Opening the debate in the right way will keep your listeners interested and help you win the argument. Before you start, prepare a solid opening that will win over the listener.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Capturing the Listener's Attention
Step 1. Tell a compelling story
This story can be a personal anecdote about why you are interested in this topic, an anecdote about someone the listener can learn from, a wise story, fable, or historical event or simply an anecdote that summarizes the points of your argument.
- Your story should capture the heart of the debate. This story can explore, for example, the challenges you faced, how you faced them, and the lessons you learned.
- For example, "As someone with seizures, medical marijuana was a godsend. My family and I had to move across the country so I could get treatment, but moving was a great choice. My seizure episodes have decreased from five times a day to once a week."
Step 2. Ask rhetorical questions
When rhetorical questions are well-crafted and delivered, they can put the listener on your side. You want listeners to take rhetorical questions to heart when directing their attention to your topic. Ask a question that convinces listeners that you and they have something in common and that you share similar beliefs with them.
You might ask, for example, "Would you like to see someone you care about suffer for no reason?"
Step 3. State surprising statistical data
Your data should relate directly to the main point of the argument. This data can persuade listeners to side with your way of solving current issues.
You could say, for example, “Billions of tons of plastic are floating in the oceans right now. This much plastic is enough to make an island the size of Hawaii.” You can continue by talking about your issue and explaining to the listener why your solution is the best
Step 4. Use strong quotes
Using quotes in your speech will strengthen and add credibility to your idea. The quote also shows that you are knowledgeable about the topic. Your quote should be on topic and relevant to the listener. Try quoting famous people or people your listeners know.
For example, imagine that you are giving a speech about why you don't think a higher level of education is necessary for success. You can open it by saying, "Mark Twain once said, 'Don't let school interfere with your education.'"
Step 5. Use specific tools or creative visual aids
Examples, pictures, videos, or objects that illustrate the point of your argument. Visual aids enhance listeners' ability to understand issues, add aesthetic appeal, and stimulate their imagination. This tool will also make your message more memorable.
For example, if you think climate change is a reality, show photos of glaciers before and after they were affected by high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Method 2 of 3: Starting a Debate
Step 1. Create a definition
Key terms need to be explained and defined by the first speaker. Also define key terms that listeners are not familiar with.
- Identify the key terms in your argument and look up their definitions in various dictionaries. Choose the most appropriate definition for each word. You should choose a definition that is neutral and conventional.
- The definition you provide can be literal or adapted according to context. Context-adjusted definitions show examples of how a concept is applied in the real world. For example, a contextualized definition of money would indicate that money can be used to purchase services, such as food and fuel.
Step 2. Summarize your position or opinion
After defining the key terms, you should state the opinion you will defend in the debate and why. Strengthen your argument by repeating your opinion in various ways.
For example, “My team and I will show you the need, convenience, and advantages of medical marijuana. Together we will show that thousands of patients, including children, who suffer from seizures experience the benefits of medical marijuana. Research shows that seizure episodes are reduced by up to 80%. Moreover, the side effects of medical marijuana are not as severe as the side effects of conventional drugs used to treat seizure sufferers, especially children. We will show that medical marijuana is a practical, safe and cheaper solution for patients and their families.”
Step 3. Submit a policy
Your team's argument should include suggestions for resolving the issue that is the topic of debate. The debate team does this by drafting the policies they want to implement. The first speaker should outline the main components of the policy, but don't go into detail just yet.
- To demonstrate that your team policy will work, use an existing policy as the basis for your policy. For example, you might emphasize that the prohibition against using a mobile phone while driving is similar to the prohibition against being drunk while driving.
- Try to concentrate on three important reasons why a policy is needed or why a particular policy should be changed.
Method 3 of 3: Delivering the Debate
Step 1. Greet the listener
You should always greet the listener. Greeting the listener gives the impression that you are confident and serious. Saying hello also shows you respect the listener's opinion.
Greet the listeners by saying, “Good morning teachers and staff. Today's debate topic is parking services for students," or "Good morning teachers and students. Thank you for taking the time to attend this debate. Today's topic is parking services for students."
Step 2. State your position
After greeting the listener, briefly state your team's argument. The listener may be distracted or bored if your statements are too long. Also state the role of each speaker.
- State your position by saying, “We think students should not pay for parking on campus,” or “We think students should pay for parking on campus.”
- Explain the role of each speaker by saying, “As a first speaker, I will define key terms and outline our argument. The second speaker will explain the reasons behind our argument, and the third speaker will summarize the argument.”
Step 3. Make eye contact with some listeners
Try making eye contact with several individuals. You can guess their reaction by their facial expressions when they make eye contact. You'll also be able to build relationships with listener members on a more personal level and make your arguments more persuasive.
- Remember to keep eye contact with the listener at the end of the sentence.
- Maintain eye contact with someone for only three or five seconds and then move on to someone else.
Step 4. Speak slowly and clearly
Reduce the speed of your speech by remembering that you need to inhale. After finishing one sentence, take a deep breath, and move on to the next sentence.
