1. Debate 101
Basic Debate Workshop

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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:

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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?

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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?

14. 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…”

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

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

17. UBC Debate Society (UBCDS)
Want to learn more?
UBC Debate Society (UBCDS)