Learn about the Art of Debating

Sanjay Budhdeo is an experienced debater at Oxford University, where he studies Medicine.

Why Debate?
Have you ever found it hard to win an argument? Do you think people don’t take you seriously? Are you scared of speaking in public? Human interaction is based on communication. It is often quite hard to get your point across in the way you want, and surprisingly hard to respond to the thoughts of other people. Being able to communicate clearly and effectively is a valuable skill that you will use whether you are having a discussion in the workplace or quarrelling with your little sister!

How to Debate
Debating in the British Parliamentary style provides you with a structured way to practice these very skills. It is an extremely enjoyable way to tackle all kinds of issues and ideas, so you get to learn a lot too! The argument centres around a central motion, which can be on any topic. A typical example might be “This House Would Reintroduce the Death Penalty.” There are two sides in the debate: the proposition would argue for introducing the death penalty, and the opposition would argue against the motion. Each side has two teams, with two speakers each. Each speech lasts for five minutes, and there is the opportunity to ask questions, known as points of information, during the speech. The opening speaker introduces the case, setting out a definition of what the motion means, in this case it might involve looking at which cases the death penalty would be applied to. Subsequent speakers should then bring forward points in favour of or against the motion. Concluding speakers should then summarise the case for their side, emphasising the key points on their side if proved correct, would win the debate.

Tips for Debating

In order to be able to come up with arguments in a debate, it is useful to keep up with current affairs and have wide background knowledge. When preparing for debates, thinking from first principles allows you to come up with creative points. Questioning the assumptions involved in an argument can allow you to build your own argument, as well as finding holes in, or rebutting, your opponent’s argument. For this motion, it may be possible to question whether someone convicted of a crime necessarily carried it out. Thinking about the groups affected by a motion can help think up points; in this motion, it would be important to consider the person accused of a crime, the victim of the crime, and citizens in general.

In terms of style, it is important to think about your audience. If the result of your debate is decided by the audience rather than a panel of judges, you may be wise to include more jokes. It is always worth maintaining a clear structure by setting out your points at the start of your speech, and clearly signposting which point you are talking about as you go through your speech. Concluding with a punch and including memorable anecdotes will make your speech stand out.

Partnership is an important skill to learn in debating. You can show teamwork by referring to your partner’s points in speeches, and you can practice teamwork by brainstorming with your partner when thinking of points for a speech.

Careers and Debating

As well as helping you to develop important skills, debating can prove to be a step to success on the career ladder. The logical analysis and creativity that debaters develop can help in professions as diverse as the law, the media and consultancy. Should you wish to one day occupy the country’s corridors of power, debating is a good place to start. Many politicians were debaters as students, including Michael Howard, former leader of the Conservative Party, Charles Kennedy, former leader of the Liberal Democrats, and John Smith, former leader of the Labour Party.

Get Involved

Hopefully you may now be interested in sampling the benefits of debating. If you are, there are lots of ways to have a go. Debate Mate (www.urbanunlimited.org) is an organisation that organises debating workshops across the UK. The English-Speaking Union (www.britishdebate.com) provides a list of debating competitions for schools and the Institute of Ideas (www.debatingmatters.com/) runs its own national debating competition. These are fantastic opportunities to practice debating, improve, develop important skills and be have your arguments taken seriously.