Debate Expressions: Arguing Effectively

• Expressions for debates

Starting an argument

• Begin by saying it's a pleasure or honor to be there.
• State the number of points you will make (e.g., "We are going to make X points.").
• If arguing for or against a motion, state your stance and how you'll support it (e.g., "We have decided to do so by presenting three main points.").
• Pose questions to the opposition (e.g., "Let me ask the opposition if...").
• Ask hypothetical questions (e.g. "What would you say if...").
• Suggest considering outside factors (e.g., "Have you considered...").

Weakening the Opposition's Argument

• State that the opposition's argument/example is not very significant.
• Suggest their argument should not be taken so seriously.
• Acknowledge a point while introducing your own to counter it (e.g., "It is undoubtedly true that..., but...").

Countering a Repetitive Argument

• Point out that repeating an argument does not make it true.
• Suggest that time could be better spent on more important issues/questions.
• Offer an alternative argument to refocus the debate (e.g. "For instance...").
• Acknowledge the repetitive question but emphasize that the answer is still the same.
• Suggest alternative topics (e.g. "We are wasting time that could be used to tackle more important issues/questions").

Countering Numbers

• Question the source of the quoted figures.
• Challenge the validity of the numbers, implying they may be inaccurate (e.g., "Maybe 70% of Americans are wrong.").
• Ask a question that allows you to regain control of the debate.

Countering a Sweeping Generalization

• Refute the generalization as a stereotype/cliché.
• Provide counter-examples to disprove the opposition's generalization (e.g., "What about...").
• State that the opposition's argument is fallacious/illogical.

Fallacious Reasoning

• Demonstrate the consequences of following the opposition's argument ("If... then...").
• Argue that the opposition's statement is unsustainable.
• Acknowledge the premise but transition to your argument.
• Present your argument, framing it as central to the debate.

Stressing a Point

• Use phrases like "I cannot stress the point enough that..." to emphasize key arguments.
• Use phrases like "I really would like to emphasize..." to emphasize key arguments.
• Reiterate for emphasis (e.g., "Again, I really would like to stress/to emphasize").

Expressing Personal Opinion

• Use phrases such as "To my mind/in my opinion.”

Agreeing

• Use phrases such as "I think we can all agree".

Sequencing

• Use sequencing terms such as "First", "First and foremost"

Building on points

• Use additions such as "Furthermore/Besides/on top of that"
• Use sequencing terms such as "Afterwards" and "Finally"

Concluding point

• Use transitions such as "Last but not least"

Giving examples

• Use examples such as "For instance/For example"

Reasoning skills

• Use reasoning skills such as "For example, take into account.../consider...."

Telling a story

• Use examples such as "Let me tell you about some personal experience..."
• Use anecdotes such as "I would quickly like to share with you a personal account that, I believe, will illustrate clearly our argument..."

Summarizing

• In a nutshell,

Concluding

• To conclude,

Thanking audience

• Thanks a lot for listening to our, case and I hope we have managed to convince you to our side of the debate.

Thanking judge

• We would like to thank the audience, the members of the jury and the members of the opposing team.

Final statements of hope

• We hope we have managed to convince you to our side of the debate.