Debate

Module ‘Speak up’

W2A

Question

What is debating?

Some rules

1. Freedom of speech for everyone.

2. You have the right to change your opinion.

3. You have the duty to voice arguments, when you voice an opinion.

4. You’re right? That doesn’t mean that you will be proven right.

So:

When you have rights…

you have duties!

With authority and power…

come responsibilities

Point to ponder

Voicing your opinion is not the same as

voicing your emotions and feelings.

Explain this statement using your own words.

So, in a debate

You can voice your opinion.

You voice arguments to prove you’re right.

You are not allowed to abuse, call names, curse, swear etc.

Don’t mistake your emotions for opinions.

The other person will voice counter arguments.

Remember: mostly, the opposite can be proven too.

Golden rule

Think before you say out loud what you’re thinking.

You don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings.

Respect is most important.

Statement

Arguing/reasoning equals convincing someone.

True or not true?

Not true!

When you are arguing:

your aim is to persuade… you may succeed…you may fail.

In a debate

You have to:

inform everybody of your point of view…using clear language…present your arguments, reasons.

Point of view

Or opinion: ‘I think…’ ‘According to…’ ‘In my experience’ ‘I feel strongly that…’etc

Arguments

‘Because, since, for…’ ‘Research has shown’ ‘According to…’ ‘First, second.’ ‘On one hand, on the other hand…’ etc

Arguments are based upon

Routines

Definitions

Social standards. Authority Generalisation

‘She always takes her car, so…’

‘The water is boiling. It must be 100 degrees Celsius.’

‘The minister’s report said….’

‘These things are dangerous. Many accidents have happened already.’

Arguments

May also be based on:

Probability =>An assumption is true, except for…

Remember

Pros Advantages You win some

Cons Disadvantages You lose some

For every plan, proposal etc you can voice counter arguments, drawbacks, disadvantages,

losses etc.

SO:

Manual

To prove your point you have to: Voice your point of view (clearly) List and explain your arguments Refute (counter/disprove) counter

arguments (or admit they are true) Summarise all pros and cons Repeat your point of view

Beware!

Distinguish between: Facts and feelings Objectivity and subjectivity Causes and consequences

‘Many car accidents because of bad weather.’

Requirements and garantuees Planning your work is a condition, not a garantuee!

Skills needed

You have to be able to: Listen Present your point of view Deliver your arguments in the right manner Analyse arguments Defend your arguments Challenge arguments Think clearly, use your head

The debate

What we need: A statement Debaters pro Debaters con Host Jury

Our statements

For each blank CD or DVD, the consumer pays € 0,20 extra. This money will be paid to musicians and filmmakers.

For youngster up to 16 years old, it should be forbidden by law to drink any alcohol. If they tresspass against this law, they will be fined € 500,=

Our host

Scott Bronfman

Organisation

Film intro statement pro

Arguments pro Film intro con Arguments con Debate Closure pro Closure con Verdict jury

3 minutes

2 minutes 3 minutes 2 minutes 10 minutes 2 minutes 2 minutes 3 minutes

Jury

Students who are not participating in the debate will act as a jury.

So:Students working on statement 1, will act as a

jury for statement 2. And vice versa.

Jury

Decides who was the best debater: Who had the best arguments? Who sounded the most convincing? Who prepared best? Who responded in the most natural and

spontaneous way to counter arguments? Who was the best keeping to the rules?

Info

The information in this PowerPoint presentation was based upon:

‘Gelijk hebben, gelijk krijgen. Kleine gids van het debat.’ Author: Jack Diekstra.