Debate Pointers- Raygalla's Mantra

Debate Preparation The pointers which help you become effective in debates.

Debate competition makes students anxious because even if they are confident about their performance, there can be some things that may lower down their confidence and can affect their performance at the debate sessions. So, here we discuss 10 effective tips for students to help them win any debate competition.

DON’T TRY TO WIN – The debate is a formal discussion; the winner of the debate is decided by how they carry out the session. So, if you aim to win a debate by including illogical details for your support then you would not be able to win the debate competition. Frame your views about the debate topic such that even if you are part of the ‘Against ‘group to the topic, your views are in a positive light to the audience.

Debates sessions are part of every high school year. It prepares students to use their interpersonal skills and also it is an interesting way for students to share knowledge. Generally, Debate competitions are conducted at the school and inter-school level. This is a great opportunity for students to show their talent if they are interested in debating. However, students who participate for the first time, find difficulty in preparing for the competition and wonder how to win a debate?.

BE CONFIDENT AND WELL PREPARED– The student should prepare well for the ‘Debate Topic’ they have been assigned. Do research on the topic, write notes for important points, dress for the occasion (if the competition is organized outside the school), memorize important topics, do counter preparation, and don’t take the stress. If you feel nervous, then take a mock debate with your friends so that you can overcome the anxiety.

INTRODUCTION – Introducing you to the audience is the first step when starting a debate. Therefore, the introduction should be made in a clear and firm voice so that audience can hear you and can know about the topic of debate. If you are the first one to start the debate, then take this opportunity to the best and leave your best impression on the audience with a striking introduction.

FACTS AND THEORY – Use facts and figures during your debate session, as this can help you seek the attention of the judges as well as the audience. Also, the data should be authentic so that your opponent can not raise doubts about it. Using theories and numbers can help your win brownie points.

RESPECT AND SELF CONTROL While you are doing a debate, you will be required to discuss in favor or against the topic, so you need to maintain that you are part of a formal discussion. You must not take anything personally. Just be calm and put forth your points about the debate. Don’t shout or become aggressive when your opponent tries to contradict your view about the topic. If you do not maintain your calm and firmness in front of an audience then you may lose scores from the judges.

PRAISE YOUR OPPONENTS You need to pay attention to your opponent’s view and theories during the debate. Moreover, whenever they make a good and valid point during the debate then, you should be affirmative about it and should agree with them. Agreeing to their valid points can be affirmative of your view too and judges will appreciate that you have knowledge of the topic.

ADMITTING NOT KNOWING If you come to a point that you are not aware of then you should admit it in a proper way rather than arguing about it. If your opponent has given any information that you have little knowledge about then you admit that you know little about it in this regard and you need to research more on it and then you can proceed.

CONCLUDING A debate session is incomplete without a conclusion. THE DEBATE So take this opportunity for a better explanation of your side and views for the topic and always leave something for the audience and judges to discuss. When you leave something for the audience to think about then, your views about the topic leave an impact that can help you gain points.

\"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.\" - Phil Jackson By Dr Kalyan Raygalla, Founder- Director, Raygalla's Mantra https://www.raygalla.com/