In this series titled ‘Myths & Misconceptions’, we will address common thoughts, expectations, and ideas which people have about speaker roles that aren’t true. In this article, we’ll be looking at the third speaker. ‘Rebuttal and Points of Clash are not the same‘ As the third speaker, a large section of your speech will beContinue reading “Myths & Misconceptions: Speaker 3”
Author Archives: DebatePro Team
Myths & Misconceptions: Speaker 2
In this series titled ‘Myths & Misconceptions’, we will address the myths surrounding each speaker role. In this article, we’ll be looking at Speaker 2. ‘Don’t rebut’ Similar to what we discussed in the previous article: many 2nd speakers leave the role of rebuttal to 3rd speakers. However, we must clarify that rebuttal is oneContinue reading “Myths & Misconceptions: Speaker 2”
Myths & Misconceptions: Speaker 1
In this series titled ‘Myths & Misconceptions’, we will address common thoughts, expectations, and ideas that people have about their speaker roles which aren’t actually true. In this article, we’ll be looking at the first speaker. ‘Define the Motion’ There exists a widespread idea that all first speakers are required to ‘define the motion’ asContinue reading “Myths & Misconceptions: Speaker 1”
Style vs Substance
The question of ‘Style vs Substance’ is central in debating. What sets apart great debaters is their ability to strike a balance between those two concepts. It is important to be able to provide a strong, sophisticated speech while also decorating them with your own personal touch. Substance: Working and developing the content of yourContinue reading “Style vs Substance”
Presidential Debate #2
Sometimes we get so drawn into analyzing our jobs as debaters, we forget how prevalent debating is in the real-world. From arguments on television to discussions at home, we are surrounded by debate. Because of this, we feel it is important for all debaters to extend their skills outside the traditional WSDC format. At itsContinue reading “Presidential Debate #2”
An Exemplar Debate from WSDC #4
Speaker 2 begins powerfully by simplifying the underlying principle of the opposition’s case. He then refutes this premise through characterising their stance in a negative manner. The speaker then effectively proves the validity and strength of his own argument compared to the opposition’s ‘flawed’ premise. After this refutation, he logically outlines his team’s three prongedContinue reading “An Exemplar Debate from WSDC #4”
Point of Information
Certain formats of debate have the ability for speakers to be questioned and interjected during their speeches in the form of polite ‘Points of information’. These points are questions targeted at the speaker by the opposing team. This technique obliges the speaker to engage with the opposing point of view raised during their speech. IfContinue reading “Point of Information”
An Exemplar Debate from WSDC #3
WSDC 2018 – England vs USA – Speaker 1 Proposition Analysis: Speaker 1, the opener of a WSDC debate, is vital in setting the tone and structure of the rest of the debate. England’s speaker 1 in the debate began powerfully with a real life example that would resonate throughout the debate. This effortlessly flowedContinue reading “An Exemplar Debate from WSDC #3”
Debate Etiquette
Understanding the decorum of a debate can help debaters enhance their argumentation and delivery, as well as ensuring that you remain respectful to all participants and adjudicators. One of the most important aspects of debate etiquette is to focus on attacking the ideas presented, rather than the people. Attacking an opponent on the personal levelContinue reading “Debate Etiquette”
A Lesson in Debate #1
A passionate debater who has experienced various styles and topics, I have found that the best thing one can do to improve their debating is to ‘read’. This means one has to be open minded about topics that are discussed regardless of the viewpoint taken by others. This is useful as you never know whenContinue reading “A Lesson in Debate #1”
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