Introduction
Ever felt like you fumbled an important debate due to your debating skills? Wish you had a chance to improve your debatable skills and leave a lasting impression? That’s exactly how Jasmine, a high school student at T.C.H.S., felt after a crucial competition.
Jasmine, a star debater at T.C.H.S., had consistently impressed in past competitions, earning her school’s respect and numerous victories. Representing the school at an inter-school debate for the first time, she brimmed with confidence.
However, competition day brought an unexpected turn of events… Dave, her opponent, stood across the room, exuding confidence. He made a great impression on the proposed topic, “Should children use social media before eighteen?”
Jasmine was fidgeting and covered in sweat. She suddenly turned into a stutter, and eventually, she flopped. She felt really bad and embarrassed. Since then, Jasmine has promised to improve her debating skills no matter what it takes.
Here is how Jasmine now improves her debating skills:
Read our blog on 10 Common Communication Skills Mistakes
What is Debate?
A debate is a public discussion of a given topic using formal persuasive arguments to support your points of view. It is a well-structured discussion that requires a detailed understanding by the debaters.
Consider knowing these factors before you engage in any debate:
- Debaters:
People who participate in a debate are called debaters. Debaters argue for or against a given topic called a proposition. One side supports the proposition, which is called affirmative. The other opposes the proposition, which is called negative.
- Opponents:
The two sides of a debate are collectively called opponents. The affirmative is the opponent of the negative, and vice versa. In a debate, it is a rule of thumb that one opponent skillfully opposes the other to win an argument.
- Formal Arguments:
As soon as the debate starts, debaters are expected to follow a specific format. There is a designated speaking time to respond to opposing arguments. Any contradiction to this rule is a foul.
- Strategic Discussion:
It is expected of debaters to support their points with facts and logic stemming from critical thinking. The essence is to persuade the audience to accept your claims. Debaters should strategically defend their points.
- Moderator:
A debate moderator is a neutral participant in a debate. He is in charge of time and monitors debaters to ensure they stay on topic.
- Audience:
Debate audiences are non-participants. Their role is to watch and hear the debaters debate their arguments. They cheer and motivate the debaters with their accolades and applause.
What Are Debating Skills?
Debating is the act of engaging in an argument between two opposing sides called a debate. In debating, the debaters must have a reasoned discussion about a topic. It is an intellectual process that requires certain skills to work.
Improving your debating skills will help you make a positive, lasting impression in an argument. Here are some debating skills you ought to know before participating in a debate:
- Solid Preparation Skill:
It is important you prepare thoroughly before participating in a debate. Early preparation makes a sound retention. The following are some ways you can effectively prepare for your next debate.
- Research Thoroughly:
As soon as you get your proposition topic, research it to understand all aspects of the topic clearly until you have enough strong evidence to back up your claims.
- Structure Your Debate:
Organizing your research into powerful thoughts will help structure your debate. Improve your debating skills and make a lasting impression on your audience by crafting a compelling introduction, placing your arguments skillfully, and arriving at a powerful conclusion.
- Expect counterarguments. Smart debaters anticipate what their opponent might say and prepare logical rebuttals ahead of time. Debating is a logical game that only those with the skills can win.
- Impressive Delivery Skill:
- Practice Active Listening: Pay close attention to your opponent’s arguments. Listen out for the points your opponent uses to support their debates so that you can offer opposing, appropriate, and impressive viewpoints when it is your turn.
- Skillful Discussion:
It is not just voicing your opinion. Debaters present a positive, lasting impression and well-reasoned arguments backed by evidence and logic. Participating in debate gives debaters access to skillful communication.
- Formal Setting:
Since debating takes place in a formal setting, debate participants should learn to greet each other in a way that matches the setting. In a school setting, for example, debate greetings mostly begin with “good day, ladies and gentlemen.”
10 Ways to Improve Your Debating Skills
Your debating skills will definitely improve with these ten ways and stop future flops.
1. Know your audience:
- The debate can happen anywhere. Students can participate in a school debate as part of their school curriculum. Debate can take place at your workplace. It can even happen among friends arguing over a football match or something else.
- Whichever the case, consider the beliefs and status of the person you are debating with. This will help you get them to sympathize with your points. Try appealing to the desires of other audiences who might witness the debate.
2. Extend Your Horizon:
- Read widely. Readers are leaders. Reading extensively will make you familiar with various topics. The more you know, the more interesting you find debating, and the more you can analyze your points effectively.
Understanding your opponent’s viewpoints will strengthen your confidence, minimize stage or public fright, and improve your arguments. Stay informed on current events. Regularly following news and analysis helps you stay up-to-date on relevant issues and potential debate topics.
3. Craft Compelling Points:
- Develop a clear thesis statement. A strong thesis succinctly summarizes your main point and guides your entire argument. Improve your debate with logic. Avoid false claims and ensure your arguments flow seamlessly.
Anticipate what your opponent might say and argue your case with the points. Counterargument is a very effective way to tackle your opponent’s points and stand a chance to make a lasting impression in debate.
4. Ask Questions:
- Asking questions in debate helps you get more clarity from your opponent. Questions allow your opponent to express themselves further, allowing you to know their capability. You can write your questions down before the start of the debate.
- Learn to ask open-ended questions to understand and clarify any challenges from the points your opponents are discussing. However, you must master the art of asking only reasonable and effective questions to maintain your credibility.
5. Answer questions directly:
- Give your opponent direct and clear answers when they ask you questions. This gives your opponent and the audience the impression that you are actively listening to them. Your opponent may ask you questions to try your claims.
- Answering questions directly allows you to understand what the question is about. This helps you recognize what the asker wants to know. In order to identify relevant facts, you must organize your answer and say it.
6. Practice Active Listening:
- Pay close attention to your opponents and identify their strengths and weaknesses. You don’t just wait for your turn to debate. While waiting, understand their points. And think of the best way to oppose them.
- Analyze your opponent’s debate and avoid interrupting them. Respond when your opponents are through talking. Listen while they talk. This way, you demonstrate respect and allow for a more productive debate.
7. Tell a story:
- Storytelling is the best way to get man’s attention and keep a memory in them. If you want to make your argument memorable, consider narrating a story. The story intrigues and makes one remember details long after the debate ends.
8. Speak Loudly:
- Practice clear pronunciation. Enunciate your words clearly so your audience can understand you perfectly. Project your voice confidently. Speak with enough volume to be heard throughout the room, but avoid shouting.
- Maintain engaging body language. Make eye contact with the audience, use appropriate gestures, and stand tall to project confidence. Participating in debate builds your public speaking skills and makes your debate impressive.
9. Speak Thoughtfully:
- Practice responding to unexpected points. Debates can be fast-paced, and your opponent might raise points you hadn’t anticipated. Stay on topic. While addressing counterarguments, ensure your responses remain relevant to the debated main proposition.
- Think clearly under pressure. Develop the ability to formulate well-reasoned responses even when facing time constraints or challenging questions. Avoid nervousness and look your opponent in the eyes.
10. Entertain Feedback:
- Seek constructive criticism. Ask experienced debaters to evaluate your performance and provide feedback. Record yourself practicing. Watch recordings of your practice debates to identify areas for improvement. Participate in debate clubs or online forums.
Conclusion
Now that you are well aware that participating in a debate and making a positive, lasting impression is what counts to impress your audience, remember that a debate is a formal public discussion where people argue for or against a particular topic. Debaters must be well prepared to persuade the audience with strong arguments and evidence.
There are different roles in a debate: debaters who argue for opposing sides, a moderator who keeps the discussion on track, and an audience who listens and forms an opinion.
To improve your debating skills, you should research the topic thoroughly, structure your arguments logically, anticipate counterarguments, and practice active listening. You should also deliver your arguments confidently and in a clear, concise way.