1. Are you for or against this presentation?
What is a debate
Are you for or against this presentation?

2. A DEBATER SHOULD HAVE: Good knowledge of current issues
Ability to generate ideas
Ability to think critically and logically
Ability to present ideas systematically
Ability to handle culturally diverse and challenging situations with great ease

3. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DEBATING?
Cultivated quick, multi-dimensional, logical thinking
Enhances the ability to develop reasoned opinions
Gives a better understanding of current events
Improves self-confidence, speaking style, and command of the language
Enriches overall leadership qualities
Helps with essay writing

4. DEBATES ARE JUDGED BASED ON:
1. Matter (content)
2. Manner (style)
3. Method (organization, structure)

5. ELEMENTS OF MATTER a) Definitions
Define the topic and explain the key words
Identify what you want to prove and where you stand

6. ELEMENTS OF MATTER, cont’d
b) Arguments (getting the right argument)
Identify what you have to prove
Identify your main arguments
Not everything you know is relevant to the topic
Anticipate the questions that may be raised against your arguments and make sure you have good answers
Block the opportunity for those questions by addressing them as you explain your argument
Present the arguments in order of strength
Avoid empty rhetoric (too wordy, exaggerated, etc.) and emotionalism (you become emotional) – be rational

7. ELEMENTS OF MATTER, cont’d
c) Evidence (establishing an argument)
Basic statement
Logical explanation of why and how the basic statement stands
Proof/examples/evidence that factually establish the basic statement
Emotional appeal; case studies, personal stories
Conclusion – how the basic statement proves the argument of the team

8. ELEMENTS OF MATTER, cont’d
d) Rebuttals
Logical and factual responses to refute the other teams argument
Use statement of fact and questioning

9. ELEMENTS OF MANNER Respectful attitude toward judges and other team
Vocal style: volume, clarity, pace, intonation
Use of notes: do not read a written text
Eye contact
Body language: hand gestures, pacing, standing, etc.
Impression of sincerity
Humour, wit (not sarcasm)

10. ELEMENTS OF METHOD Individual Attractive opening/outline of speech
Proper organization and priority of arguments
Organization of rebuttals
Appropriate timing
Good summary of speech
Ability to follow the progression of, and changes in, the debate and act accordingly

11. Elements of method, cont’d
Team
Continuity of team’s argument in all speeches
Consistency among all speakers (no contradictions)
Reinforcement of team member’s arguments
Clear and logical separation among arguments

12. DEBATE SEQUENCE/ORDER
Introduction
1ST Affirmative 1 minute – Introduction, definition, etc. (construction)
2ND Negative 1 minute - Introduction, definition, etc. (construction)
Construction
1ST Affirmative 1.5 minutes – construction
2ND Negative 1.5 minutes – rebuttal (construction of defensive position)
Cross Examination (Questions)
1ST Affirmative 1.5 minutes – questions 1st negative
2ND Negative 1.5 minutes – questions 1st affirmative
Conclusion (Summary)
1ST Affirmative 1 minute – Summary
2ND Negative 1 minute – Summary

13. ARGUMENTS: ERRORS & FAULTY REASONING
Arguments which attack the person rather than the idea (you’re picking on me, only an idiot would believe that, etc.)

14. ARGUMENTS: ERRORS & FAULTY REASONING, CONT’D
“Begging the question” (assuming the answer) – acting as if an argument is true when in fact it is the question of the debate.

15. ARGUMENTS: ERRORS & FAULTY REASONING, CONT’D
Over-simplification of a problem (it is wrong to spank a child. Frank’s parents used to spank him and now he is in prison)

16. ARGUMENTS: ERRORS & FAULTY REASONING, CONT’D
False analogy – comparing two things that are essentially not alike (Every cow has four legs. This animal has four legs therefore this animal is a cow). What works in Canada may not work in Uganda.

17. ARGUMENTS: ERRORS & FAULTY REASONING, CONT’D
Hasty generalizations – arguments based on insufficient evidence (Sweet peas do not grow well in Richmond. I planted some in my garden in Welland and they didn’t grow. OR The poet Shelley was a poor speller therefore spelling is not important.

18. ARGUMENTS: ERRORS & FAULTY REASONING, CONT’D
Biased or suppressed evidence - A statement usually intended to deceive that omits some of the facts necessary for an accurate description. This refers to a form of selective thinking that focuses on evidence that supports what believers already believe while ignoring evidence that refutes their beliefs.