Argument
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Refutation
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Modified Debate Structure, Argument, and Refutation information from: Meany, John, and Kate Schuster. "Public Debate Program." Public Debate Program. National and International Schools Debate Outreach Initiative, 1 Aug. 2012. Web. 27 Oct. 2014.
Copyright © 1975-2012 John Meany. Certain portions Copyright © 2012 Kate Shuster.
All rights are reserved.This document may be reprinted and distributed for non-commercial and educational purposes only, and not for resale. No resale use may be made of material on this and related web sites at any time. For information on usage rights, contact John Meany, [email protected].
Copyright © 1975-2012 John Meany. Certain portions Copyright © 2012 Kate Shuster.
All rights are reserved.This document may be reprinted and distributed for non-commercial and educational purposes only, and not for resale. No resale use may be made of material on this and related web sites at any time. For information on usage rights, contact John Meany, [email protected].
Observer Feedback:
DEBATE SPECIFIC
- Make sure that all evidence and assertions are relevant to the points and counterpoints within the context of THIS debate.
- Avoid illogical and ancillary arguments. (Oedipus didn't actually KNOW he was committing initial crimes. How can you argue culpability prior to Sphinx?) Stay within the context of the topic.
- Assertions/constructive arguments were very clear.
- Evidence was always used; however, sometimes more relevant evidence should have been used to support your assertion.
- Every argument should FIRST SERVE TO DEFEND YOUR POSITION. Your secondary goal is to refute the opposing team's position.
- Aristotelian triad: logos, ethos, pathos: A good speaker uses all THREE elements of the triad. The speaker should be qualified and educated on the topic. The speaker should use facts to support an argument. The speaker should employ emotional appeal in order to reach the audience.
- Find a balance between reading and informal memorized extemporaneous speaking.
- Do not fidget (tapping pens, playing with hair, dancing, fiddling with clothing/buttons on sports coats, spinning in movable chairs). This applies to BOTH speaker and audience members.
- Do not verbally fidget. ("Oh, I'm sorry." "Oh, I already said that." "Grateful." "So, yeah.") Avoid any form of verbal stalling - different from stuttering. Verbal stalling shows a lack of preparedness and a lack of mental organization. If you do go blank, just stop talking. Take a second. Gather thoughts, and restart statement. Silence can work in your favor. A moment of silence to gather your thoughts can garner everyone's attention.
- Make eye-contact and be confident with ALL members of your audience. Use natural gestures.
- Formal attire - let's talk about that.
- Speak slowly and loudly enough so that your audience can understand you. Articulate! Nervousness makes you speed up.
- What does Blink say about body language?