Aiminghigh
NAME: ______________________________
YEAR: ________
COACHES: ___________________________
Debating Handbook
WHAT IS DEBATING?
Debating is about two teams of three speakers trying to convince an audience
(and adjudicator) to believe one point of view rather than another. Debating is a battle of wits using skills of oration and persuasion. Debating will develop your skills of: speaking in front of an audience, preparing arguments, thinking on your feet, listening to and understanding the arguments of the opposing team, and, like any other team sport, your skills of cooperation and communication.
You win a debate by building up a strong argument and by knocking down the arguments of the other team. In doing this, you will be judged on your manner, matter and method.
MANNER
Manner is the way you speak and present yourself to the audience. It includes your stance, the way you hold and use palm cards, the way you use your voice, your ability to clearly use the English language, and (perhaps most importantly) your eye contact with the audience and adjudicator.
All three of these areas are of equal importance and will be judged equally by the adjudicator. A great speaker cannot win a debate without a good argument.
Likewise, a weak or nervous speaker can sometimes ruin a very good argument. Some important things to remember:
•
Debating is not reading a prepared speech: you must communicate with the audience and make them feel that you are talking directly to them to be persuasive.
•
You must have something to say: real-world, topical examples relating to the topic are often the best way to prove your point. Keeping up to date with news and general knowledge is essential for all good debaters.
•
Debating is a formal argument with rules and expectations: if you are well-mannered, methodical and persuasive you can knock down the opposition’s case more effectively than shouting that they’re wrong!
MATTER
YEAR: ________
COACHES: ___________________________
Debating Handbook
WHAT IS DEBATING?
Debating is about two teams of three speakers trying to convince an audience
(and adjudicator) to believe one point of view rather than another. Debating is a battle of wits using skills of oration and persuasion. Debating will develop your skills of: speaking in front of an audience, preparing arguments, thinking on your feet, listening to and understanding the arguments of the opposing team, and, like any other team sport, your skills of cooperation and communication.
You win a debate by building up a strong argument and by knocking down the arguments of the other team. In doing this, you will be judged on your manner, matter and method.
MANNER
Manner is the way you speak and present yourself to the audience. It includes your stance, the way you hold and use palm cards, the way you use your voice, your ability to clearly use the English language, and (perhaps most importantly) your eye contact with the audience and adjudicator.
All three of these areas are of equal importance and will be judged equally by the adjudicator. A great speaker cannot win a debate without a good argument.
Likewise, a weak or nervous speaker can sometimes ruin a very good argument. Some important things to remember:
•
Debating is not reading a prepared speech: you must communicate with the audience and make them feel that you are talking directly to them to be persuasive.
•
You must have something to say: real-world, topical examples relating to the topic are often the best way to prove your point. Keeping up to date with news and general knowledge is essential for all good debaters.
•
Debating is a formal argument with rules and expectations: if you are well-mannered, methodical and persuasive you can knock down the opposition’s case more effectively than shouting that they’re wrong!
MATTER