Student: aisha abdulova faculty: philology

Roles of the Speakers

1. First Affirmative:

 This person sets the scene for the rest of their team by defining terms, listing arguments they disagree with, and stating their interpretations of the topic. The first affirmative speaker also provides 2-3 arguments in their team’s favor.

 2. First Negative:

 They might try to change the tone of the debate by redefining definitions and then rebut the first affirmative arguments, followed by 2-3 arguments of their own.

  3. Second Affirmative:

 The second affirmative speaker resolves definition issues, rebuts the first negative speaker, and puts forth 2-3 new supports for the arguments.

 4. Second Negative:

 Continue to rebut the first affirmative arguments, but focus on rebuttal of the second affirmative arguments and deliver 2-3 new arguments against the notion.

 5. Third Affirmative:

 Rebut specific arguments from the second negative, and defend important attacks on their team’s arguments. Conclude the argument with a brief summary and try not to include any new information.

 6. Third Negative:

 Rebut specific arguments from the second affirmative, and defend important attacks on their team’s arguments. Conclude the argument with a brief summary and try not to include any new information.

 Defining in the Debate

Many debaters often waste time trying to define terms within their speeches. Before you waste precious time doing so, take the time while writing your speech to determine if you really need to define a term.

 

Ask yourself, “Will it be confusing to judges and listeners if I don’t define this term?” and “Will the incorrect interpretation of this term be detrimental to my argument?”

 That should help you narrow down the number of terms you need to define in your speeches. Stick to defining only the ones that are absolutely necessary.

 How to Debate: Basic Argument Structure

 There are a few ways to divide the argument structure. Try to do what makes the most sense for your topic.

 

For example, you could put each speaker in charge of one area where the argument takes place, such as social, political, and economical. No matter what structure you choose, try to put the most compelling of arguments at the beginning of each speech if you are listing multiple arguments.

 

Here is an example structure:

 

Claim: What is your team claiming? Present the argument in a clear statement.

  Evidence: Add in any evidence you have to support the claim such as quotes, statistics, anecdotes, etc.

 Impact: What impact does this evidence have on society? How does this support your claim?

 The Rebuttal

The rebuttal is a very significant part of the debate process. If a team can pick apart the opposing team’s evidence, then their claim falls apart.

 

Here are some common argument flaws to help form a rebuttal:

 1. False Dichotomy:

 The speaker tries to falsely divide the argument into two sides, when there are in fact many. Sometimes the speaker does this on purpose, but other times it can indicate that they don’t understand the topic well.

  2. Assertion:

 An assertion is when a speaker makes an argument that is unfounded, or has no evidence. Give a reason why this is an assertion by showing how there hasn’t been enough evidence to prove the validity of a statement.

 3. Morally Flawed:

 A morally flawed argument can be rebutted against because, although it could be true, it might be severely morally flawed. An example of this could be, “All stray dogs should be put to sleep because it will save the state money and eliminate the need for animal shelters.”

 4. Correlation Rather Than Causation:

 This is a common favorite. A speaker may suggest that two pieces of information are linked, when there is no evidence to support that one caused the other.

 5. Failure to Deliver Promises:

 You can use this in your rebuttal if you notice a speaker has forgotten to follow up on evidence they claimed they would provide. This can happen sometimes if a speaker loses track of their own argument and is a valid item to bring up in a rebuttal.

 6. Straw Man:

 This when the opposing team brings up an argument against their own case and then rebuts it.

 7. Contradiction:

 If a speaker contradicts something that was said previously either by themselves or by a teammate, point out this contradiction as it reduces the team’s credibility.

 8. Compare the Conclusion to Reality:

 Try to show what it would look like right now if what the other team suggests is implemented. This will likely show how the team’s suggestions are unrealistic or will cause further problems.

 1. Be a Team: Work Together

 Remember that you are on a team and that means you work together. Read each others’ speeches, practice in front of one another, and make sure your arguments work together and follow a cohesive line of thought.

 

 2. Write Individual Speeches

 Before you come together, break off individually and have each person brainstorm on their own. This will help to bring together a larger assortment of arguments, and will help your team identify which arguments are the main ones and should be presented as such.

 3. Analyze the Evidence

 You will win the debate by being able to prove that you have the most sound evidence. Triple check the evidence you have to make sure it is accurate and can be proven. Find multiple sources to back your claim.

 4. Arguments for Both Sides

 Be prepared by having arguments ready in favor of the other side’s argument. In doing this, you are preparing for what the other team will say and can potentially foresee comments from them as well as flaws in their arguments.

 5. Prepare Your Speeches

 Preparing your speech is an important part of the process. Write it first by yourself, then have your teammates look over your evidence and arguments. Try to discuss your speech frequently with your team so that you are all on the same page about what may happen during the debate.