Debating - basic notions

What is a debate?

• A debate is a discussion on politics in which opposing politicians verbally tear each other to shreds.

• A debate is a type of fashion show, during which models show their verbal skills.

• A debate is a type of fight, during which you must show that you can win a discussion by offending your opponent personally.

• A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic in which opposing arguments are put forward.

What is a motion/proposition/resolution?

• A type of physical exercise, during which you move in a certain way to decide about important matters.

• A form of propulsion for vehicles to start moving. (motion, propulsion)

• A formal proposal put forward for consideration or discussion in a meeting or assembly.

• A formal discussion between 2 or more people with an affirmative and a negative side.

What do you call the two opposing sides in a debate?

• proposition (affirmative) and opposition (negative)

• affirmation (yes) and negation (no)

• advocate (pro) and adversary (against)

• assertion (yes) and contradiction (Yes, but...)

What are the different elements presented by one side in a debate, e.g. by a team of 3 people?

• A team classically awaits the questions of the chairwoman/man or of the judges.

• A team challenges the arguments and evidence presented by the opposing team directly, called crossfire, cross examination or questioning round.

• The three present questions and answers for the other side.

• A team of three people typically presents arguments, rebuttals, and evidence to support their side's position.

Who decides which side won a debate?

• The debate moderator or chairwoman/man.

• Judges, audience members or a committee.

• The opposing team judges and thanks the other team.

• The audience needs to clap louder or lower to express their preference.

Is your personal opinion relevant in a debate?

• In most formal debates, your personal opinion is not considered relevant.

• Personal opinions should be the only focus in a debate.

• Yes, personal opinions are always relevant in a debate, especially if you don't support them with evidence.

• Debates are not about personal opinions.

How is the affirmative or negative side usually assigned in a debate?

• Randomely through a coin toss or by drawing lots

• It's assigned based on the speaker's voice volume.

• By alphabetical order of the participants' names
• By coloured chips

To what century does formal debating date back?

• Debating was an integral part of ancient Greek society, particularly during the classical period (5th to 4th century BCE).

• The tradition of debating in India dates back to ancient times, likely emerging during the Vedic period (circa 1500 BCE to 500 BCE) or even earlier.

• • Debating in Britain has its roots in the parliamentary tradition and the development of representative democracy from the 18th century onwards. (+USA)

• The strong oral culture in Italy is an integral part of Italian identity and society. Debating in Italy has ancient origins, dating back to the Greek colonies in Southern Italy and the Roman Republic from about 800 BCE on.

Which skills does debating improve?

• Debating improves psychological fitness through the rigorous mental exercise and active engagement required during intense debates.

• Critical thinking, public speaking, research, and communication skills
• Participants learn to articulate their ideas clearly, listen actively to opposing viewpoints, and engage in constructive dialogue.

• Debating promotes research skills as participants delve into various topics, gather evidence, and develop well-informed arguments to support their positions.

What other positive effects can debating have?

• Debating is only useful for extroverted individuals, as it primarily focuses on public speaking skills and assertiveness.

• Debating helps you win arguments by teaching you how to manipulate language, rhetoric and people, to sway opinions in your favor.

• It improves one's empathy, analytical skills, presenting logically and elegantly, self-confidence, listening and interpreting skills.

• It enhances critical thinking, public speaking, teamwork skills, it allows to meet new people and to have a wider range of viewpoints.