How to Finish a Debate
Debating effectively is an important skill to have in many facets in life, including at work and with your loved one. The key is to learn how to finish a debate without sour feelings for those involved. Your gut may be telling you that you need to get in the last word, but effectively finishing a debate is much more than that.
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Instructions
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Get each debate participant's attention by gesturing or with a strong voice. Explain to the person or people you are debating with that it is time to finish the debate. You can do this by giving a time when the debate must end, or tell each participant that they each can now make their final remarks. Use a watch or a clock to keep track of the time. Ideally, you have given time limit instructions before the debate began. These should have included final remark time limits.
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Articulate each point made by each participant. Do this in succinctly and accurately. Approach this step much like you would a conclusion to an essay or research paper. When you do this correctly, your debate foes will appreciate that you were listening and understand their points.
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Explain your point of view briefly and succinctly. Articulate the two or three points of your argument and why you believe that they are correct. Do this in a positive, confident way without raising your voice or speaking quickly. This will help settle the environment down to its original point. If a resolution has been reached, explain it after you have explained each point each participant has made.
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Say thank you to each participant in the debate and shake hands, if appropriate. Do this while looking them in the eye. By as gracious and self-effacing as possible. This will go a long way to gaining the respect of those that you were debating.
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