How can I become a better debater?

Question

What do good debaters focus on? Give me your debating tips.

Answer 1

Most debators focus on current happenings. You can try the Model United Nation's forum online and discuss topics on the General Assembly sector.

Answer 2

Become more knowledgeable on whatever your topic is.  Work on your ability to speak in front of groups.  For that join toast masters.  Good debaters focus on the topic at hand.

Answer 3

I don't know if you're referring to "professional debate", which I don't hold in much high regard since the point is more to convince than to be right.

But, if you're referring to debates in general, here are the tips I can think of off the top of my head:

1) Throw your ego in the trash.  NOW.  From this point forward it is completely irrelevant whether or not you feel cool or powerful, but rather that you adhere to the truth and are intellectually honest with yourself and others.  A person who is right can debate a person who is wrong while dressed in a pink bunny suit, and it'd make no difference.  Facts and sound reasoning speak for themselves.

2) Learn how to form a logical argument.  This isn't a wishy-washy answer.  A "logical argument" isn't an argument that "seems to make sense"; this is actually a formal discipline with objective, clear rules.  For example, a sound logical argument has at least one premise (which must all be true), and a conclusion which follows logically from these premises.  For example:

1. All dogs are mammals.

2. Benji is a dog.

3. Therefore, Benji is a mammal.

Definitely google logical argumentation or a similar topic.

3) Related to the above, read through a list of common logical fallacies.  Google "common logical fallacies."  These are bad logical arguments that we commonly make every single day.  As soon as you read through these, you'll realize just how often you and others commit them.  Make a point not to do this.

4) Don't say things you don't know.  Don't pretend to be an expert in evolutionary theory, for example, if you aren't.  This seems obvious but you'd be surprised.  Your reason for making your argument should not solely rest on emotion, such as a desire for your "side" to be correct.  If you don't know much about a topic, it's perfectly acceptable to lack a stance other than the honest one: "I don't know much about the topic."  For example, I don't know much about Libertarianism.  But rather than do what some might and just criticize it wholesale without knowledge, I refrain from this until I get more information.  That doesn't mean Libertarianism has any merit; it just means I don't know one way or another, so I'm not qualified to speak on it.

5) Admit right away when you're wrong, or misspeak.  If you're debating with someone, they might call you on a factual error.  Big deal.  Own up to it; don't try to cover it up.  You can be corrected a million times on minor details and still be correct with the overall point.  But even if you're not, here's the thing: debating should be a win-win endeavor; either you convince someone of something that's correct, or else you stand corrected and learn something new.  Win-win.

Answer 4

When I am debating I find it helps to use lotion........HA HA HA it is 4am I am very sleepy and I couldn't help it.