Ron Bratt discusses more of the easiest ways to lose a debate.

1. The Easiest Ways to
Lose a Debate (Pt. 2)
Ron Bratt

2. Succumbing to proven
faults
If an opponent succeeds in cornering you with proven faults on your record, you must
act quickly and efficiently to maintain both your integrity as a rhetorician and your
rhetoric’s integrity as a balancing force in the debate itself. If the assertions are
irrefutable, the best approach is to find a middle ground between acceptance and
fluidity. In other words, admit your faults, but work to bridge these sentiments back to
your key message.
This path must be navigated delicately, but if traversed effectively, it can help establish
you as unflappable in the eyes of your audience.

3. Using the
"shill gambit"
Perhaps one the biggest temptations in debate -- especially amongst newcomers -- is to
commit the “shill gambit,” or to accuse your opponent of being paid off by an external
party to formulate their arguments against or in favor of an issue. An example would be
one debater accusing his or her opponent of advocating for gun
This tactic is basically an extension of the ad hominem concept explored in my previous
blog, and therefore it should be avoided at all costs; a red herring fallacy will only put
the burden of proof on your shoulders.

4. Ignoring non-verbal
components
Many debates include a variety of non-verbal components that must be taken into
consideration to ensure a strong presentation. In most cases, it is not enough to have
your facts in a row and your speaking skills honed; you must also look the part to
complete the image.
Stand up straight, engage in regular eye contact with your audience and your opponent,
and do your best to maintain your physical composure. Certain external habits, such as
incessant sighing or visible trembling, can quickly undermine your credibility and set
you up for failure.