People often find great content to argue with, but the fact is that almost 1/3 of the judging criteria are on the delivery of the material. Even so, you still can't win with just a passionate speech if the debate material isn't studied well. Good debate aligns factual evidence with emotional conviction. No matter how analytical and academic the debate is, your presentation will have a clear impact on the jury and the audience. If the debate is fierce, your victory could depend on the drama.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Exploring the Art of Speech
Step 1. Find a way to persuade the audience through Invention
There are five weapons of speech that were first introduced by the philosopher in Roman times, Cicero in the first century. Cicero put forward five rules of speech, which divide the skills of speech into parts that are easy to understand. The first step is Invention. Discovery refers to the stage at which the argument is born. At this stage you must discover the urgency of your argument for the type of audience present.
- You have to understand the audience's wants and needs, and how best to approach them.
- When trying to attract an audience, think about the balance of logos, ethos (ethos), and pathos (sympathy). These three modes of persuasion will be used to convince the audience of your arguments. Each mode will react differently from the audience, and you will have to change your approach to suit the audience's needs.
- A more logical approach (relying primarily on logos) may be more appropriate when the viewer wants factual evidence of how you made things right for them.
- When trying to maintain a balanced tone and not appear biased, include more ethos in your speech. This is great for a more formal audience, but still needs to empathize with you, or the situation at hand.
- Sympathy/pathos has the potential to appear manipulative if displayed at the wrong time. However, if done right, sadness can evoke strong emotions in the viewer. These emotions have the power to drastically change the course of your speech.
- Mastering the art of speech will ensure that you prepare for a powerful speech. This will improve your argument skills.
Step 2. Arrange the arguments with Arrangement
The order in which the audience hears the argument will greatly affect how the audience responds to your speech. Most likely you are already familiar with the 5 paragraph essay from your studies. While it doesn't really fit into all speeches, this format is based on Roman and Greek argumentative structures. The five steps in the essay are as follows:
- Preliminary. Share your message and why it's important to you and your audience.
- Statement of fact. Break down your argument into smaller parts. this is where you state the reason why the current problem arose.
- Confirmation, or proof. Assemble your main argument here, along with the reasons why your argument worked.
- rebuttal. Acknowledge your opponent, accept some of his arguments before challenging his point of view.
- Conclusion. Close the main points of your argument and provide instructions on what you want the audience to do or think.
Step 3. Express the arguments when improvising the Style of speech
Speech should not contain cliche or stale language. Compose creative speeches and dynamically express salient points. You will be able to deliver your speech with confidence if you are satisfied with the style you choose.
- We recommend that you adapt the style of speech to the audience present. Make sure you present your ideas in a way that matches the moral and intellectual level of your audience.
- You can use various figures of speech actively when constructing an argument. Also known as “idioms”, figure of speech is very useful for constructing meaningful and interesting arguments.
- Antithesis will help you compare ideas and phrases, like a skillful juxtaposition. Metaphors and similes are great ways of comparing ideas. All of these techniques will add flavor to your speech.
Step 4. Speech without text by relying on your Memory
As simple as it may seem, the jury and audience will be more impressed if you make a speech without the help of text in hand.
It should be noted that certain aspects of the debate will have to do with improvisation. However, by remembering the key facts of the topic, you can naturally retell them. This will help you feel more confident in improvising your speech
Step 5. Reinforce your performance technique so as to improve speech delivery
You need to master the performing arts of debate to be able to deliver a good speech. Focus on gestures, body language, and tone of voice. It is the delivery of your speech that is the key to winning the hearts of your judges and audience. The facts you present may be accurate, but if you don't connect the points of the argument well to the audience, most of your speech will be ignored.
Delivery also varies depending on the audience or listener. When giving a speech in front of a small audience, make more eye contact, speak more directly to the listener. For example, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's “Fireside Chats” is a radio broadcast meant to be intimate for listeners. On the other hand, his larger speech feels better suited to the larger scope of the subject
Part 2 of 3: Improving Your Linguistics
Step 1. Eliminate filler sounds (pause filler)
When your speech is punctuated with "uh" or "um" and other breath sounds, you may seem like you don't really understand your speech. Your verbal hesitation also indicates you're looking for the next word. It's a good idea to break this habit in debate, as your goal is to demonstrate full understanding of the topic being discussed.
- The "uh" sound usually resolves in no time. This sound indicates you have completed one point, and are preparing to move on to the next.
- The "um" sound can actually be more dangerous, because it sounds like you're looking for unknown information. It's a good idea to eliminate both from your speech patterns in formal debates as they both impede your thought process.
- Try replacing your pause sound with silence. This will give the listener time to process your last sentence, and give you the stimulus for the next idea.
- Don't forget, everyone needs some processing time before moving on to the next sentence. This thought process isn't removed, but you're just making it seem as though there's not much to think about.
Step 2. Find synonyms for overly common words
It may be easy to use very common words when debating, especially if most of your speech is based on research. There is a tendency among politicians to use trite language so avoid this tendency when debating.
If your speech is based on thorough research, it can sometimes sound sloppy. If you simply spit out facts from academic sources, your speech will quickly feel dull and overly intellectual. Be careful with words like “capitalist” or “dichotomy”. These words, despite their deep meaning, have been overused in recent years
Step 3. Speak slowly with clear pronunciation
There is a tendency, especially among lay debaters, to make speeches quickly and seem somewhat rushed. Your speech doesn't have to be boring, but slowing down has some advantages too. When you slow down your speech, you give the judges and listeners more time to process your strong points.
- Pronunciation is much easier if you slow down your speech rate. While speaking quickly will allow you to say more things, chances are that not everything will be heard.
- Try doing the “pencil in mouth” exercise if you want to improve your articulation. Put the pencil in your mouth parallel to your forehead, then practice your speech while holding your pencil. You must speak and pronounce the syllables clearly even if blocked by a pencil.
- When you pick up a pencil, your speech will become clearer. Keep this level of pronunciation when giving a speech. It will be easier for listeners to decipher your points if clear pronunciation is combined with a slower speaking style.
Step 4. Make your rebuttal calmly
Before opening your mouth, pause to take a breath and calm your mind. There's a lot of pressure in making rebuttals in a debate, especially since you have to connect the various points of your argument to rebut naturally.
- Break down your argument into specific points in your mind, before starting. You will lose if you spread new ideas at the last minute.
- Summarize your argument in a sentence or two. Of course these points can be extrapolated, but it helps if you have some basic ideas to go back to.
- Focus on what you have done successfully. Don't be so hard on yourself for taking the “easiest” path of victory.
Part 3 of 3: Increasing Drama
Step 1. Use gestures
Gestures are helpful in elaborating your points. After all, any kind of public speaking is just an attempt to appear natural and friendly when speaking in front of a crowd. Don't forget the basic rules of NSOD gestures, which state that all movements must be neutral (Neutral), open (Open), clear (Defined), and strong (Strong).
- Usually, the size of the debate stage is quite large. You must master this stage completely. Don't move around nervously and make sure you appear confident speaking in front of a crowd.
- Don't rely on gestures for nervousness relief. If you use gestures to relieve nervousness, your gestures will not be as strong. Instead, there will be unnecessary movements that interfere with your speech.
Step 2. Make eye contact
You'll have a hard time winning a debate if you don't make eye contact with the jury and the audience. In all types of public speaking, listeners will feel confident if you can relate directly through eye contact. Even a short relationship can make a big difference, because people who accept your eye contact will feel like you're speaking directly to them.
- After you make eye contact with one of the audience, say the next sentence to the other person. This way, you can connect with more people personally.
- You can also use eye contact to silence distractions from the audience. If someone isn't paying attention to you, glare at your bully to make him feel uncomfortable. Then, your bullies should be quiet, or at least less annoying anymore.
Step 3. Diversify your tone
People don't like monotonous speech, especially if your argumentation skills are being assessed. Changing the tone as a whole will also highlight the breadth of your argument, as you will have to adapt to each part of the speech.
- If you go into gruesome or cruel details, adjust your tone so that it sounds disgusting. When inserting light jokes or self-conscious remarks, use a humorous and cheerful tone.
- Above all, your tone should have a sense of haste. This proves you haven't overlooked the importance of the topic being discussed. It's important to vary your tone, but don't forget the point of your speech.
Step 4. Master dramatic breaks
All moments of silence, in debate, must feel important. Often, debate is so pivoted on the power of the speech that all actions that decide the speech will feel heavy. Dramatic and powerful pauses are usually long lasting and are often the most successful. Pauses are usually done after and before a big moment in a speech.
- If not done right, this long pause can weaken the argument. Make sure you build on this gap with great momentum. Thus, your silence will be well received.
- The use of pauses can vary, from dividing big points in paragraphs to making time for drinking breaks. Make sure the length of your pause is appropriate so that you and your audience's focus doesn't break.
Step 5. Close your debate on fire
It's a good idea to maintain immediacy when arguing, but you have to make sure no argument gets lost. It's only toward the end of the debate that you can let go of some control through a final statement.
- Your closing words (often referred to as your “final strike”) take familiar points from your speech and enhance them with final appeal to the audience.
- You can achieve this by raising the pitch of your voice, or you can speak a little faster than usual. Remaining calm and patient will multiply your power as an orator, and this last resort can be crucial in establishing victory.
Tips
- Each of your arguments must be convincing. Don't just lay out points as it will be boring and show your lack of debating capacity.
- Don't be afraid if you say something wrong. Correct your mistakes calmly. Confidence every turn is key and can take you anywhere.
- Just remember that the content and accuracy of your argument will still be what the jury is most likely to judge. You should argue nicely and naturally, but don't make it up.
