10 Debate Tips and Tricks for Students

Speech and Debate Tips for Students

The following are some debate tips for high school students, middle school, and college students. Keep in mind that all types of debate, including an impromptu, congressional, public forum, British, or Asian parliamentary, follow the same tips.

Tip # 1: Know the Debate Before it Starts

Before stepping into the debate arena, it's essential to thoroughly understand the topic and the opposing viewpoints. Start by putting yourself in your opponent's position—consider their arguments and potential strategies. To excel in debating, ask yourself:

• What tactics will help me win this debate?
• What strategies might my opponents use to gain the upper hand?

This preparation involves more than just writing; it means actively engaging with the debate’s dynamics. Research both sides of the argument to anticipate counterarguments, refine your responses, and strengthen your thesis statement.

Being well-prepared ensures you can engage confidently, respond effectively, and present a compelling case during the debate.

Tip # 2: Conduct Open and Thorough Research

Good debating starts with solid research. Here’s how to get it right:

• Explore Different Perspectives: Check out various sources to get a well-rounded view of the topic. This way, you’ll be ready for what your opponents might throw at you. For a fine selection of thought-provoking topics, have a look at our debate topics blog.
• Stick to Reliable Sources: Use credible sources like academic articles, expert opinions, and trustworthy news. This will back up your arguments with solid facts.
• Organize Your Info: Sort your research into main points and counterpoints. This will help you structure your debate and respond quickly to any challenges.

By doing thorough research, you’ll be well-prepared to make strong arguments and handle any surprises during the debate.

Tip # 3: Think Relatively

In a debate, your arguments will be measured against those of your opponents. To make sure your points stand out, you need to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Here’s how:

• Compare and Contrast: Look at how your arguments stack up against your opponents' views. Think about what makes your points stronger or weaker in comparison.
• Use Impact Calculus: Weigh the importance of each argument. Consider how impactful your points are compared to others and make sure they’re clear and convincing.
• Keep a Good Flow: Track your main points during the debate to keep everything organized and coherent.

Tip # 4: Understand the Debate through Experiences

To truly get a handle on the debate, draw from various experiences. Here’s how you can use these techniques to enhance your debating skills:

• Develop a Counterplan: Practice creating alternative solutions to better understand different perspectives and improve your arguments.
• Use Humor: Incorporating a bit of humor can make your debate more engaging and relatable. Just make sure it’s appropriate for the topic.
• Prepare Different Cases: Work on crafting unique cases for each debate round. This helps you adapt to different topics and challenges.

Tip # 5: Relate the Content with Evidence

In a debate, backing up your arguments with solid evidence is key. Here’s how to make your points more convincing:

• Use Relevant Examples: Support your arguments with specific examples that relate directly to your points. This adds weight to your claims.
• Cite Authentic Sources: Ensure your facts and figures come from reliable sources. This boosts the credibility of your arguments and shows that your information is trustworthy.

Tip # 6: Consider the Perspective of Your Judge

In a debate, understanding your judge’s perspective can give you a real edge. Here’s how to keep them in mind:

• Know What They Value: Judges often look for clarity, strong reasoning, and effective use of evidence. Tailor your arguments to highlight these qualities, and you’ll be more likely to impress them.
• Adapt Your Style: Pay attention to the judge’s preferences or feedback from previous rounds. Adjust your debating style to align with what they appreciate, whether it’s detailed analysis or concise points.
• Be Clear and Concise: Make your main arguments easy to follow and back them up with solid evidence. Judges need to quickly grasp your points and see why they matter.

Tip # 7: Make your Case

When you're in a debate, it’s crucial to build a strong case from the ground up. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Brainstorm Key Points: Start by identifying the main reasons to support your position. Think about what your debate is really about and break it down into clear, key arguments.
• Create Unique Tag Lines: Develop catchy tag lines or titles for each of your points. Each tag should be distinct and contribute to your overall case, making it easier for the judge and audience to follow along.
• Use Eye Contact and Active Listening: While presenting your case, maintain eye contact to engage your audience and show confidence. Also, practice active listening to respond effectively to opposing arguments.

Tip # 8: Do Not Always Disagree with Everything

• Recognize and agree with reasonable arguments from the other side. This shows you’re listening and can make your position seem more balanced and thoughtful.
• Be Strategic: Instead of arguing just to disagree, focus on where your arguments differ from the opponent’s and how you can address those differences. This helps you build a stronger, more strategic case.
• Take Notes and Think Logically: As you debate, take notes on your opponents’ points and think about how your arguments fit into the discussion. Identify areas where your arguments align or clash with theirs, and use this insight to strengthen your responses.

Tip # 9: Rebuild Case After Refuting the Opponent’s Case

Once you’ve successfully countered your opponent's points, it’s crucial to strengthen your own case. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Anticipate Objections: Consider potential objections that your opponents might raise and prepare for them in advance. This foresight helps you stay ahead in the debate.
• Avoid Revealing Your Refutations Early: Don’t give away all your counterarguments upfront. Instead, use them strategically to rebuild and reinforce your case.
• Incorporate New Evidence and Analysis: After addressing your opponent's arguments, present fresh analysis, evidence, and examples to support your position. This shows that your case remains strong despite the opposition.

Use the refutation formula: "They say, I say because..." to structure your responses. 

Tip # 10:Closing Remarks

Your closing remarks are your last chance to make an impact on the audience. Here’s how to make them count:

• Stick to What You've Covered: Avoid introducing new arguments. Instead, summarize and analyze the key points you’ve already discussed. Focus on the main points of contention and highlight how your arguments address them.
• Address Multiple Perspectives: Consider the social, economic, and political implications of the debate topic. This shows a well-rounded understanding and strengthens your overall argument.
• Use Both Argumentative and Non-Argumentative Techniques: Combine logical reasoning with emotional appeals or real-life examples to make your conclusion more compelling.

For a more in-depth understanding of effective debate tips and techniques, explore our PDF examples.

Strategies to Avoid in Debates

In the fast-paced world of debates, it's important to use effective strategies, but it's just as vital to avoid dirty debate tactics that can backfire.

Here are tips for debate beginners about what they should avoid:

Avoid Ad Hominem Attacks

Personal attacks divert attention from the substance of the argument. Focus on ideas and avoid undermining your position with attacks on individuals.

Don’t Cherry-Pick Evidence

Selective use of evidence weakens credibility. Present a well-rounded case by considering a comprehensive range of evidence. Even if it includes information that challenges your stance.

Ignoring Counterarguments

Failure to acknowledge valid counterarguments weakens your position. Engage with opposing viewpoints to demonstrate a good understanding and strengthen your overall argument.

Avoid Appealing to Emotions Exclusively

Relying solely on emotional appeals without substantive reasoning can lead to a superficial argument. Balance emotions with logical and factual support for a more compelling case.

Failure to Adapt

Rigidity in your approach can hinder your effectiveness. Be open to adapting your strategy based on the flow of the discussion, new information, and the overall dynamics of the debate.

To sum up,

Debating can feel challenging, but with these tips, you're ready to step up your game. Make sure to research thoroughly, think about your opponent’s points, and organize your arguments clearly. 

Don’t forget to engage with your audience and adapt to new information as it comes up. Keep your closing remarks focused and strong, without introducing anything new. 

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