Debate Module ‘Speak up’ W2A

Question What is debating?

Some rules 1. Freedom of speech for everyone. 2. You have the right to change your opinion. 3. You have the duty to voice arguments, when you voice an opinion. 4. You’re right? That doesn’t mean that you will be proven right.

So: When you have rights… you have duties! With authority and power… come responsibilities

Point to ponder Voicing your opinion is not the same as voicing your emotions and feelings. Explain this statement using your own words.

So, in a debate You can voice your opinion. You voice arguments to prove you’re right. You are not allowed to abuse, call names, curse, swear etc. Don’t mistake your emotions for opinions. The other person will voice counter arguments. Remember: mostly, the opposite can be proven too.

Golden rule Think before you say out loud what you’re thinking. You don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings. Respect is most important.

Statement Arguing/reasoning equals convincing someone. True or not true?

Not true! When you are arguing:  your aim is to persuade…  you may succeed…  you may fail.

In a debate You have to:  inform everybody of your point of view…  using clear language…  present your arguments, reasons.

Point of view Or opinion:  ‘I think…’  ‘According to…’  ‘In my experience’  ‘I feel strongly that…’  etc

Arguments ‘Because, since, for…’ ‘Research has shown’ ‘According to…’ ‘First, second.’ ‘On one hand, on the other hand…’ etc

Arguments are based upon Routines Definitions Social standards. Authority Generalisation ‘She always takes her car, so…’ ‘The water is boiling. It must be 100 degrees Celsius.’ ‘The minister’s report said….’ ‘These things are dangerous. Many accidents have happened already.’

Arguments May also be based on: Probability =>  An assumption is true, except for…

Remember Pros Advantages You win some Cons Disadvantages You lose some For every plan, proposal etc you can voice counter arguments, drawbacks, disadvantages, losses etc. SO:

Manual To prove your point you have to: Voice your point of view (clearly) List and explain your arguments Refute (counter/disprove) counter arguments (or admit they are true) Summarise all pros and cons Repeat your point of view

Beware! Distinguish between: Facts and feelings Objectivity and subjectivity Causes and consequences  ‘Many car accidents because of bad weather.’ Requirements and garantuees  Planning your work is a condition, not a garantuee!

How to respond? One liners Shouters Personal attacks

Skills needed You have to be able to: Listen Present your point of view Deliver your arguments in the right manner Analyse arguments Defend your arguments Challenge arguments Think clearly, use your head

The debate What we need: A statement Debaters pro Debaters con Host Jury

Our statements For each blank CD or DVD, the consumer pays € 0,20 extra. This money will be paid to musicians and filmmakers. For youngster up to 16 years old, it should be forbidden by law to drink any alcohol. If they tresspass against this law, they will be fined € 500,=

Our host Scott Bronfman

Organisation Film intro statement pro Arguments pro Film intro con Arguments con Debate Closure pro Closure con Verdict jury 3 minutes 2 minutes 3 minutes 2 minutes 10 minutes 2 minutes 3 minutes

Jury Students who are not participating in the debate will act as a jury. So:  Students working on statement 1, will act as a jury for statement 2.  And vice versa.

Jury Decides who was the best debater: Who had the best arguments? Who sounded the most convincing? Who prepared best? Who responded in the most natural and spontaneous way to counter arguments? Who was the best keeping to the rules?

Info The information in this PowerPoint presentation was based upon: ‘Gelijk hebben, gelijk krijgen. Kleine gids van het debat.’ Author: Jack Diekstra.