How do you debate effectively?

Question

How do you debate effectively?

Answer 1

Well suggestions I have heard include learning the issue that you want to debate on.  Learn about it as much as you can.  Listen to the other side and be sure to know their argument totally.  Doing that can help you form counterpoint.  Try to remember counterpoints in your mind.  Just do what you can to prepare and when it comes time to debate, state your points and state them convincingly.  Be confident and try not to be stressed.  Hear what your opponent says and be ready for what they may come with.  And remain civil.  Attacks and assaults only hurt and alienate people.  They don't work and only end up messy.  You'll do fine in debating, just do your greatest. ^^ ^^

Answer 2

Rule-based competitive debate is often encouraged in high schools and colleges. Often, it takes the form of a contest with explicit rules. It may be presided over by one or more judges. Each side seeks to win, by following the rules, and even by using some rules to break other rules, within limits. Each side is either in favor ("for, 'Affirmative' "), or opposed to ("against, 'Negative' "), a statement (proposition or Resolution) which if adopted would change something with the exception of some high school and college debate where moots may hold no outcome ie. the moot "ignorance is bliss". Some of the rules are broad and must be followed in a general way. For example, those in favor of the proposition are

required to show the need for it to be adopted as it is written, and yet are

allowed to define the scope of the proposition; i.e. they choose what it will mean if adopted.

To further illustrate the importance of rules, those opposed must destroy these arguments, sufficiently to warrant not adopting the proposition, and are not required to propose any alternative solutions.

The major goal of the study of debate as a method or art is to develop one's ability to play from either position with equal ease. To inexperienced debaters, some propositions appear easier to defend or to destroy; to experienced debaters, any proposition can be defended or destroyed after the same amount of preparation time, usually quite short. Lawyers argue forcefully on behalf of their client, even if the facts appear against them. However one large misconception about debate is that it is all about argument; it is not.

Answer 3

Official debate or debate with your friends?  Either way, you have to know your material, both sides of the issue, thoroughly.  There is no substitute for accurate information.