Suggestions for Successful Debating
12 March 2005

  1. Analysis:
    1. A good debater has a thorough knowledge of the topic
    2. A good debater provides complete evidence to support her/his argument
    3. A good debater will go beyond the typical argument base and/or refine and develop the standard case
  2. Organization:
    1. Make sure the organization fits the analysis.
    2. Review the judges' feedback to correct your organization.
  3. Presentation of Arguments:
    1. A good affirmative team
      1. actively supports the burden of proof
      2. stays on the offensive
      3. narrows the range of arguments
    2. A good negative team
      1. actively supports the status quo
      2. tries to become the offensive team and put the affirmative team on the defensive
      3. tries to expand the range of argument
  4. Rebuttal:
    1. Listen carefully to opponent’s arguments
    2. State the argument you are attacking and say why
    3. State your counter-argument
    4. Give the evidence for your counter-argument
    5. Sum up your argument and give perspective to your position by showing how it affects the debate.
    6. Realize that it is entirely possible that some of what the opponent says is true; do not contest that which is obviously true, but look for weaknesses.
  5. Delivery
    1. Always talk to the judge
    2. Make your speech interesting and memorable
    3. Forecast your attack (have an introduction)
    4. Erect signposts as you go along to let the judge know where you are (make organization obvious)
    5. Always have a brief summary at the end of your speech
    6. Avoid speaker mannerisms that detract from a speech (don’t get overly-dramatic).
    7. Avoid clichés (no puns, jokes, name-calling).
    8. Avoid sarcasm or other ad hominem remarks (personal attacks on the opposition)
    9. Remain poised during the debate (never talk or be rude while the opposition is talking).