One of the qualities that endeared Barack Obama to the hearts of billions around the world during his first campaign for the presidency of the United States was his ability to speak persuasively, eloquently, and in flowery prose. Not only was he able to express his ideas, he was able to make others – billions if I could be so bold – to own them, and make same ideas their own.
Did you know joining your school’s debate club in your formative years could groom you into an orator of such compare? Consider the facts.
What is a Debate?
Basically, a debate is an argument with rules.
Typically in a debate two teams are presented a topic they will debate, and each team is given a set period of time to prepare an argument.
In extemporaneous debates, students typically don’t know their debate subjects ahead of time. The goal is to come up with a good argument in a short amount of time. Students are encouraged to read about current events, and controversial issues to prepare for debates. Sometimes though, individual team members choose special topics and focus on them. This can give a team special strengths in certain topics.
At a debate, one team will argue in favor (pro) and the other will argue in opposition (con). Sometimes each team member speaks, and sometimes the team selects one member to speak for the entire team.
A judge or a panel of judges will assign points based on the strength of the arguments and the professionalism of the teams. One team is usually declared the winner and that team will advance to a new round.
A typical debate includes:
- Students hear the topic and take positions (pro and con)
- Teams discuss their topics and come up with statements
- Teams deliver their statements and offer main points
- Students discuss the opposition’s argument and come up with rebuttals
- Rebuttals delivered
- Closing statements made
Each of these sessions is timed. For instance, teams may have only 3 minutes to come up with their rebuttal.
Debate Facts
- By participating on a debate team, you learn the art of persuasion
- Research has shown that participation in debates increases students’ academic performance and increases their chances of earning a university degree
- Students benefit from preparing for debates by refining their research skills.
- Students also benefit from the experience of speaking confidently and persuasively in public
See Also: Grammar Clinic: Skill Focus – DEBATE
