1. Conducting a Debate
A debate is a discussion or structured contest about an issue or a resolution. A formal debate involves two sides: one supporting a resolution and one opposing it. Such a debate is bound by rules previously agreed upon. Debates may be judged in order to declare a winning side.

2. Conducting a Debate
Decisions at a board meeting, public hearing, legislative assembly, or local organization are often reached through discussion and debate. Indeed, any discussion of a resolution is a form of debate, which may or may not follow formal rules

3. Structure for Debate
A formal debate usually involves three groups: one supporting a resolution (affirmative team, Pro Team), one opposing the resolution (opposing team, Con Team), and those who are judging the quality of the evidence and arguments and the performance in the debate.

4. Debate Preparation: Develop the resolution to be debated
Organize the teams
Establish the rules of the debate, including timelines
Research the topic and prepare logical arguments
Gather supporting evidence and examples for position taken
Anticipate counter arguments and prepare rebuttals
Team members plan order and content of speaking in debate
Establish expectations, if any, for assessment of debate.

5. Post-debate Discussion and Assessment
When the formal debate is finished, allow time for debriefing and discussion. Members of the audience should be given an opportunity to ask questions and to contribute their own thoughts and opinions on the arguments presented. Members of the debate teams may also wish to reflect on their performance and seek feedback from the audience, including the teacher.

6. Suggestions for making a good debate presentation
State your position at the outset
State the main points you intend to argue; this is often most effectively done by listing them, briefly and precisely:
“Our first point is.....
“Oour second point is.....
And our final point is....”

7. Suggestions for making a good debate presentation
Then present each of your main points in more detail; provide whatever explanations and clarifications are needed, and give arguments or evidence in favor of your position
Summarize one final time, briefly and precisely, the main point(s) you have just made Note: Keep searching until you find the exact word or formulation that best conveys what you are trying to say at any given point. Precision is essential.

8. Suggestions for making a good debate presentation
Feel free to use notes, but do not read word for word from a prepared text; look at and address your audience • each of your presentations may last no more than time allotted (rehearse and time yourself in advance; we'll have an official timekeeper)
Be sure to coordinate your arguments and strategy with those of your partner

9. Suggestions for making a good debate presentation
The function of these debates is threefold:
(1) to give you practice in working through a topic in some detail and formulating your findings with brevity and precision
(2) to teach other students about an aspect of the day's work which you will have spent more time considering than they
(3) to stimulate class discussion • in other words, is your presentation sound? clear? interesting? persuasive?