INTRODUCTION

TO DEBATE
NOVEMBER 22, 2016

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Plan to reinstate death

penalty in the
Philippines

DISCUSSION:

WHY DEBATE?
WHAT IS DEBATE?

SKILLS OF A GOOD DEBATER

WHAT IS
DEBATE?
D E F I N I N G D E B AT E

THE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

Not A Forum For Asserting Absolute Truths
It Is For Everyone
Debating = Arguing

ACCORDING TO OXFORD ENGLISH

DICTIONARY
A formal discussion on a particular matter in a public
meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing
arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a
vote. (The oxford english dictionary, 3rd edition, edited by J.
Simpson and E. Weiner. Clarendon press, 2010).

WHAT IS DEBATE?
A form of Public Discourse

Competition in Argumentation
Formal
Disciplined
Rule-governed
Performed in a Structured Setting
Embodies the Ideals of Reasoned Argument, Tolerance for Divergent
Points of View and Rigorous Self-examination.

WHAT DO WE USE DEBATE FOR?

Discuss controversial issues

descending to
insult

emotional
appeals

personal bias

Robust analysis of the question at hand

means of making and evaluating arguments
understand own and others positions.
discuss important issues about our beliefs, government policies and proposals on
how to improve the world or face up to problems in society.

MO
TIO
N

PROPOSITION

OPPOSITION

WHY DEBATE?
B E N E F I T S O F D E B AT E

SKILLS
Increasing learners confidence, poise, and self-esteem.
Improves difficult higher order and critical thinking skills.
Enhances the ability to structure and organize thoughts.
Enhancing learners analytical, research and note-taking kills
Improves ability to form balanced, informed arguments and to use
reasoning and evidence.
Develops effective speech composition and delivery.
Improve personal expression

VALUES
Teaches an individual to listen to understandnot just to
respond
Provides a pathway to better understand people of different
culture, tradition, and belief.
Demands respect to an individuals Idea.
Develops and individuals value-judgement ability

KNOWLEDGE
Gain broad, multi-faceted knowledge outside normal academic

subjects.
Better informed judgments about crucial issues.
Opens the mind to different possibilities regarding an issue.
Provides different points-of-view
Updates an individual in current events, and promotes involvement in

the different issues faced by society.

EXPERIENCE AND SOCIAL

INTERACTION
Providing an engaging, active, learner-centered activity.
Encouraging teamwork.
Promote international understanding, cooperation, and a free and lively
exchange of ideas.
Debates break down national, economic, cultural and ethnic boundaries
Explores opposing views in a way that connects rather than divides people.

HOW TO BE A
GOOD DEBATER?
S K I L L S O F A G O O D D E B AT E R

Thinks quickly.
Has organized
thoughts
Uses direct facial
expressions such as eye
contact
Speaks Clearly and
Persuasively.

Uses friendly and

professional tone
Uses Professional and
Appropriate body
language

Stands confidently.
Shows passion and conviction
for opinion and argument

IN COMMUNICATING
FOLLOWS THE FORM (IF DEBATING FORMALLY)
KEEPS CALM
SPEAKS CLEARLY
EXPLAINS LOGIC
IS RESPECTFUL AND FAIR
ACTS CONFIDENT

IN ARGUING
USES ARGUMENTS BASED ON LOGIC. (LOGOS)
USES ARGUMENTS BASED ON EMOTIONS. (PATHOS)
PAINTS A PICTURE.
SUPPORTS ALL ARGUMENTS.
KNOWS HOW TO CONCEDE
USES THE EVEN IF ARGUMENT

IN LISTENING
LOOKS FOR LOGICAL FALLACIES
SPOTS THE LOOP HOLES
LISTENS TO UNDERSTANDNOT JUST TO RESPOND
DOES OWN ANALYSIS OF ARGUMENT

DONTS
REHASHING
SQUIRRELING
BADGERING
TRUISM
ASSERTING ABSOLUTES
AD HOMINEM
OTHER LOGICAL FALLACIES

-ENDNOVEMBER 22, 2016

12:00-13:00