and
of Debating
• DON’T let your
emotions get the better
of you.
• DO stay calm and
speak in a clear,
rational voice.
• Remember, debaters
do not always choose
what side they’re on.
•DON’T side track your opponents
with irrelevant points, stay on topic.
•DON’T attack your opponents.
•DO stick to your planned,
researched arguments.
•TIPS:
•Cue cards can help a debater to
stay focused, but DON’T read
from them, use them as a guide.
•Speak to the audience or
moderator.
•DO thoroughly research your
topic and position, the best start to
squashing a rebuttal is a well
researched, well designed
presentation.
•DON’T simply state facts:
•This is the path to being a dull
speaker
•Not stating sources or not backing
up statements can lead to heavy
rebuttal from your opponents
•DO use humor and / or anecdotes in your speaking:
•Using examples helps illustrate your position
•Stories or jokes that are appropriate can be very
involving
•DON’T try to “juggle” too many points at
once. State your ideas in a logical order.
•TIP: the more you practice and plan your
speaking, the less nervous you will be.
•DON’T use inappropriate
language or gestures:
•People will ignore your
information if not presented in an
appropriate manner.
Any argument that you do not address in
a rebuttal will be left in the memory of
others as your opponents stated it.
Likewise, any rebuttal from your
opponents that you do not address will
also be left in the minds of your
audience / judges.
•DO be aware of what your partner(s) plans are.
•DON’T work alone and risk being redundant, make the most of
your team’s time.
•DO recycle information
in your closing speech.
•TIP:
•The closing speaker(s)
should sum up all
relevant arguments and
rebuttals without
introducing any new
information.