How to Address Opponents in a Debate

Debate is an environment of professionalism and respect.

Debating occurs within a professional environment, which includes adequate attire and a strong sense of respect for your topic, your opponent and the process of debating. Addressing your opponent in a debate environment can be difficult and even emotional when debates turn on a personal point or address ideas which you find challenging. Still, even in the most challenging points of a debate, professionalism and respect are the keys to facing your opponent.

Instructions

1. Address your opponent professionally. Dress well and wear clothes appropriate to the event, as this is a sign that you are addressing the process of debating and your opponent with respect and professionalism. Bring the supplies you will need to your debate, including pens, paper for notes and whatever evidence you require to make you points throughout the debate.

2. Show due respect to your opponent throughout the debate process. Avoid personal attacks, belittling comments and arrogance, as these are signs that your speaking style is unpolished and will lose you points with your judges. On a larger level, such as non-academic debates, it is important for you to remember that the views of your opponent represent the views and ideas of many of the individuals viewing your debate and personal attacks are seen as an attack upon them as well. If you must refer to your opponent, a simple "my opponent" is ideal in an academic environment, while using your opponent's name in a non-academic format is preferred.

3. Consider each of your opponents points because you have no way to gauge the effectiveness of your opponent's arguments on your audience or on your judges. Address each of your opponent's points effectively. Instead of beginning each point rebuttal by stating "my opponent said," begin by stating the point your opponent made and then address the point thoroughly. This is a show of respect toward your opponent, identifying their points and their significance to the actual debate.

4. Use your cross-examination time to retrieve information from your opponent, clarify any questions that you have about their case but avoid any shows of condescension. You can still use your cross-examination period as a means of catching your opponent in a weak point or to demonstrate how they have not considered their stance by all angles, but stop short of making accusations during the cross-examination or becoming uncivil once you find the weakness. The cross-examination period is not judged based on your ability to make a point, it is your means to gain information that you can use within your following rebuttal.

References

• National Forensics Organization: Ethics in Academic Debate: A Gaming Perspective