Debating

Debate is a method of interactive and representational argument.

A debate is a contest, or, perhaps, like a game, where two or more speakers present their

arguments intent on persuading one another.

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G. García - Soza

• John Stuart Mill, in his Autobiography, said,

• "I have always dated from these conversations [in a discussion group similar to the ideal debate squad meeting] my own inauguration as an original and independent thinker."

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• Parliamentary Debate. • Lincoln-Douglas Debate (also called value

debate)• Cross Examination Debate (also called policy

debate or team debate). • Academic Debate.

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The principles of debate

• logic • evidence • case construction • proof• refuting arguments,• rebuttal

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Purpose

• To defeat your opponent• To present a clear argument• To show logical consistency• To demonstrate factual accuracy• To convince the listener that your side of the proposition is

desirable

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What’s it about?

• Competing with an opponent about a topic– It includes

• stage presence • articulation • eye contact • poise • volume

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Who needs it?

– Politicians– Legislators– Candidates to any office– Parliaments – Assemblies– Councils – Teachers – Students?

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A professional skill

• Shows leadership• Interpersonal influence• Team work• Problem solving• Presentation of ideas skills

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Main aim is to express yourself successfully

• Keep the message clear.• Be prepared.• Keep the message simple.• Be vivid when delivering the message.• Be natural.• Keep the message concise.

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A desirable skill• You learn to analyze • to distinguish between the vital and the unimportant.• you learn the need of proving statements; of supporting

every statement with valid evidence and sound reasoning• you learn to demand the same sort of proof for the

statements of others. • you learn to present ideas in a clear and effective manner,

and in a way which wins others to his way of thinking. • you learn to think under pressure• you learn to make decisions quickly and accurately.

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Debating

At the bar, in your family, with friends, at University, in Parliament,

in a business environment

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Body language

VOCAL FACIAL GESTURALPOSTURALMOVEMENTCLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

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Language tools for debating

• Questioning• Rhetorical questions • Lists of three • Contrast • Emotive language • Direct address • Evidence (statistics, quotations, examples)

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USA presidential debates

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMLXe1-EgQQ

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Assignment

• Be a participant/moderator in a debate• Deliver in class• Let’s choose topics for debate

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