Debate 101 Basic Debate Workshop

What comes to mind when you think of debate? Your Turn! What comes to mind when you think of debate? Key point is: Structure! Not just an argument.

What is Debate? A debate is a formalized argument. It provides a structure for different parties to exchange thoughts and discussion on an issue. Takes many forms: Classroom debates Politics: Elections and Parliament Thesis Defense Talking to Profs

Non-Verbal Debate? Understanding Debate = Understanding Papers Academic discourse, interacting with others and develop your own stance on the issue in a methodical fashion Acknowledge opposing views/findings Debate is an organizational tool; a thought skeleton (come back to later) Universal Skill – Critical Thinking

Debate Structure The topic for debate is called a motion or resolution Job of Proposition to Define/Explain the motion Teams of 2 or 3 are assigned to either the proposition (for) or opposition (against) side You may find yourself disagreeing with the side you're defending, but that's part of the fun! The two sides will alternate in giving speeches for or against the motion Think of it like a game, a rational competition to figure out ideas to support arguments (whether or not you agree with them) Important to sound authoritative: think “you ARE the smartest person in the room.” Emphasis on Saying smart things Saying them in an interesting way – strategies for getting attention of judge or audience Structure is KEY to achieving both. (Everyone is capable of saying smart things – key is ordering them logically) Hamburger style: Say what you are going to say Say it Say what you said

Speech Structure Basic Version: State your position, and explain how you’re going to defend it Go through your arguments, illustrating them with examples as necessary, and showing why they are relevant/support your case Address the opposing side’s arguments, and why they are wrong! (Rebuttal) Summarize your main points, and why your side is stronger How does this work with 4, 6, or 8 people? Similarities/Differences with Paper Structure? Examples are illustrative but they are NOT arguments in and of themselves.

Papers and “Imaginary Debates” What does a case “look like”? Organizing your papers the same way you would a debate provides a structural core that you can then develop into a paper – it helps keep everything organized Resolution: Def’n: 1) Defined Term 2) Defined Term Arguments: 1) tagline - argument 2) tagline 3) tagline Caseline:

Argumentation At its most fundamental level, an argument consists of 3 things: Statement (What you're proving) Explanation (Why it is true) Example (When it worked) Must tell judge/room Why something is true Need to say the logical links that justify statement Tip: When you are preparing the argument… Keep asking why, till you can’t ask the question any more

Argumentation Arguments not Examples Internally Consistent Relevance Example should be used to back up argument Example is not an argument on it’s own Internally Consistent Arguments need to not contradict each other Relevance You have a limited amount of time Focus on the arguments that prove your case Logical Fallacies Slippery slope Appeal to Authority Straw Manning Arguments are inconsistent, at times, because underlying assumptions are contradictory

This house would cut funding to NASA Your turn! This house would cut funding to NASA What arguments can you make in favour of this? Opposed to this?

Rebuttal/Refutation What is Rebuttal? How do you make a rebuttal? Disproving, or undermining the arguments of your opponent How do you make a rebuttal? Sum up their argument. Indicate why they are wrong and explain. Tree analogy A case is built like a tree with a trunk, branches, and leaves Go for the trunk Weigh your argument relative to theirs – this is where you should target the focus of your rebuttal.

Rebuttal/Refutation Look at their arguments, do they make “sense”? Have they made mistakes or assumptions? Do their arguments actually support their thesis? What are the practical implications? Does the argument contain logical fallacies (contradicts itself), or contradict earlier arguments? Are there any counter examples

Your Turn! "We should cut NASA's budget because it is using up money that could be spent on better things, and does not produce benefits for society" Why is this wrong? How can you refute it?

Presentation Signposting Crutch Words Say what you're going to say, say it, say what you said Makes it easy for Judge to follow you Crutch Words Things you use to let your mind catch up with your mouth Not worst thing, but try not to use too much Try replacing with Better Crutch Words Silence, on that point, furthermore NAME the three points: e.g. My first point is about the economy, My second point is about the environment. When you get to that point, reiterate and repeat. “My second point, about the environment…”

What sort of crutch words do you use while speaking? Your turn! What sort of crutch words do you use while speaking?

Presentation Mannerisms Nerves!! Keep eye contact Speak loud and clear Hand gestures Monotone Nerves!!

Activity Time to Debate

Want to learn more? UBC Debate Society (UBCDS) See website for scheduled meetings/debates. www.ubcdebate.com