How to run a debate

Summary

This class explores the structure and process of formal debating, where teams argue for or against a topic. The affirmative team starts by defining keywords and presenting their argument, while the negative team rebuts and presents their stance. Each speaker has a time limit, and rebuttals are crucial. The debate concludes with the negative team's third speaker having the last word. Adjudicators decide the winner based on presentation, timing, and the most convincing argument. Debating fosters the ability to see different viewpoints and enhances teamwork.

Takeaways

• 😀 Debating involves arguing for or against a topic to prove your team is correct and the opposing team is wrong.
• 🐱 A debate topic could be simple, such as 'cats are better pets than dogs' or 'students should get more holidays.'
• 🏛️ Formal debates have two teams: the affirmative team (supporting the topic) and the negative team (opposing the topic), each with three speakers.
• ⏱️ The timekeeper tracks the time, giving a warning at 3 minutes and ringing the bell at 4 minutes if the speaking time is 4 minutes long.
• 🗣️ The first speaker of each team defines key terms, introduces their team's argument, and starts the debate.
• 🤼‍♂️ Rebuttal is crucial in debates, where speakers respond to the opposition’s arguments and explain why they are wrong.
• 💡 The second and third speakers continue the team’s argument, providing rebuttals and strengthening their case.
• 🎙️ The third speaker of the negative team has the last word, which can be an advantage in concluding the debate.
• 🏆 Adjudicators decide the winner based on presentation skills, timing, and the strength of the argument.
• 🤝 Debating teaches teamwork, critical thinking, and the ability to argue a side you may not personally agree with.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of debating?

The main purpose of debating is to argue for or against a topic and prove why one team’s stance is correct while the opposing team’s stance is incorrect.

What are some examples of debate topics?

Examples of debate topics mentioned include ‘cats are better pets than dogs’ and ‘students should get more holidays.’

How many people are on each debate team in a formal setup?

Each debate team has three people in a formal setup.

What are the roles of the affirmative and negative teams in a debate?

The affirmative team argues in favor of the topic, while the negative team argues against it.

Who is the first person to speak in a debate?

The first person to speak is the first speaker of the affirmative team.

What are the duties of the timekeeper in a debate?

The timekeeper starts the stopwatch when each speaker begins, and rings a bell to signal the speaker’s remaining time.

What is a rebuttal, and why is it important in debates?

A rebuttal is when a speaker addresses a point made by the opposition to explain why it is incorrect and strengthen their own team’s argument. Rebuttals are crucial, as they can determine the outcome of the debate.

Who gets the last word in a debate and why might this be an advantage?

The third speaker of the negative team is the last to address the audience, which can be an advantage because they have the final opportunity to reinforce their points and rebut the opposition.

How is the winner of a debate decided?

An adjudicator or team of adjudicators decides the winner by assessing presentation skills, timing, and which team made the most convincing argument.

What skills can debating teach students?

Debating teaches students to view arguments from multiple perspectives, improves teamwork, helps with planning and organizing, and develops public speaking skills.