2. What is a debate?
A debate involves a discussion of the pros
and cons of an issue.
Debating successfully is all about using
argument and persuasion to convince
other people that your views are right.
3. Presentor
Presents the topic in a neutral way.
Both teams present their main argument.
4. Tips
Research: Research the subject, so that you have
facts to back up your views. It helps to validate
your answer so it becomes more than just your
opinion.
Logic: Use logic to develop your case and make
your points. Lead each point on from what you
were previously saying. That way you build up a
story and expand your answer.
Counter arguments: It's always good to be
prepared, so consider the counter arguments in
advance. That way the other side can't catch you
out and you're always prepared.
5. Remember
Don't get personal: In the heat of a debate it's easy to
lose your cool and attack the other person for having a
different opinion to you. But remember they're entitled
to that opinion and just because they don't think the
same as you it's not a bad thing.
Stay Focused: Stick to the subject being debated and
don't stray into other areas. It sounds obvious but it's
easy to do once you start debating.
6. How to express yourself in a
debate
Presenting arguments
Presenting the most important point
The main thing is…
The most important thing is…
Primarily
Most importantly,
7. Presenting a number of
arguments
First of all, …
Firstly, …
Well, firstly …
To begin with, …
I’d start by …
For a start, …
There’re two points here. Firstly, …
Secondly, …
You also have to consider
8. Adding an argument
Also, ....
Again, that depends on …
In addition, …
We might add that…
Perhaps I should also mention…
Not to mention the fact that …
Plus the fact that…
Not only that, but…
9. Expressing certainty
According to government statistics, …
Actually, …
In fact, …
Clearly, …
People have always …
People just won’t continue to …
Without doubt, …
There’s no doubt that ….
Undoubtedly
Surely, …
10. Agreeing in part
Yes, perhaps, however ...
Well, yes, but ...
Yes, in a way, however ...
Hmm, possibly, but ...
Yes, I agree up to a point, however ...
Well, you have a point there, but ...
There's something there, I suppose,
However...
I guess you could be right, but ...
Yes, I suppose so, however ...
That's worth thinking about, but ...
11. Countering
That may be true, but …
That might have been the case once, but …
You may be right about …, but ..
Maybe…But the problem is…
That’s a good idea, but…
That’s a good point, but…
Possibly, but…
…, but what I’m concerned with is…
…, but what I’m afraid of is…
…, but what bothers me is…
…, but what I don’t like is…
…, but what I’m concerned with is…
12. Asking someone to repeat
Pardon me?
Pardon?
Excuse me?
Sorry?
I’m sorry?
I beg you pardon?
Could you say that again?
Would you repeat that please?
Would you mind repeating that please?
Sorry, what did you say?
Sorry, what was that?
13. When two people start
speaking at the same time
Please
Go ahead
You first
Please, I can wait
It wasn’t all that relevant
It wasn’t important, please, go ahead.
Take your chance
Can you wait, please?
14. Conclusions
So you see…
So, finally,…
All in all,…
In the end,…
To conclude,…
To sum up,…
To summarize,…
Summing up, …
To put it in a few words, …
15. Smoking
Activity.
Show your opinion.
Think about facts that might support your thoughts
Prepare a short speech
Think about the counterargument.
Prepare questions for the opposing team
Have questions and answers amongst the teams
