“Debate is an organizational tool, and a critical thinking tool – a thought skeleton.”
Download the presentation by the UBC Debating Society here.
What is a debate?
- Formalised, reasoned argument
- Two sides attempt to convince each other (or third party) of their point of view on a motion (or “resolution”) on a topic on which two sides disagree.
- All-important à what makes a debate a debate? The two sides must disagree with what the other side says, not just the resolution
Relevance of debates
- Develops critical thinking skills
- Similarity to essay writing
- Application to speaking in class
- Discussion groups, seminars, etc.
- Compels students to involve themselves in a personal way in the material
Skills
- Argumentation
- Rebuttal
- Communication (verbal and non-verbal)
Key strategies for winning a debate.
- Present strongly supported, cogent arguments.
b. Engage, acknowledge, and refute the arguments of your opponents.
c. Don’t contradict yourself! - Signpost – tell us what you are going to tell us, and then tell us what you told us!
- Think critically on your feet.
How should your speech (“case”) be structured?
A. State the Resolution
B. State your Definition
(1) Defined Term
(2) Defined Term
etc.
C. Arguments
(1) Tagline
– argument (premise, evidence, example, conclusion)
(2) Tagline
-argument
(3) Tagline
-argument
etc.
D. Conclusion
Sum up Taglines and end with a flourish!
4. What are some of the key tasks for your group?
STRATEGIZE
a. Decide on your interpretation of the resolution
b. Discuss and anticipate what the opposing team might argue
c. Decide which topics you will focus on (usually one or two per debater)
d. Research your topics as necessary and come up with specific arguments (** choosing the most powerful arguments is a good strategy**)
e. Decide in which order you’ll present those arguments, and decide who has which role (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th debater)
CRAFT YOUR ARGUMENT
f. Write out your debating points
g. Practice: saying the debate out loud (make sure to time yourself – respecting the 5 minute time limit)
PREPARE FOR THE REBUTTAL
h. Divide up responsibility for the arguments you think the other team is likely to make
i. Prepare counter-arguments
DURING THE REBUTTAL
- Focus on rebutting your opponent’s strongest arguments
- Don’t dwell too long on any one specific point – try to make a comprehensive critique
*Note – there is no way to completely prepare for the rebuttal – some of your thinking will happen on your feet during the debate.
5. Other key points
- Watch out for logical fallacies If you don’t know what a logical fallacy is, read this handout!: on the part of your opponents – and call them on it
- Signpost your argument: For example, say things like: “Now I’m done my first argument, and here is my second argument.”
- Examples are not the same as arguments! Spend relatively little time on examples – focus on constructing the argument.
Further Information
- The UBC Debate Society’s Debate 101 Workshop Project: ubcdebate.com
Table 1: Debates versus Dialogues
| DEBATE | DIALOGUE |
| One ‘right’ answer | Many answers |
| Combative | Cooperative |
| Winning | Finding common ground |
| Listening to find flaws | Listening to understand |
| Defending assumptions | Examining assumptions |
| Criticizing other views | Re-examining your views |
| Rejecting other views | Incorporating other views |
| Seeking your outcome | Creating new outcomes |
Public Speaking Tips: When preparing your presentation, keep in mind the following points. We discussed these in class on January 16th:
-avoid filler words
-use signposting
-modulate your voice appropriately (not too monotone, avoiding “uptalk” at the end of sentences)
-eye contact (entire room)
-body movements (limited hand gestures “in the box”, reduce/eliminate fidgeting)
-posture and voice projection (relaxed shoulders, feet grounded on the floor, take deep breaths – this will improve your volume and projection)