
-order of speaking is usually: first prop, first opp, second prop, second opp, third prop, third opp, reply opp, reply prop
Roles:
First speaker (proposition): introduce caseline, put a strong, solid case, extend points, elaborate, define motion.
First speaker (opposition): rebut first prop, put on own argument. Try to create clash between both teams so the debate is more fun and we can see how this opposes that and etc.
Second speaker (prop): rebut, own points, elaborate blahblahblah. It is possible for the second speaker to ultimately kill the opposite team if s/he can argue against the fundamental case the opposition puts and hence able to turn the tables around and put own team on the winning side.
Second speaker (opp): rebut, own points, elaborate, basically same as second prop
Third speaker (prop): mainly rebut; if there are any new points, make sure it's brought out in the beginning else it would be too late and this is not good stratedgy. Third speaker should spend most time rebutting the opposition and pwning them.
Third speaker (opp): same as prop
Reply speeches: no new points should be brought out in the reply speeches. All you have to do is say why the opposition's case does not stand and why yours does.
Points of Information:
This is when you would like to make a point on what a speaker says. You interrupt their speech and give the point to either challenge or say something of your opinion on it. You can either be accepted or declined.
You are marked on the following:
Content:
This is what your speech is about. General knowledge would be helpful, but it's what you can say about your case and how well you are able to support it with evidence and such.
Stratedgy:
This is how you place your arguments throughout a speech and a team.
Style:
This is absolutely personal. Each individual would have their own style; good style would be able to make the audience listen to you and it's how well you can present your case. You can be humourous, serious, use irony etc etc etc.
I think I missed out a lot but hey I'm tired.
I'll just tell you some now and see if it's the one you need.
-3 speakers on each team, first, second, third and perhaps a reply speech which is usually done by the first or second speaker on the team
-order of speaking is usually: first prop, first opp, second prop, second opp, third prop, third opp, reply opp, reply prop
Roles:
First speaker (proposition): introduce caseline, put a strong, solid case, extend points, elaborate, define motion.
First speaker (opposition): rebut first prop, put on own argument. Try to create clash between both teams so the debate is more fun and we can see how this opposes that and etc.
Second speaker (prop): rebut, own points, elaborate blahblahblah. It is possible for the second speaker to ultimately kill the opposite team if s/he can argue against the fundamental case the opposition puts and hence able to turn the tables around and put own team on the winning side.
Second speaker (opp): rebut, own points, elaborate, basically same as second prop
Third speaker (prop): mainly rebut; if there are any new points, make sure it's brought out in the beginning else it would be too late and this is not good stratedgy. Third speaker should spend most time rebutting the opposition and pwning them.
Third speaker (opp): same as prop
Reply speeches: no new points should be brought out in the reply speeches. All you have to do is say why the opposition's case does not stand and why yours does.
Points of Information:
This is when you would like to make a point on what a speaker says. You interrupt their speech and give the point to either challenge or say something of your opinion on it. You can either be accepted or declined.
You are marked on the following:
Content:
This is what your speech is about. General knowledge would be helpful, but it's what you can say about your case and how well you are able to support it with evidence and such.
Stratedgy:
This is how you place your arguments throughout a speech and a team.
Style:
This is absolutely personal. Each individual would have their own style; good style would be able to make the audience listen to you and it's how well you can present your case. You can be humourous, serious, use irony etc etc etc.
I think I missed out a lot but hey
I'm tired.
Thu Feb 24, 2005 1:40 pm
If you're talking about the kind of debate I think you are, then my brother used to do this, so here are some tips I learned from him
Take notes on what they say so you can think of something to say back
Practice talking really fast (If you're doing that kind of debating)
that's all i can think of for now...hope it helps...good luck
Take notes on what they say so you can think of something to say back
Practice talking really fast (If you're doing that kind of debating)
that's all i can think of for now...hope it helps...good luck
Thu Feb 24, 2005 2:34 pm
Brian wrote:Take notes on what they say so you can think of something to say back
Practice talking really fast (If you're doing that kind of debating)
Be careful not to talk too fast. You want to be very clear and concise. Notes are very very good, you have to get good at writing notes because you want to refute every single one of their arguments.
Thu Feb 24, 2005 4:55 pm
Just a general debating tip -
Try to avoid saying any of the following -
Never, always, all, none
etc
As if you say 'this ALWAYS happens' or 'That NEVER is the case' then you generally get stomped all over unless you're talking about something with NO exceptions X_x for example things true by definition. 2 + 2 = 4, all bachelors are male etc
Say it as concisely as possible. Every extra word is a opporturnity to twist and abuse the very things you said. If you're very consise, they must respond to that direct point, and it's harder to have your words twisted etc. ^_^ Have fun.
Try to avoid saying any of the following -
Never, always, all, none
etc
As if you say 'this ALWAYS happens' or 'That NEVER is the case' then you generally get stomped all over unless you're talking about something with NO exceptions X_x for example things true by definition. 2 + 2 = 4, all bachelors are male etc
Say it as concisely as possible. Every extra word is a opporturnity to twist and abuse the very things you said. If you're very consise, they must respond to that direct point, and it's harder to have your words twisted etc. ^_^ Have fun.
Thu Feb 24, 2005 5:37 pm
Well, here are some semi-userful phrases you can use (*gets out big book of debating (I'm joking, we've got a little sheet that I typed up, so I can try debate well. I'm not very good at it. XD)).
Actually... *types up everything on it*:
a) Debate a Motion
e.g. this house believes that modern technology damages health.
b) Proposing the Motion - the proposition support/agree with motion.
Opposing the Motion - the opposition oppose/argue against motion.
c) In each speech there are two pairs, the main speaker and the seconder.
Main speaker's role: to present the argument's main points.
Seconder's role: to extend/develop the main points, and rebut against the opposition's points. She must therefore take notes and have points prepared during the opposing main speaker's speech. She may have a skeletal speech ready to which she adds the rebuttal.
Summing up: either member of the team may deliver the summing up after the main speaker and seconder's speeches. Any questions from the floor (audience) should be answered at this point.
d) Order of debate:
Main speaker for proposition (seconder for opposition takes rebuttal notes).
Main speaker for opposition (seconder for proposition takes rebuttal notes).
Seconder for proposition.
Seconder for opoosition.
Questions from the floor.
Summing up by the opposition.
Summing up by the proposition.
Proposition starts and ends a debate.
Times (these are for me).
Main speeches and summaries: Three minutes.
Seconders: Two minutes.
e) Open with:
1) Good morning Madame/Mr Chairperson, ladies and gentlemen of the floor and my worthy/delusional opposition.
2) Repeat the motion (the motion before us today is that...).
3) Main speaker for the proposition should then define the motion.
Main speeches: Three-five minutes.
Seconder speeches: Two-three extra points/build-ons.
f) Examples: own experience? Others around you, newspaper articles on experiences.
Facts: Newspapers, library, internet.
g) Delivery:
1) Logical argument, e.g. list main points, signal when moving onto new point (I have three main points to present to you today, point one, point two, and point three. For my first point...).
2) One sided argument - for your side.
3) Techniques: confident, eye contact, limited use of notes. Include the audience, "we", "you", assume they agree, "we're all aware that", "I know you'll agree with me when I say that"...
Pace: Steady, vary it sometimes (dramatic pause?).
Persuasive language, rhetorical questions, repitition of key words/phrases, the rule of three (a list of three adjectives, nouns, phrases, etc.), alliteration, humour (sarcasm, audience, make 'em laugh).
Phrases for rebuttal: the opposition/proposition asks us to believe that...
in answer to the opposition's/proposition's assertion that...
I must strongly diagree with the opposition's/proposition's point on...
Oh, and I find it useful to write the opposition's speech before you write yours.
If you need any help, feel free to PM me!
Actually... *types up everything on it*:
a) Debate a Motion
e.g. this house believes that modern technology damages health.
b) Proposing the Motion - the proposition support/agree with motion.
Opposing the Motion - the opposition oppose/argue against motion.
c) In each speech there are two pairs, the main speaker and the seconder.
Main speaker's role: to present the argument's main points.
Seconder's role: to extend/develop the main points, and rebut against the opposition's points. She must therefore take notes and have points prepared during the opposing main speaker's speech. She may have a skeletal speech ready to which she adds the rebuttal.
Summing up: either member of the team may deliver the summing up after the main speaker and seconder's speeches. Any questions from the floor (audience) should be answered at this point.
d) Order of debate:
Main speaker for proposition (seconder for opposition takes rebuttal notes).
Main speaker for opposition (seconder for proposition takes rebuttal notes).
Seconder for proposition.
Seconder for opoosition.
Questions from the floor.
Summing up by the opposition.
Summing up by the proposition.
Proposition starts and ends a debate.
Times (these are for me).
Main speeches and summaries: Three minutes.
Seconders: Two minutes.
e) Open with:
1) Good morning Madame/Mr Chairperson, ladies and gentlemen of the floor and my worthy/delusional opposition.
2) Repeat the motion (the motion before us today is that...).
3) Main speaker for the proposition should then define the motion.
Main speeches: Three-five minutes.
Seconder speeches: Two-three extra points/build-ons.
f) Examples: own experience? Others around you, newspaper articles on experiences.
Facts: Newspapers, library, internet.
g) Delivery:
1) Logical argument, e.g. list main points, signal when moving onto new point (I have three main points to present to you today, point one, point two, and point three. For my first point...).
2) One sided argument - for your side.
3) Techniques: confident, eye contact, limited use of notes. Include the audience, "we", "you", assume they agree, "we're all aware that", "I know you'll agree with me when I say that"...
Pace: Steady, vary it sometimes (dramatic pause?).
Persuasive language, rhetorical questions, repitition of key words/phrases, the rule of three (a list of three adjectives, nouns, phrases, etc.), alliteration, humour (sarcasm, audience, make 'em laugh).
Phrases for rebuttal: the opposition/proposition asks us to believe that...
in answer to the opposition's/proposition's assertion that...
I must strongly diagree with the opposition's/proposition's point on...
Oh, and I find it useful to write the opposition's speech before you write yours.
If you need any help, feel free to PM me!