Debating Skills Worth Knowing
Inevitably, you will find yourself in situations in which you have to convince someone else that you are correct about a particular topic. It is going to happen. You may be a salesperson who must assure a customer that what you are selling is wonderful. You may be in a more formal debate situation such as on a team at a competition. If you have chosen a life of politics, you will likely find yourself attempting to show potential voters that you are more qualified for a position than your opponent. Regardless of the situation that has brought about the discussion, there are effective debating techniques that will help your cause.
When it comes to debating techniques, there are none more important than making eye contact. Nothing makes a more powerful impression. This practice may not be completely practical in certain portions of a team debate, as sometimes larger amounts of notes must be read in a limited time. If you are face-to-face with someone, however, you absolutely must hold their gaze. Casting your eyes to the ground or past your opponent will do nothing but dissipate the confidence that others, such as competition judges, have in you. Your own confidence will dwindle once you realize that you are unable to make eye contact. By looking directly at the other participant, you can possibly shake their own confidence in themselves as they question whether they are able to best your abilities. Eye contact shows authority.
You will occasionally become impassioned during the course of a debate, but do not let your hands and arms roam free. A small amount of hand gestures to emphasize a point is alright, but wild flapping will distract those watching the debate. That is not good, as you are trying to gain their confidence, not get them to question why you move around so much. Excessive mobility may also be viewed as intentional, as if you are seeking to cover up some sort of deficiency in your argument. Remaining calm also helps you focus on the support that your opponent offers so that you may form a viable retort.
Verbalizing is just one aspect of a debate. Another, and equally important one, is listening. You must absorb what your opponent says so that you may competently form a rebuttal. If you are thinking about other things or are simply playing over in your head the words you want to say, your grasp of the debate will lessen. If you have not closely considered your opponent's words, then your counter statements may not be relevant.
Essentially, if you are able to step back and take a breath, you are ahead of the game. By remaining calm, you are better able to assemble your thoughts, hone in on your opponent's rebuttals, and offer an air of confidence. With effective debating techniques, you are better equipped to convince your audience of your accuracy.
When it comes to debating techniques, there are none more important than making eye contact. Nothing makes a more powerful impression. This practice may not be completely practical in certain portions of a team debate, as sometimes larger amounts of notes must be read in a limited time. If you are face-to-face with someone, however, you absolutely must hold their gaze. Casting your eyes to the ground or past your opponent will do nothing but dissipate the confidence that others, such as competition judges, have in you. Your own confidence will dwindle once you realize that you are unable to make eye contact. By looking directly at the other participant, you can possibly shake their own confidence in themselves as they question whether they are able to best your abilities. Eye contact shows authority.
You will occasionally become impassioned during the course of a debate, but do not let your hands and arms roam free. A small amount of hand gestures to emphasize a point is alright, but wild flapping will distract those watching the debate. That is not good, as you are trying to gain their confidence, not get them to question why you move around so much. Excessive mobility may also be viewed as intentional, as if you are seeking to cover up some sort of deficiency in your argument. Remaining calm also helps you focus on the support that your opponent offers so that you may form a viable retort.
Verbalizing is just one aspect of a debate. Another, and equally important one, is listening. You must absorb what your opponent says so that you may competently form a rebuttal. If you are thinking about other things or are simply playing over in your head the words you want to say, your grasp of the debate will lessen. If you have not closely considered your opponent's words, then your counter statements may not be relevant.
Essentially, if you are able to step back and take a breath, you are ahead of the game. By remaining calm, you are better able to assemble your thoughts, hone in on your opponent's rebuttals, and offer an air of confidence. With effective debating techniques, you are better equipped to convince your audience of your accuracy.