The art of skilled debate requires quick thinking, good organizational skills, and effective communication.Informal arguments and debates can happen anywhere, unlike formal debates scored by a judge.In an informal debate, people don't need to cite a logical order or strong evidence.Staying composed is key since these arguments move quickly.If you want to increase your chances of winning, you should clearly state your strongest points and respond to any criticisms against them.You can learn strategies to win debates more often if you argue at a debate club, on a news show, or online.
Step 1: Decide if you're capable of arguing for a position.
If you really believe in the subject, your position should cover it.You can come up with a few convincing arguments if you are passionate about something.You may not be able to choose your position during informal debates.While you come up with arguments for it, keep your assigned position in mind.If you are part of a debate group, you may be assigned a position and told to debate it with a partner.If you don't think school uniforms are a good thing, you might be asked to support them.It is easier to work with subjects that are unfamiliar to you.You will be less invested in the argument if you don't know much about it.
Step 2: Become aware of the position that you are supporting.
The points you make will be more effective if you have time to prepare.You need to understand the opposing position as well.Both sides should read the evidence to make strong arguments.You can use good examples and statistics to make your point.Knowing your opponent's position allows you to respond with more effective counterpoints.In a formal debate, you must support your argument with evidence.Informal debates do not require the same sort of order or evidence, but having supporting examples will still make your point much stronger.
Step 3: To start a debate, clearly state your thesis.
A thesis is a brief statement of your position.Your thesis tells your opponent and anyone else what you are arguing for.People may get confused and side against you if you don't state your point in an informal debate.For example, you might say, "I believe school uniforms are bad because they take away individuality, which is an important part of developing a personal identity in childhood."The strongest evidence-based points are used.If you can get your opponent to agree with your premise, you will be in a better position during the debate.
Step 4: In a logical order, go through your debate points.
Before the debate begins, mentally order your points in your head.Plan on leading with a strong point.Make sure they all illustrate your thesis by following each point you make after that.Before the debate, make a list of the points you want to make.They flow well in an order that is easy to understand.You could criticize the effect school uniforms have on individuality.You could point out that uniforms don't improve grades or reduce bullied children, and that they prevent children from developing.
Step 5: Mention the strongest points in support of your argument.
Your argument can be critiqued.If you don't have an opportunity to include it in your argument, bring it up.If you want to make a point, don't expect to have a lot of time to explain it.The ones that best represent your position are the ones you should focus on.You may want to discuss how school uniforms cost money, are a burden on poor families, or feel uncomfortable.It is difficult to work these points in when you are talking about individuality.Informal debates are not scripted.If you make a list of points, you may not get to talk about all of them.Keep in mind that your opponent may give you an opportunity to talk about points you didn't intend on bringing up.
Step 6: Before moving to the next issue, try to resolve each point.
It can come up multiple times during the argument if you disagree with your opponent on a certain point.No one wins when you agree to disagree.If you have to say anything on the subject, respond as best you can to your opponent's objections, and then introduce the next point.Bring the discussion back to the original topic if your opponent tries to distract you.Getting your opponent to agree on a point is one way to reach a resolution.If you sense a diversion coming, you could say something like, "Let's go back to our last point."
Step 7: Don't listen while your opponent speaks.
There are opportunities to build upon the arguments they give you.You will not convince an audience that you are in the right if you don't respond in a way that makes sense.Try to avoid talking over someone else when there are occasional interruptions.It is possible to stop a bad argument before your partner has a chance to make it sound convincing.You should listen and wait most of the time.As you plan out your response, let your opponent say their piece.
Step 8: Answer objections from your opponent.
In most cases, your opponent will come up with reasons why it isn't valid.These objections may already be familiar to you if you are well-informed about your position.Logic and evidence can be used to show why your opponent's objections don't work.Showing that the evidence doesn't support the objection is one way to refute it.School uniforms promote school safety and togetherness.You could argue that the fact that school uniforms look the same does not mean they succeed in making people feel like part of the group.There are many reasons why people feel different.
Step 9: If possible, follow your opponent's objections.
Turn your opponent's arguments around if you have the chance.Explain it as best you can, instead of pointing out why they are wrong.Start with logical facts.If they apply, add examples and scenarios.If your thesis is that uniforms are bad, your opponent might point out how they reduce barriers between students.Barriers like wealth, status, and ability.Uniforms aren't the solution since barriers exist in the first place.
Step 10: Ask questions about the arguments of your opponent.
It is not true that the person with the most knowledge will win a debate.You can level the playing field if you are able to challenge your opponent's points efficiently.Ask your opponent for clarification when you identify weak or unclear points in their arguments.A good question can leave a knowledgeable debater flustered.One question to ask is, "Do you have evidence for that claim?"
Step 11: Call out the poor reasoning of your opponent.
Informal debates can be filled with poorly-reasoned, illogical arguments.They can be used to distract from a good point in the argument.If you let them distract you, they can be very persuasive.If you hear a fallacy, be sure to note it and explain why it doesn't make sense.A red herring is when your opponent tries to distract you with something else.If you are talking about choosing your own outfit, your opponent might say, "I like uniforms."A straw man is when your opponent attacks an argument that you didn't make.They might say, "So you don't want kids to dress nicely for school."A slippery slope argument confuses by bringing up irrelevant consequences.A common tactic is called begging the question, where they pretend that a conclusion is true because of another argument.One example is, "school uniforms are good because I wore one and looked how I turned out."
Step 12: At all times be calm, rational, and reasonable.
When people disagree on positions they are very passionate about, informal debates get heated.Shouting or insulting your debate partner helps them in the end.It makes you look out of control and incapable of coming up with quality arguments.It could lead to your defeat if you didn't do a good job stating your case up to this point.You aren't here to attack your opponent.You may feel like you're losing your cool if you keep trying to convince them.Getting upset may be seen as weakness by your opponent and they will conclude you are on the ropes.It can make your opponent feel more confident.
Step 13: When speaking, use effective speech and grammar.
To be effective and convincing, you don't need to speak like a professor.Focus on organizing your thoughts into sentences.Don't use big or confusing words in order to sound smarter.The audience may not understand what you are saying.Being able to speak clearly and confidently is one of the most important parts of debating.During a debate about school uniforms, don't explain specific school policies or technical details that will be hard to understand.It should be simple and understandable.If you are debating in front of an audience, look for signals.Change your tactics if they look confused or shake their heads at a point you made.
Step 14: Practice patience during a debate.
If you and your opponent debate in a respectful manner, you should be willing to explain your position.Changing someone's mind is hard.People don't like being mistaken or losing an argument.Don't expect to convince anyone right away because they may be very passionate about what they believe.Many debate topics don't have easy answers.School uniforms are controversial and have both positive and negative things to say about them.Even if you don't agree with the position you are forced to take, your goal is to be convincing.
Step 15: Prepare to lose a debate and stay humble.
Sometimes the other person's arguments are stronger than those of the skilled debater.If you can't refute points, be honest and reasonable.Congratulate your opponent.Don't rub it in if you win a debate.You will be better prepared for the next debate if you take both wins and losses as an educational experience.Losing a debate doesn't mean you have to change your opinion.You might be able to figure out new ways to respond to criticisms of your beliefs.