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”
Category Archives: Debate Techniques
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”
WSDC Judging Criteria
The World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) is a global competition for high school debaters. The championships take place each year in a different country, hosted by a national debating body. It is important to understand the judging criteria for this style of debate, to formulate an effective speech, and win the debate on the comparative.Continue reading “WSDC Judging Criteria”
The Art of Rebuttals
What is a Rebuttal? A rebuttal is an argument that looks to undermine or discredit the opposition’s point. How to structurally break down an argument through a Rebuttal? The two most common ways you can structure your rebuttal is listed below. You can either question the validity of their argument or the relevancy in thisContinue reading “The Art of Rebuttals”
Speaker Role #3
This is the third of a three part series that will describe the structure of a speaker in a debate. The following paragraph is a guide to what you should include in your speech however we would encourage you to add your own flair and style to make it your own. Guidelines: Rebuttals Direct RebuttalsContinue reading “Speaker Role #3”
Speaker Role #2
This is the second of a three part series that will describe the structure of a speaker in a debate. The following paragraph is a guide to what you should include in your speech however we would encourage you to add your own flair and style to make it your own. Guidelines: Rebuttals against speakersContinue reading “Speaker Role #2”
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