Public Speaking in Debating The Structure, Tips, Dos and Don’ts

What is Debating? an argument with rules two teams present a resolution (sometimes called a proposition) or topic that they will debate Timed arguments One team is for the resolution (PRO or affirmative) and the other team is (AGAINST or negative) a judge, or a panel of judges decides at the end of the debate who is the winner

Public Speaking Debate Structure Teams will be made up of 7-8 people Students will be placed on their specific team and on either the pro or con side Students will divide the following positions: Opening Closing Proposing Rebutting Countering Teams will have a maximum of 2 minutes per point, 1 minute per rebuttals, with 30 seconds between rebuttals A coin toss will decide who is team 1 and who is team 2 >There are as many different styles and forms of debates as there are debtaes

Public Speaking Debate Structure Teams will follow the following structure: 2 minutes per point, 1 minute per rebuttals, with 30 seconds between rebuttals Opening from Team 1 Opening from Team 2 Team 1 First Proposition (1st point) Team 2 Rebuttal Team 1 Counter Team 2 First Proposition Team 1 Rebuttal Team 2 Counter Team 1 Second Proposition (2nd point) Team 2 Rebuttal Team 1 Counter Team 2 Second point Team 1 Rebuttal Team 1 Closing Team 2 Closing >There are as many different styles and forms of debates as there are debtaes

Do’s and Don’ts DON’T attack your opponents. DON’T side track your opponents with irrelevant points, stay on topic. DON’T attack your opponents. DO stick to your planned, researched arguments.

DO thoroughly research your topic and position, the best start to squashing a rebuttal is a well researched, well designed presentation. DON’T simply state facts: This is the path to being a dull speaker Not stating sources or not backing up statements can lead to heavy rebuttal from your opponents Make sure you are presenting an informed position, being proven wrong is damaging and embarrassing, things everyone wants to avoid Be an exciting speaker, be animated, monotone or dry speaking will bore your audience, not win them over Debating is equal parts Substance and Presentation

DO use humor and / or anecdotes in your speaking: Using examples helps illustrate your position, and uses an argument of precedence Make sure your information is appropriate MAKE SURE you do not insult or offend with your anecdotes / jokes, they can be very powerful tools when used properly

DO be aware of time constraints, if there are any. Practice your initial speech so you will be “on top” of the situation. Know what it feels like to speak for the allotted length of time, speaking too much or not enough weakens your position. Knowing and being ready for time constraints will make you appear better organized for your debate, it will also make you less nervous about speaking publicly

DON’T try to “juggle” too many points at once DON’T try to “juggle” too many points at once. State your ideas in a logical order. TIP: the more you practice and plan your speaking, the less nervous you will be. DON’T use inappropriate language or gestures: People will ignore your information if not presented in an appropriate manner.

DO be aware of what your partner(s) plans are. Having a strategy worked out for your side ahead of time will definitely help you win your debate by being unified and prepared enough to stay collected DON’T work alone and risk being redundant, make the most of your team’s time.

DO recycle information in your closing speech. Remember:The closing speaker(s) should sum up all relevant arguments and rebuttals without introducing any new information.

TIPS Cue cards can help a debater to stay focused, but DON’T read from them, use them as a guide. Speak to the audience or moderator Research both sides of the argument to prepare for the rebuttals and opposite arguments Strategically plan your arguments. Save your best and most polished points for last

Follow these tips and suggestions, and everything will come together for a successful debate!