1. Strategic Debate
Design concise, compelling arguments that can stand up under almost immediate attack from a skilled opponent

2. Critical Listening Anticipate what the opposition is likely to say.
Continually review or summarize what the opposition has been saying.
Pay attention to evidence being used
Watch for “hidden meanings”
Nonverbal messages
Critical Listening

3. Debate teaches to employ critical thinking skills
To evaluate both sides of an issue before making a decision
To listen critically
To speak extemporaneously
Organizational skills
Values that are essential for living in a democracy
Debate teaches

4. Critical thinking Develop reasons to back up position
Analyze a position by exploring reasons for it
Understand the reasons behind the opposition’s position
Can their arguments refute your own?
Critical thinking

5. Seek out evidence Library, correspondence, debate handbooks
Determine how to use evidence
Know what your evidence does for your argument
Look for responses to evidence
Seek out evidence

6. Research First! An argument is a claim supported by evidence
In your notes, write down and analyze the arguments you encounter in your research
Argument’s main claim
Importance of the main claim
Evidence that is used to support the main claim
Shortcomings in the supporting evidence
Once research is done, separate arguments into those that support the Aff. and those that support the Neg.
Add any ideas of your own
Research First!

7. Strategic ACtivity Strategy: overall plan of attack
Tactic: specific techniques used to fulfill the plan
Need both to win a debate
Strategic ACtivity