Warm Up
What is the difference between an
argument and a debate?
Possible Responses
Argument
Debate
Demands to get own way Persuades through
speaking
Confronts
Exchanges differing
opinions in a formal way
Attempts to change
something
Usually negative
Follows a set of rules
Is used by politicians
Key Components of
Debate
The debate topic (ex. middle school start
times)
Proposition - the idea suggested (ex. Middle
schools should have a later start time.)
Resolution - formalized action to debate (ex.
Be it resolved that Howard County middle
school should start no earlier than 8:30.)
Key Components of
Debate
Arguments - a discussion in which reasons are put forward in
support of and against a proposition, proposal, or case
Assertion - statement that something is so (ex: Middle school
students are less alert early in the morning.)
Reasoning - reason why the assertion is valid (ex: Teenagers
tend to stay up late and sleep late; therefore, if they have to get
up early, they are sleep-deprived and won’t perform well at
school.)
Evidence - proof of the reasoning (ex: A research study at the
University of Minnesota in 2004 confirmed that the sleepproducing hormone, melatonin, is found at higher levels in the
night and early morning.).
Key Components of
Debate
Persuasive Speaking
Write an outline or script of what you want to say.
Speak clearly, distinctly, with emphasis and pauses
as necessary.
Communicate confidence through body language.
Have engaging introductions and conclusions.
Key Components of
Debate
Effective listening
Use a flow chart to keep a clear idea of
arguments and rebuttals.
Refute only arguments the other side has
presented.
Judge or Audience – An impartial third party
Public Forum Debate
Components
Opening Speeches – 4 Minutes
Rebuttal Speech – 4 minutes
Summary Speech – 2 minutes
Crossfire – 2 minutes
Opening Speeches
Lays out your case and position.
Has a strong introduction. Reveals a startling statistic
that bolsters your case or /example: attention that
catches the audience’s attention
States clearly for the judges “As the pro (or con), I
support (or oppose) the resolved . . .”
Opening Speeches
Defines the resolution – set forth very clearly for the judge what you must prove
to win the debate. What does the resolution ask? A very strategic team will tilt
the resolution in a way that is easier for their side to prove their case. For
example, the resolution “Video Games do more harm than good” – the pro would
state that they do not have to prove that video games have absolutely no good –
just that it is slightly more harmful than good. This is important as the con can
obviously prove that video games improve coordination. The pro would respond
that it makes children more violent and therefore even though it has some good,
its evils far outweigh its benefits.
Lays out 3 to 5 clear reasons in support of your case. Each reason should be
supported and developed with sound analysis or evidence.
Concludes with a memorable and powerful ending that re-emphasizes whether
you support or oppose the resolution.
Rebuttal Speech
Answers each of the other side’s arguments
Answers each arguments in the order presented
Prepares for the rebuttal by:
Anticipating every possible argument the other team will make.
Drafting a brief for each possible point the other team can raise. In
essence, you are writing a speech against each possible point they can
raise.
Each brief must be on a separate sheet of paper. That way you can organize
them in the order read by the other team.
Top of the brief should say “Answers to ______” insert their argument.
Keep your briefs organized so that you can grab the appropriate one to read
during the debate.
Summary Speech
Asks the following 2 questions:
What 2 arguments, if I win, do I win the entire debate?
What 2 arguments, if I lose, do I lose the debate?
Goes for those arguments.
Extends your top 2 winning points.
Explains the point
Explains why you win the point
Explains why winning the point means you win the debate
Tells judge why you defeated opponents 2 best arguments.
Crossfire
Happens after the 2 opening speeches and
after 2 rebuttal speeches. Pro asks the first
question but after that, either side can ask
questions. In preparation, you should make
a list of questions to ask during the debate.
Clarifies arguments to expose weaknesses.