Rules of Debate

Debate Formal method of interactive, representational argument Ancient societies Politics Academic settings Definition of Argument: 1. To put forth reasons for or against; debate. 2. To prove or attempt to prove by reasoning. 3. To give evidence of your reasoning. 4. To persuade or influence, as by presenting reasons. Debate

One-on-one Competitive Parliamentary Lincoln-Douglas Public Forum Oxford-style Paris-style Extemporaneous Let’s Debate One-on-one Competitive Team Competitions Classroom Forms

Attitude Avoid the use of Never or Always. Refrain from saying you are wrong. Say your idea is mistaken. Don't disagree with obvious truths. Attack the idea not the person. Use many rather than most. Use some rather than many. Avoid exaggeration. The use of often or generally allows for exceptions. Quote sources and numbers. Do not present opinion as facts. Smile when disagreeing. Stress the positive. You do not need to win every battle to win the war. Concede minor or trivial points. Avoid bickering, quarreling, and wrangling. Watch your tone of voice. Don't win a debate and lose a friend. Keep your perspective - You're just debating. Attitude

1. I couldn't agree more. 2. That's absolutely true. 3. Absolutely. 4 1.   I couldn't agree more! 2.   That's absolutely true! 3.   Absolutely! 4.   I agree with your point. 5.   I'd go along with your point. 6.   I'm with you on that point. 7.   That's just what I was thinking. 8.   That's exactly what I think. 9.   That's a good point. 10. That's just how I see it. 11. That's exactly my opinion. How to agree strongly

How to agree with reservation 1.   Yes, perhaps, however ... 2.   Well, yes, but ... 3.   Yes, in a way, however ... 4.   Hmm, possibly, but ... 5.   Yes, I agree up to a point, however ... 6.   Well, you have a point there, but ... 7.   There's something there, I suppose, however ... 8.   I guess your idea could be right, but ... 9.   Yes, I suppose so, however ... 10. That's worth thinking about, but ... How to agree with reservation

How to politely disagree 1.  I am not so sure. 2.  Do you think so? 3.  Well, it depends. 4.  I'm not so certain. 5.  Well, I don't know. 6.  Well, I'm not so sure about that. 7.  Hmm, I'm not sure your idea is right. 8.  I'm inclined to disagree with that idea. 9.  No, I don't think so. How to politely disagree

How to disagree strongly 1.   I disagree. 2.   I disagree with your idea. 3.   I'm afraid I don't agree. 4.   I'm afraid your idea is wrong. 5.   I can't agree with your idea. 6.   I couldn't accept that idea for a minute. 7.   You can't actually mean that. 8.   I wouldn't go along with your idea there. 9.   You can't be serious about that point. 10. You must be joking. 11. It's possible you are mistaken about that. How to disagree strongly