Blog7: I and Debate (including debate tips)

  I like and dislike debate at the same time. The first time when I came across debate was in my grade three, primary school. Although debate is not a formal one, I still find the happiness in it. Gone are the days. When I meet debate again is in the college.

  Debate is a kind of art in form of language, logic and team work. One must have the ability of logical thinking and is able to react in a short time. During the debate the debater should combines what he has prepared and what the opposite debaters say, finds out the weakest part of the opposite side, gives a heavy strike on the other side and then achieve the final success. I enjoy the logical thinking in it and prefer to defend and attack in language. The process of finding weak points is similar to solve a puzzle. The happiness is in it. A brilliant debater can not only win the debate but also give an excellent performance in the debate. He may use vivid analogy, site the history or story of famous people and persuade you in an invisible way.

  As I mentioned in the forward, debate is an art but there are something can ruin the art. The origin of my dislike is the topic itself or the debate. The topic of the debate must be a controversial one or there will be no sense to debate on it. Unfortunately I have the personal tendency to one side of the topic some time or even the majority agrees with one side. In this case, it is not interesting. Another point is that the debate does not have success or fail on the topic because the topic is debatable. There always be the case that one side does find the weak point of the other one and has given a fatal blow but the opposite side does not want to die because they have to insist. When things like this happen, the debate becomes bland. The third point is that debate is not a quarrel. It is much more like a hot discussion. It is a sad to debate with someone who is not polite as if he wants to eat you. These are the reason why I dislike debate.

  After all debate is a fascinating activity, hope everyone enjoy it. Meanwhile I will enjoy watching it.

  Here are my reflections on the class debate. (Personal opinion)

1.      In the statement affirm your point firmly without so many questions is better.

2.      It is a helpful way to take down note on what everyone says.

3.      Do not ignore opinions from opposite side, they will show you their weak point.

4.      The time when you do not have to speak anymore is not the end of your task. Write down helpful information including powerful ideas to fight back and opponent’s mistakes and pass down to your teammate, this will help.

5.      Summarizing is to take an overlook of the whole situation including contradict opposite side and confirm your stand. In this occasion, examples are not powerful enough and take much time.

6.      Langue is your weapon not the gesture. Show respect to your opponent.

7.      How to speak is important. Speed, tone should be proper.