[MUST READ] How to Properly Debate

[Allstar]

HOW TO DEBATE, PROPERLY!

This thread will focus on the main points, as well as how to properly debate rationally and calmly to convey your point across in a professional and credible way. I've seen many people on this forum that mistake intelligent debating for ignorant ARGUING This guide will insure that you get your point across and sound more educated and respectable as a debater both on this forum and in real life.

Most debates consist of 3 rounds, obviously here most members aren't intelligent enough in debating to make a legitimate argument in a formal 3 round debate so here at Runelocus hold free open Informal debates.

* What is debating According to wikipedia's definition, debating is a formal method of interactive and representational argument. Debate is a broader form of argument than logical argument, which only examines consistency from axiom, and factual argument, which only examines what is or isn't the case or rhetoric which is a technique of persuasion.

Debating is like a game, simple as. In debating there starts out being no one right side a good debater can debate Pro or Con and still win a debate even if its not what you believe.

There are 2 sides to every debate

Pro - The person for the side of the debate, is someone who concurs with the topic. For example; Do you support abortion? If you do support abortion then you're arguing the Pro side.

Con - The person for this side of the debate is someone who disagrees with the topic. For example; Do you support abortion? If you do not support abortion then you're arguing for the Con side.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How can I become a more Respectable Debater?

Control your Anger

A couple things play a part in this, and especially on this forum I see a mixture between Immaturity and passion that get in the way of the debate in turn making it a bunch of hate filled replies between opponents. I see many people when questioned about their beliefs or theories get upset that someone is disagreeing, it's debating! Control your anger, once you start losing your temper you might as well give up, because you lost the debate in the eyes of the readers who are the real judge. Like I always say, ATTACK THE ARGUMENT NOT THE ARGUER!

• Use your words carefully - Use intelligent organisational pattern and proper grammar, as well as manipulate what you say to throw off your opponent. Be sure not to use "harmful" words such as curse words or other demeaning words to your opponent. Kill your opponent with kindness and intelligent arguing to prove your point and win the debate.
  
• Stick to the topic you're debating about - If you are debating for example; about Abortion. Debate about abortion and only abortion, I see way to often people debating about a topic and end up debating about something totally different. For example if you're debating about Abortion keep it that way don't end up debating about Terrorists later on in the debate.
  
• Think of the debate from both sides - This can be one of the most difficult things to do, 2 sides both think they're 100% right. However if you want to be a good debater look at the argument from both sides, where your opponent is coming from. Improve your argument from there this will help with your anger but will also make your arguments stronger and maybe end up agreeing on a particular point and thats the beauty of debating.
  
• BACKUP YOUR ARGUMENT! - I cannot stress this enough, All to often I see two opponents debating a side and throwing out facts, those "facts" don't mean anything unless they are backed up by credible sources and scientific research. Whenever you debate it is best to state sources as it will make your argument more valid. Just as important as citing sources is citing CREDIBLE sources.
  What are not credible sources?
  
  • Youtube video's
    
  • Wikipedia
    
  • Anything '.com' with no valid research backing it up, just opinions
  
  
• Make it obvious what you're debating about - Make it clear early in the argument which side you're debating, are you debating Pro side or Con side?
  
• Grammar - Proper Grammar is also an important part of your argument, Using proper grammar will make it easier to respond to your argument, give your debate credibility, and make you a real factor in the debate, using "Silver dollar words" are great also broaden your vocabulary and introduce higher intelligent words in your argument.
  
• Pick your battles - This goes with your eagerness to debate and state your opinion, handling 3-4 different people in a debate can be quite challenging and will be very tempted to lose your temper. If you see a topic and reply to it with your opinion and somebody responds, and you know hardly anything about the subject; it might be wise to just not reply its not worth making yourself look completely ignorant, only bad things can come out of it from there.
  
• Know When You're Wrong! - If you have clearly been defeated and there is pretty much no way to 'win' Your argument, you lose. Its not the end of the world, while nobody likes to lose a debate it will happen sooner or later and the best thing to do is know when you're wrong the best thing to do in this case is either acknowledge that you're wrong and tell your opponent you have no further arguments to back up your point or to not reply at all after. In this case you can look back on your arguments and see where you could of improved. You learn more from a lose than a win! When I am in a debate with someone I constantly go over my argument and revise, revise, revise, use that edit button its there to help you! Make your argument as impenetrable as possible!
  
• Rebuttal's - Pick out flaws in your opponents argument avoid grammar debates since they have little to do with the topic at hand and are irrelevant This may seem difficult when debating someone especially when they know how to debate but it will get easier as you get better, A proper Rebuttal should address. Make your opponent question his own logic and argument and make him PROVE to you hes wrong, finding contradictions or false facts in your opponents argument is the best way to do this.
  • The main points you disagree with
    
  • Why they are wrong? Remember to PROVE they are wrong not just disagree because its opposite of what you believe, spend a little bit of time researching. You'll learn stuff and you will win the debate also.
    
  • If its your first rebuttal to the topic, Briefly outline what you will be debating about, the main points in your argument, and rebut a couple points. Your first rebuttal should be short, sweet and too the point! Elaborate later, you don't want to put all your eggs in one basket.
    
  • Cite contradictions, this can catch your opponent off guard and really set you up for the "kill" to win the argument! Make him question himself!
    
  • STUDY! Make sure you know what you're talking about before entering any debate, both formal and informal.
  
  

Examples of Debating

[Original Topic]

Debate whether Barrack Obama is a good president

Lets assume you take the Con side, meaning you think that Obama was NOT a good president.

Wrong way:

Ya fuck obama he sucks and is bad because he is black and ruened the econommy nd he spent a lot of $$$$$$$$!!!!!

Correct way

Thank you for the topic. I will be debating the Con side.

President Barrack Obama is one of the worst presidents the United States has had in their history for several reasons in which I will state throughout my argument with Pro.

To introduce my argument, Obama is a bad president Because [STATE A FEW REASONS] [CITE FACTS]

at the end of your argument you list your sources even if you have listed them in the text.
[sources]

As you see the second Con side made a valid, intelligent argument introduction, from then on he can elaborate on other points to prove his argument correct.

What did the First Con side do wrong?

1 - No organizational pattern or use of proper grammar was even attempted
2 - Very immature, and aggressive way to enter the debate, Use of profanity.
3 - No clear reasons why he was a bad president. How did he ruin the economy? How did he spend a lot of money?
4 - Total lack of organization
5 - No clear facts or sources stated.
6 - He let his emotions and personal belief alter his rational thinking.

What did the Second Con do right?

1- Very intelligent, smooth opening into the debate. he was courteous towards the original post even though it was not what he believed.
2- Clearly states what side of the argument he's going to take (The Con side).
3- Lists a few facts about President Obama that promotes his idea he is not a good president
4- Cites where his information came from.

From then on he can use that template and build off his introductory argument. I'll be honest you can be 100% wrong but if you keep building and manipulating your argument in such a manor making it look professional and use a good choice of words as well as point out flaws in your opponents argument, you CAN win the debate.



Useful Links
Visit these links to help you improve your argument.

www.easybib.com/ - This is a GREAT website to properly cite your sources, they will even do it for you!
thesaurus.com/ - Good for finding better words for your argument.
www.Dictionary.com - Obviously to look up words.
www.debate.org/ - Great examples of formal, intelligent debates and how to approach them, Study and become a better debater!



Following these few simple suggestions, I promise you, you will be taken a lot more seriously, be respected more, and actually seem intelligent.

I really hope this helps at least somebody because I am sick of Ignorant people debating about something they know nothing about.