How to Start a Debate: 12 Steps

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How to Start a Debate: 12 Steps
How to Start a Debate: 12 Steps
Anonim

If you open a debate in the right way, you will increase the interest of the public and you will be able to win the confrontation. First of all, take the time to prepare a good introduction that will captivate the listener.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Attracting Audience Attention

Begin a Debate Step 1
Begin a Debate Step 1

Step 1. Tell a captivating story

It can be a personal anecdote that explains your passion for the topic you are going to discuss, an episode that concerns another person and from which the public can learn something, a sapiential narrative, a fable, a historical event or a story that enclose the salient points of your argument.

  • The introductory story should condense the essence of the debate. For example, it could tell about the difficulties you encountered in preparing for your talk, how you overcame them, and the lessons you learned from them.
  • Here is an example: "Since I suffer from seizures, medical cannabis use was my salvation. My family and I had to move to start treatment, but it was worth the risk. My seizures have gone from five to five. times a day to only once a week ".
Begin a Debate Step 2
Begin a Debate Step 2

Step 2. Ask a rhetorical question

If you conceive and formulate it correctly, you have a chance to get the audience to take your side. You have to make sure that the listener responds mentally and becomes curious about the topic you are dealing with. Ask a question that leads people to think that you are not that different from them and that you share their opinions.

You might ask, for example, "Would you like to see a person you love to suffer inexplicably?"

Begin a Debate Step 3
Begin a Debate Step 3

Step 3. Report a shocking statistic

It should be directly related to the topic of the debate. The effect it triggers will cause the audience to take your position as you go along with your reasoning.

For example, you could say, "Right now, a billion tons of plastic is floating in the ocean. There is enough plastic to make an island the size of Hawaii." Then continue to describe the problem by explaining to the audience why your argument is one of the most valid

Begin a Debate Step 4
Begin a Debate Step 4

Step 4. Use an effective quote

Using an aphorism during your speech will give your ideas more credibility. In addition, you will show that you are a profound knowledge of the topic you are presenting. Find one that is relevant to your reasoning and that arouses public interest. Also try to mention people you know or known to your listeners.

For example, imagine you are giving a speech about why you think college is not necessary to be successful in life. You could start by saying, "Mark Twain once said, 'Don't let school interfere with your education.'"

Begin a Debate Step 5
Begin a Debate Step 5

Step 5. Use a visual aid

You can use a photo, video or object that condenses the essence of your topic. The use of creative visual aids will help the audience understand the problem better, be more engaging and stimulate the imagination of the audience. It is also an excellent way to impress the message you intend to convey in the mind of the listener.

For example, if you are arguing that climate change is a real problem, show old and recent photos of a glacier affected by excessive amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Part 2 of 3: Starting the Debate

Begin a Debate Step 6
Begin a Debate Step 6

Step 1. Establish definitions

The key words of the debate must be explained and defined by the first speaker. Also, define the main terms that may be confusing to the public.

  • Identify the fundamental terms of your reasoning and look up their definitions in different dictionaries. Choose the most appropriate ones. You should opt for a neutral and conventional explanation.
  • Definitions can be literal, but also contextualized. The latter provide examples of the concept applied to reality. A contextualized definition of money, for example, should make it clear that money is used for the purchase of goods and services, such as food and gasoline.
Begin a Debate Step 7
Begin a Debate Step 7

Step 2. Summarize your position

After defining the key terms, you need to announce to the audience the topic of the debate and the reason for your choice. Reinforce your arguments by reiterating your position in various ways.

For example: "My staff and I will demonstrate the necessity, practicality and benefits of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Together we will demonstrate that thousands of patients suffering from seizures, including young children, get relief from taking it. According to some studies, the Medicinal use of cannabis reduces seizures by 80%. Furthermore, the side effects are not as serious as those caused by conventional drugs used in the treatment of seizures, particularly in children. We will demonstrate that this is a concrete solution., safe and convenient for patients and their families"

Begin a Debate Step 8
Begin a Debate Step 8

Step 3. Describe a methodology for solving the problem

In your discussion you should include a clear proposal on how to deal with the problem you are presenting. Therefore each lecturer, together with his team, must define a method to be implemented. The first rapporteur should outline the main lines of his approach rather than explain it in detail.

  • To demonstrate the effectiveness of your method, insert the rules already known and adopted at the base. For example, you can point out that a ban on mobile phones while driving is similar to a ban on drinking while driving.
  • Try to focus on the three most important reasons why your method is indispensable or should be changed.

Part 3 of 3: Present the Debate

Begin a Debate Step 9
Begin a Debate Step 9

Step 1. Greet the audience

Never forget it: in this way, you will demonstrate confidence and seriousness regarding the topic that you will come to discuss shortly thereafter. Also, you will show that you respect the opinion of those present.

Say hello, "Good morning to faculty and staff. The topic of today's debate is student parking" or "Good morning to teachers and students. Thank you for taking the time to attend this debate. today it is the student parking"

Begin a Debate Step 10
Begin a Debate Step 10

Step 2. Present the topic you will be discussing with your staff

After greeting your audience, briefly indicate the topic your group will address. Audiences can get distracted or lose interest if you go too far. It also explains the role of each speaker.

  • Explain your point of view by saying: "We believe that students should not pay for the parking card inside the university" or "We believe that students should pay for the parking card inside the university".
  • He explains the roles of the speakers by saying: "In my speech I will define the main terms and outline the main topic. The second speaker will explain the reasons why we support our position, while the third will have the task of summarizing it."
Begin a Debate Step 11
Begin a Debate Step 11

Step 3. Look the audience in the eye

Try to make eye contact with each person who attended. In this way, by reading the expressions on the faces you can evaluate their reactions. Additionally, you will be able to connect with bystanders on a more personal level and thereby make your speech more convincing.

  • Remember to look people in the eye when you finish a sentence.
  • Maintain eye contact with one person for only 3-5 seconds, then look at someone else.
Begin a Debate Step 12
Begin a Debate Step 12

Step 4. Speak clearly

Don't rush and remember to breathe as you deliver your speech. When you have finished one sentence, take a deep breath and move on to the next one.

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