Debates 2016! Team 8T How to Prepare and Present a debate

What is a debate? A “Debate” involves two or more opposing speech/arguments that are intended to convince others of a certain point of view. Your purpose is to convince your audience that your point of view is correct.

Affirmative (supports the resolution) The most convincing and dynamic speaker should present FIRST

Negative (Opposes the resolution) The most convincing and dynamic speaker should present LAST.

Researching As you are searching for information, take notes that are very precise. Include important points, but also note the following: Author’s name and title (Mr. Mrs. Ms. Dr.) Name of the article and publication it was found in The date of the publication

Researching continued Cue cards are an ideal way to organize your information. Each publication gets one cue card. Put the bibliographic information on one side and the important points on the other.

Organizing After you collect and share all info. With your partner, RANK your arguments in order of strength (1 being the strongest). Choose the two strongest arguments for your team. The strongest argument should be presented by the LAST speaker. Divide your arguments and supporting eveidence between the two speakers.

Organizing continued. The first speaker also needs to define any necessary terms (e.g. euthanasia) Using the format outlined on the next slide, make speaking cards. Use simple point form notes to remind you of what you are supposed to be saying. Be sure to practise speaking with your partner (and perhaps your parents) outside of class until you are confident and well rehearsed.

Format for presenting the debate First Affirmative: 1.State the resolution (Eg. Be it resolved that euthanasia is an ethical practice) Define any unclear terms. Give a Very Brief background to the topic. 2.State the affirmative position (“We firmly believe that..”) 3.Outline your arguments (“We will prove this by examining..”) 4.Prove your first argument by using supporting evidence (examples, statistics, etc.) “I will begin by proving that…) 5.Summarize the argument that you have presented and restate the resolution

Format for presenting the debate First Negative: 1.Introduce the negative position by restating the resolution from your point of view (“We disagree with the resolution as stated. We believe that…”). If you disagree with any definitions that were presented by the affirmative side, now is the time to accept them or reject them and substitute your own definitions. The mediator will decide which definitions will be accepted. 2.Rebuttal – Target any faulty arguments by quoting, if possible, your opponent’s words. (Be sure you are taking notes while they are speaking). Using your own evidence, try to disprove the argument that your opponent presented.

Format for presenting the debate First Negative continued: 3. Restate the resolution from your point of view (“We believe that…”) 4. Outline your arguments. (“We will prove this by examining…”) 5. Prove your first argument by using supporting evidence (examples, statistics, etc.) (“I will begin by proving that…”). 6. Summarize the argument that you have presented and restate the resolution.

Second affirmative 1.Restate the resolution 2.Rebuttal – Target any faulty arguments by quoting, if possible, your opponent’s words. (Be sure you are taking notes while they are speaking). Using your own evidence, try to disprove the argument that your opponent presented. 3.Restate the resolution from your point of view. (“We believe that…”)

Second affirmative continued: 4. Prove your strongest (and last argument). 5. Summarize your stand and restate the resolution.

Second Negative 1.Restate the resolution 2.Rebuttal – Target any faulty arguments by quoting, if possible, your opponent’s words. (Be sure you are taking notes while they are speaking). Using your own evidence, try to disprove the argument that your opponent presented. 3.Restate the resolution from your point of view (“We believe that…”)

Second negative continued 4. Prove your strongest (and last) argument. 5. Summarize your stand by listing the arguments used by your side. 6. Restate the resolution.

First Affirmative Concluding Statements 1.Restate the resolution. 2.Rebuttal – Target any faulty arguments by quoting, if possible, your opponent’s words. (Be sure you are taking notes while they are speaking). Using your own evidence, try to disprove the argument that your opponent presented. 3.Restate the resolution from your point of view (“We believe that…”) 4.Summarize your stand by listing the arguments used by your side. 5.Restate the resolution.

6 Hints for Debating 1.Be confident, friendly and courteous. Even when you are upset, never raise your voice or use sarcasm. Self-control is crucial to maintain audience respect. 2.When you are speaking, stand up straight without leaning on the desk. Speak loudly and clearly and try not to read directly from your notes. 3.Follow your speaking cards. Do not stray or you may unintentionally weaken your stance.

6 Hints for Debating - continued 4. Take notes while everyone is speaking. 5. Shake hands and congratulate the other team when the debate is over. 6. The mediator is in charge. Be sure to follow all of his/her instructions.

What to expect... Groups have already been pre-determined. Your opposition teams have already been pre- determined as well. Topics will be drawn out for your debate challenge. You will be given a computer lab session to research your topic and you will have to re-search both the Affirmative and the Negative viewpoints so that you can be prepared for specific counter- arguments.

What to expect - continued You will be evaluated on: 1.Organization and Clarity 2.Use of arguments 3.Use of examples and facts 4.Use of Rebuttal 5.Presentation Style 6.Teamwork

Penalties: No put downs (-1 level penalty for each putdown). Teams lose -1 for each interruption or whispering when the other team is speaking. Follow the format discussed to keep points. Actively listen! Focus on team agreement – regardless!

Sample Teams 1 Kangaroo 6.Giraffes 4.Sea-lions 2.Jaguar 7.Hawks 5.Ostrich 3.Eagle 8.Bears 9.Cougars

The schedule Round 1TopicRound 2TopicRound 3TopicRound 4Topic 1 vs vs. 618 vs vs vs. 793 vs vs vs vs vs. 889 vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs. 824 Matches: First team listed is Affirmative, second team is Negative

Good Luck!