Benefits of Acquiring Debate Skills: Tips to Become a More Persuasive Speaker (Part 2)
How Does Debate Feature In Our Public Speaking Course? What is Debate Like?
In the previous article, we shared why debate is a highly beneficial skill for students to have as it bolsters one’s critical thinking skills, one’s public speaking proficiency, and the ability to formulate convincing arguments swiftly. As such, as part of the 12 modules/ topics in our Speech Excellence Program (comprehensive 12-month public speaking course for children), our December module teaches our students the art of debate and debating techniques, so that they can be exposed to persuasive speaking and techniques to help them think of structured and pertinent responses quick.
We will first expose our students to the lingos of debate such as (also a brief introduction to the fundamental terms in debate and what they mean):
Proposition – This side is in favor of the motion (the subject being debated – for example “This house believes that children aged below 16 should be banned from using social media”). It is the proposition’s responsibility to make the case for the motion and persuade the judges and audience that it should be adopted or accepted.
Opposition – Contrary to the above, this is the side that opposes/ goes against the motion. It is the opposition’s responsibility to disprove/ nullify/ demolish the arguments made by the proposition and offer arguments against the motion.
Motion – The statement or issue being debated. For example: “This house believes that students should be allowed to wear home clothes to school.”
Rebuttal – a counterargument meant to refute or undermine the opponent’s claims.
It entails highlighting errors, inconsistencies, or fallacies in the arguments put forth by the other side. For instance, if the argument is that “social media allows communication with online community,” the opposition can counter by pointing out that it also results in cyber bullying and worsens mental health through constant unhealthy comparing of body image.
Point of Information (POI) – a brief inquiry or interjection made by the other team during a speech, which may be accepted or rejected by the current speaker. For instance, if the speaker asserts that “climate change policies are ineffectual,” a POI question to ask would be, “Point of information! Can you provide evidence to support that claim?”
Burden of Proof (the onus is on…) – the responsibility to substantiate (i.e. “prove”) a claim/ thesis. Usually, the burden of proof is on the proposition to convince why the motion should be approved, and the opposition strives to disprove, undermine the proposition’s premises & arguments.
…and more.
Stay tune for part 3 where we share some debate techniques on formulating structured and cogent responses/ rebuttals!
More tips on public speaking & communication skills
Check out our tips on the following five communication topics:
Speaking Confidence Building Strategy
Effective Presentation Techniques
Impromptu Speaking / Think-fast-on-the-feet skills
Our Public speaking & Presentation Skills Training Courses
If you’re keen on taking your communication skills to the next level, to improve your persuasive speaking skills through our training programs:
Click for more about our (weekly group classes) Public Speaking Courses for Adults
Click for more about our (2-day) public speaking/ presentation course for adults
Click for more about our (weekly group classes) Public Speaking Course for Kids / Children
Click for more about our (2-day) public speaking holiday program for Kids / Children
Click for more about our (2-half-day) DSA interview skills holiday program for Kids / Children
