Ron Bratt provides tips for preparing for your first debate. You should thoroughly research and understand your side of the argument so you can convincingly present your case. Also, expect the unexpected, as debates can take different turns, so be ready to think on your feet. Additionally, visualize potential counter-arguments from your opponent and how you would respond, as this mental preparation will help you react quicker during the actual debate.

1. Preparing for your First
Debate
Ron Bratt

2. Know Your Side
Regardless of the topic or setting, most debates can be boiled down to a
single series of interactions: an argument followed by a counter-
argument and subsequent cross-analysis. Therefore, you will need to
make sure you are well-versed in your side of the argument in question.
As a novice debater, one of the quickest and easiest ways to get into
trouble is to exhibit a poor understanding of your topic or case. You
cannot hope to make a convincing, passionate argument if you are
clearly out of your element — this approach will technically make your
case appear fabricated by default. If you think you have studied your
material enough, study a little bit more.

3. Expect the Unexpected
Being prepared for the unexpected may seem like a no-brainer in the
debate world, but many new debaters still seem to overlook this variable
as they brush up on their material; as noted in the previous section,
studying your argument and knowing the case at hand is extremely
important from a foundational standpoint, but you must also be fluid
and adaptable in the heat of the debate. Otherwise, you are going to find
yourself off-balance sooner than you can imagine. Debate is an art
without much of a blueprint, and each interaction will be a little bit
different depending on the topic, your opponent, the debate’s
moderator(s), and the rhetorical direction of each presented argument.
Be ready for anything.

4. Visualize Counter-Arguments
Visualization is a common and useful pre-competition technique —
it is regularly adopted by everyone from professional athletes to
competitive musicians — and it is a method that will serve you well in
your first debate. Once you have developed a strong understanding
of your opening arguments, visualize the potential ways in which
your opponent will counter them. Take this vision a step further and
imagine how you then might respond to this hypothetical counter.
These mental exercises will train your brain to spring into action
with minimal hesitation during the real event.