Academic Debate Basics

Academic Debate

• A debate is a formal discussion with clear rules to help people resolve disagreements calmly, without emotions or personal attacks.
• People can express opinions for or against an idea.
• The discussion ends with a vote to decide which side is more convincing.

What is Academic Debate

• A debate employs formal rules to ensure calm and respectful disagreement resolution.
• Personal attacks are not allowed.

Who is Right

• A visual image illustrates a perspective challenge: Two opposing views about an apparently simple visual perception problem.

Important Debate Advice

• Improve your argument, rather than raising your voice.

Structure of a Debate

• The proposition speaker states the topic and arguments supported.
• The first opposition speaker rebuts the initial proposition.
• The proposition and opposition sides follow in turn delivering arguments and rebuttals.
• Rebuttal speakers summarize, prioritize, and weigh the debate's evidence to conclude it.

Benefits of Debating

• Consider different aspects and perspectives.
• Strategically improve your ability to speak.
• Develop better public speaking skills.
• Learn to construct persuasive arguments.
• Reassess personal views by comparing them to opposing arguments.

Vocal Delivery

• Speak clearly and concisely.
• Speak at a pace that allows clarity and comprehension by the audience.
• Project your voice to fill the room.
• Use pauses effectively.
• Emphasize key words and vary your tone accordingly.

Effective Language in Debate

• Use simple language to avoid confusion.
• Refer to the opposing side as "my opponent".
• When rebutting, use phrases that indicate you are responding to your opponent.
• Avoid exaggeration (eg never, always).
• Use precise language when discussing opposing ideas, avoid labeling ideas or arguments as "incorrect."

Confidence in Debate

• Maintain a relaxed posture.
• Eliminate filler words (meaningless words).
• Understand your material thoroughly.
• Use gestures appropriately; avoid nervous gestures.
• Maintain eye contact with the audience.

What to Avoid in Debate

• Falsifying evidence or altering information.
• Publicly disagreeing with the decision-makers.
• Attacking individuals rather than ideas.
• Show aggressive or offensive behavior towards other opponents, judges, or the audience.
• Interrupting others, as this implies a weaker argument.
• Disagreeing with widely accepted facts or truths.