How to Become a Good Debater

Good debate skills help you solve complex problems in just about any field of study or work.

A mastery of debate will improve not only your skills in an argument, but also hone your ability to reason in all walks of life. According to a study published by The Journal of Technology Studies, the skills developed during debate in the classroom support the growth of critical thinking in a student. Debate requires you to think on your feet and respond to tough questions with knowledge and grace, and the skills you acquire through this discipline will improve your ability to communicate in everyday situations.

Instructions

1. Know the basics of the debate. There is a fundamental structure to persuasive argument. An argument begins with an assertion, or your stance on the issue. This is followed by reasoning, or why you believe you have the correct point of view. The entire argument is supported by evidence, or outside research that boosts the validity of your argument.

2. Research before the debate. The evidence portion of a debate is an opportunity to present credible information in support of your argument, and one fact may be enough to sway an audience. Use credible sources, such as academic studies or published experts.

3. Use debate tactics that disarm your opponent. These tactics are persuasive, but not aggressive. For example, employ a tactic called "strategic agreement" to agree with key points in your opponents argument and use them to support your own. This will breakdown the defenses of your opponent and make him more willing to engage with you on the issue.

4. Use reason and logic in your arguments. Reasonable arguments are strengthened by strong research. With enough of a knowledge base, you need never resort to heated debate or insults. An audience will perceive a reasonable argument as pragmatic and strong.

5. Avoid false logic, which is seemingly logical tricks that have no sound reason, such as a red herring. When a debater tries to counter an opponent on an issue by pointing out the opponent's position on a unrelated issue, it is a red herring, or distraction. Other logic fallacies are over-the-top statements that exaggerate the consequences of a problem, or playing with an audience's emotions without presenting real facts.

References

• "Toastmaster" magazine; Disarm Them With Debate; Dave Zielinski; April 2009
• "The Journal of Technology Studies"; Perception of Student's Learning Critical Thinking Through Debate in a Technology Classroom: A Case Study; Sophia Scott; Spring 2008

Resources

• Whitman College: Whitman National Debate Institute