The Basics and Formats s the topic of today’s video. “The Basics and Formats” is the first class of our new series “Introduction to English Debating”. We are currently publishing a series called “Introduction to English Debating”. In this series, you will get to know all about English Debating. Stay tuned to “Debate Gurukul” to get all the episodes of the “Introduction to English Debating” series.
The Basics and Formats
Debate is a contest between two speakers or two groups of speakers to show their skills and abilities in an argument over a given topic. Speakers who agree with the topic are known as ‘Affirmatives’ (or the `government’ in parliamentary debating) and Speakers who disagree with the topic are called the ‘Negatives’ (or the `opposition’ in parliamentary debating). Debating is a great confidence builder for people from all walks of life, especially young people.
Debate is different from any other type of speech because you are not just giving information but also defending the idea given through that information. Being aware of the fact that the points in the debate, which you are going to include will be cross-checked, it becomes necessary to make it strong, keeping in mind all the pros and cons of the contents in good check.
1. Good Introduction – A good introduction is the basis of a debate. You can’t just start a topic, just like that. It has to have an introduction to set the tone for debating. The introduction needs to be peppy so that it grabs the audience’s attention and garners interest in the topic.
2. Choice of the area of Debate – Choice of the area of Debate depends upon the purpose for which you are writing the debate. If it is for a collective team effort, there will be several categories of debate i.e. impromptu, original oratory, and political debates, to name a few. On the other hand, if it is for a competition, the requirements of each event should be known beforehand.
3. Choice of the topic of the Debate – Once the debate area is clear, the next step is choosing the topic. However, if it is a competition, the topic may be chosen for you. In that case, you need to read as much information as you can on the topic beforehand.
4. Research your Material – In a debate, you may be asked to debate a side of the topic that you personally don’t agree with. You need to know what both sides of the issue are. The more you know about what your opponent is going to say, the better it is. To do so, research the topic. Collect ample information on the topic and do not leave loose ends as these can be used against you, by your opponents.
5. Main Points of your Debate – Take your information and outline your Main Points. These Main Points should be exactly what you are trying to get your opponent to believe about your position. Under your Main Points use Capital Letters like A, B, and C to write sub-points to explain why your Main Points are right. Under your sub points flesh out your argument with examples or illustrations and mark them with Lower case letters. This practice makes it easy to memorize your debate and recall it efficiently.
6. Support your Argument with Examples – It is always wise to include a few examples in support of your view. This makes it easy to convey your viewpoint to the audience, in an easy and effective manner. Examples which you use should be relevant to the topic at hand. Examples that have very little or nothing to do with the topic only make a speech look weak and lacking substance. However, do not make your debate, an example worksheet.
7. Use Cue Cards Cleverly – Cue cards are small note cards used to remember or recall something. They are meant to be used very cleverly. By cleverly, it is meant that you should use them in such a manner, that the audience doesn’t come to know that you are actually reading them. In fact, these cards can be anything that triggers your memory. These can be wristbands with some keywords on them, they can be badges with certain symbols on them, or anything you can come up with as long as they are not apparent. Cue cards are meant for reference or memory joggers and not to reveal that you have forgotten something.
8. Maintain Eye Contact – To hold the attention of the audience, it is essential to maintain good eye contact with them. Looking at the audience maintains their attention in your speech. Do not look away or stare for long at a cue card that you have brought with you. Eye contact also reflects how the audience is feeling about your speech. It gives you a chance to rectify your speech.
9. Add some Humour – Humour is always an attraction point of a debate. It makes the debate even more interesting and interactive as the audience responds to you when they laugh or smile or make a loud comment. You can add any funny line or connect a funny anecdote with your debate. When this has been achieved you can consider that you have gained some ground.
10. Be well prepared – Once the area and topic of the debate is clear, study the subject from every possible angle to make your points as strong as possible, so that they can be defended well. While making the debate final, make sure your points are concise and easy to understand. You won’t be rebutting an opponent like in an oral debate. Your written speech has to be very thorough. Also, Practice your speech and during the debate listen to your opponent carefully or record it. The recording makes it easy for you to recall the speech delivered without making guesses.
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