Post by Niluial on Oct 19, 2003 3:57:11 GMT -5
Like playing chess or sports, debating is a skill that can be dramatically improved if you receive the right coaching. The following tips aren't rocket
science -- they should remind you of what you already do when you argue well.
The difficulty that most people have with any activity they engage in without training is that they can't explain why a particular effort succeeded or failed. Without an awareness of the principles of debate, people will occasionally make brilliant arguments, but can't consistently duplicate their successes. The following tips attempt to lay bare the basic processes that consistently produce good argumentation. They should help you think up better arguments, understand the structure of an argument, and identify a range of common counter-arguments. Beginning students of debate should self-consciously employ these practices. Use this tip sheet as a checklist if need be. As you become more familiar with the principles you will begin to apply them so automatically that the process will become instinctive. Once you are aware of the moves you and your opponent are making you can begin to think strategically. It is strategic awareness that distinguishes the occasionally victorious novice from the consistently successful experienced debater.
1. Think of as Many Arguments as Possible.
No argument is too stupid to entertain. I'm not saying you should make every argument you think up, but at least give yourself the freedom to think along unconventional lines. Some of the best arguments are created this way. Once you have brainstormed every possible argument you can critically evaluate them. If you are critical of yourself during the brainstorm you will short-circuit the process.
2. After the Brainstorm, Push Yourself Further
There is always one more good argument lurking in your head. The ones that are hardest to think up are often the hardest to defeat. Use this strategy with Tip #6: Utilize a Variety of Arguments. Think of one more argument for each of those categories.
3. Have Multiple Answers
Give three reasons. No matter what argument you are making or attacking, strive to give a minimum of three distinct reasons. In everyday conversation we rarely have the chance to make more than one argument on a topic before someone responds. This creates the bad habit of thinking in single arguments. Break free of this habit by thinking, three.
4. Create Multiple Layers of Attack/Defense
Debaters often put all their eggs in one argumentative basket. If their basic argument fails, they lose. Make sure you are using a variety of arguments and don't dismiss an argument simply because it seems easy to defeat. Arguments that look weak to you may appear insurmountable to your opponent. Throw everything at your opponent and see what works. This is especially important because the reverse may also be true: arguments which you thought were invincible are often crushed with alarming ease by your opponents. Debaters often use a single argumentative theme because they have fallen victim to the hobgoblin known as consistency. Escape this demon by using two little words: even if. Let's say you are defending Bill Clinton against removal from office. You could say, Even if Bill Clinton is guilty of perjury, it doesn't warrant removal from office. This way, you get to argue he is innocent, but also get to say being guilty isn't grounds for removal.
5. Recognize the Clash of Values
Despite the strategic importance of creating multiple layers of attack and defense, debaters can usually identify key underlying values that are in conflict in every controversy. Should cops be able to search a car without a warrant? The societal value of privacy clashes with the value of security. Should citizens be able to invest their social security money any way they want? Individual freedom clashes with public welfare. No matter what you are debating, identify the values that seem to be in conflict. If you can prove on a philosophical level that your value should always take priority, you will win no matter what the facts of the matter regarding automobile searches, social security, or whatever. Value based attacks are very powerful and much overlooked weapons in debaters' arsenals.
science -- they should remind you of what you already do when you argue well.
The difficulty that most people have with any activity they engage in without training is that they can't explain why a particular effort succeeded or failed. Without an awareness of the principles of debate, people will occasionally make brilliant arguments, but can't consistently duplicate their successes. The following tips attempt to lay bare the basic processes that consistently produce good argumentation. They should help you think up better arguments, understand the structure of an argument, and identify a range of common counter-arguments. Beginning students of debate should self-consciously employ these practices. Use this tip sheet as a checklist if need be. As you become more familiar with the principles you will begin to apply them so automatically that the process will become instinctive. Once you are aware of the moves you and your opponent are making you can begin to think strategically. It is strategic awareness that distinguishes the occasionally victorious novice from the consistently successful experienced debater.
1. Think of as Many Arguments as Possible.
No argument is too stupid to entertain. I'm not saying you should make every argument you think up, but at least give yourself the freedom to think along unconventional lines. Some of the best arguments are created this way. Once you have brainstormed every possible argument you can critically evaluate them. If you are critical of yourself during the brainstorm you will short-circuit the process.
2. After the Brainstorm, Push Yourself Further
There is always one more good argument lurking in your head. The ones that are hardest to think up are often the hardest to defeat. Use this strategy with Tip #6: Utilize a Variety of Arguments. Think of one more argument for each of those categories.
3. Have Multiple Answers
Give three reasons. No matter what argument you are making or attacking, strive to give a minimum of three distinct reasons. In everyday conversation we rarely have the chance to make more than one argument on a topic before someone responds. This creates the bad habit of thinking in single arguments. Break free of this habit by thinking, three.
4. Create Multiple Layers of Attack/Defense
Debaters often put all their eggs in one argumentative basket. If their basic argument fails, they lose. Make sure you are using a variety of arguments and don't dismiss an argument simply because it seems easy to defeat. Arguments that look weak to you may appear insurmountable to your opponent. Throw everything at your opponent and see what works. This is especially important because the reverse may also be true: arguments which you thought were invincible are often crushed with alarming ease by your opponents. Debaters often use a single argumentative theme because they have fallen victim to the hobgoblin known as consistency. Escape this demon by using two little words: even if. Let's say you are defending Bill Clinton against removal from office. You could say, Even if Bill Clinton is guilty of perjury, it doesn't warrant removal from office. This way, you get to argue he is innocent, but also get to say being guilty isn't grounds for removal.
5. Recognize the Clash of Values
Despite the strategic importance of creating multiple layers of attack and defense, debaters can usually identify key underlying values that are in conflict in every controversy. Should cops be able to search a car without a warrant? The societal value of privacy clashes with the value of security. Should citizens be able to invest their social security money any way they want? Individual freedom clashes with public welfare. No matter what you are debating, identify the values that seem to be in conflict. If you can prove on a philosophical level that your value should always take priority, you will win no matter what the facts of the matter regarding automobile searches, social security, or whatever. Value based attacks are very powerful and much overlooked weapons in debaters' arsenals.
