How to write a debate in seven easy steps

Summary

In this video, Grooble's Media presents a step-by-step guide on how to write a formal debate. The process is broken down into seven essential steps: defining key words, crafting your argument, allocating speaker roles, conducting thorough research, preparing rebuttals, timing the debate, and practicing. The video emphasizes the importance of clear definitions, effective argumentation, and anticipating opposing viewpoints. By following these steps, debaters can hone their skills, present with confidence, and become better critical thinkers. Whether you're on the affirmative or negative side, this guide will help you craft a winning debate strategy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Define the key words in the debate topic to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• 😀 Understand that the affirmative team agrees with the topic, while the negative team disagrees.
• 😀 The first step in writing a debate is defining the key words using dictionary definitions.
• 😀 Carefully define your argument by replacing key terms with definitions to clarify your position.
• 😀 Allocate arguments among speakers—first speaker focuses on global implications, second on individual impact, and third on summarizing and rebutting.
• 😀 Teams must plan and research thoroughly before the debate, ensuring they address both supporting and opposing views.
• 😀 Rebuttals should be prepared in advance based on anticipated arguments from the opposition.
• 😀 The third speaker's role is to rebut the opposition's case and summarize their own team’s arguments.
• 😀 Always time your debate and practice your rebuttals to ensure you meet the time limit.
• 😀 Practice is crucial for a confident and smooth delivery, including making eye contact with the audience and avoiding over-reliance on notes.
• 😀 The seven steps for a successful debate are: define keywords, define your argument, allocate arguments, research, prepare rebuttals, time your debate, and practice.

Q & A

What is the first step in writing a debate according to the script?

The first step is defining the key words in the topic. This involves looking up the dictionary definitions of important terms and ensuring both sides of the debate agree on the meanings.

How do the affirmative and negative teams differ in defining the key words?

While both teams define the key words, the definitions might vary slightly. The affirmative team will define the words in a way that supports their stance, and the negative team might interpret the terms differently to present counterarguments.

What example is given to explain the importance of defining key words?

An example is given where the topic is 'humans should colonize Mars.' The key words 'humans,' 'should,' 'colonize,' and 'Mars' are defined, helping to clarify the exact meaning of the debate topic.

What role does the first speaker on the affirmative team play in the debate?

The first speaker on the affirmative team introduces the team's argument, defines the key words, and begins with a scenario or research-based introduction to set the stage for the debate.

How should teams allocate arguments in a debate?

Teams should allocate arguments based on their strengths. The first speaker may focus on global implications, the second speaker on individual impacts, and the third speaker on summarizing both their own case and the opposition's case.

What are the responsibilities of the second speaker on the affirmative team?

The second speaker of the affirmative team should focus on how the topic affects individuals, such as the technological advancements that colonizing Mars could lead to. This speaker should also provide rebuttals to the negative team's arguments.

What are some key considerations when researching for a debate?

When researching, it's important to find facts and articles that support your side of the argument, but also be prepared to address opposing arguments. This allows for better preparation for rebuttals.

What is the significance of rebuttal in a debate?

Rebuttal is critical in a debate as it allows you to address and challenge the points made by the opposition. Pre-planning rebuttals is important, but active listening during the debate is essential for crafting effective responses.

Why is timing important in a debate?

Timing is crucial to ensure that each speaker stays within their allotted time while covering all points thoroughly, including rebuttals. Preparing in advance and noting approximate times for each part of the debate helps maintain structure.

What advice is given for practicing a debate?

It is advised that debaters practice so they are familiar with their arguments and can present comfortably. Practicing helps with eye contact and reducing reliance on notes, which improves the overall delivery of the presentation.