WHAT IS A DEBATE?

A debate is an argument with rules. It is formal and  two or more people (sometime teams of people) wiith different views discuss the issues and differences. The people taking part are called debaters, who use persuasive techniques to make their arguments as convincing as possible because they want to win the audience to their side.

The winner of the debate may be decided by judges, the audience or by a combination of both.

HOW DEBATE HELPS YOU GROW AS A PERSON

By debating, you will develop several of the following skills: 

• analytical thinking  - so you'll  be able to break down complicated problems into small understandable parts. 

• teamwork -  working with others to achieve a common goal and completing the task in the best way. 

• critical thinking -  

• An A & E nurse analyses the people who need help & decides in which order they should be treated.
•  An electrician evaluates the materials that best would suit a particular job. 
• An lawyer reviews evidence and comes up with a strategy to win a case or to decide whether to settle out of court.

• separating fact from opinion • identifying bias -  bias is any opinion that influences a person’s thoughts, feelings, or actions. A person can be biased against something or have a bias for something. Bias is a subjective way of thinking that tells only one side of a story, sometimes leading to inaccurate information or a false impression. 

• organisation 

• Creating and keeping deadlines.
• Delegation.
• Goal setting and meeting goals.
• Decision making.
• Managing appointments.
• Team management.
• Project management.
• Making schedules.

• public speaking - to become a better speaker you should 

• Plan your speech
• Practice regularly
• Try to really engage your audience.
• Pay attention to body language.
• Think positively.
• Cope with your nerves.
• Record and critique your performance 
• Research 
• The art of persuasion