How to win Debate Competitions?

Winning Debates? Well, I am not an authority on the subject, certainly not. But yes, I have been lucky enough to know a lady who is equivalent to my mom to me and she says, “Yatin, all my life i have done nothing but debating!!” I know she wont like if I name her here, so lets call her Mam X.

Let me tell my readers here that nothing being written here is my original content. Its simply what I have learnt from my mom and I know she wont mind if I make it public.

Alright, that was little history and as none of us liked history ever, lets talk business. This post is about British Parliamentary Debate which is very well known in most parts of the world and which is something my esteemed college recognizes with. Personally, no offense, but neither do i understand nor i do like the Asian pattern of debating. And as this is MY BLOG, I will talk about only what i like ;). Feel Good Factor You Know!!

Ok, there might be 3 to 5 participant per team having very crucial roles to play with the common aim to win. I assume here that you are well versed with the rules and if i am wrong, you can email me at yatingarg87@gmail.com and i will send a copy of a 40 page mini constitution.

Lets Debate!!

Lets start with Proposition. I think, this side controls the rudder. The leader of the proposition (The Prime Minister) has full freedom to initiate and give a direction to the whole thing as he is the one who goes and defines the topic. Alert!! Now here is the catch. The trick to a very strong start is to define the topic in multiple perspectives : Socially, Economically, Politically, Philosophically, Environmentally, Historically and whatever you can think of. Remember, Don’t narrow down your approach. Especially when the topic is abstract, list down anything and everything you can think of or by brainstorming with your team or by Goggling.  Even if the topic is something specific, talk all perspectives from a Global point of view.

Now, if you are the leader of the opposition, lets see what can you do. Man! the key to be successful here is RESEARCH and Play of Words. Step into the shoes of the proposition team and list down each and everything they could think of. If you are lucky enough that the Prime minister falters with his definition, CHALLENGE IT! Throw your own Words of Wisdom on the proposition and boldly say that as the proposition has failed GROSSLY in terms of defining the topic and as the leader of a responsible and well informed opposition,  let me redefine it. Simply say, the problem as described by the proposition, does not exists. Or say this is not the correct problem and define the problem in your own way!

May be the PM had left behind some perspective which could have added a value, use that according to your convenience. So say that, i would certainly like to put forward a broader view and shoot! And worst case, if the PM was really good, then PLAY WITH WORDS. Redefine the motion in different expression and then quote some big shots and well known personalities like an authority from World Bank, IMF, President or Prime Minister of a country, well known thinker, sociologist or a philosopher in a relevant way (I mean PLEASE DON’T DO IT FOR THE HECK OF DOING IT, I have seen people doing it and I have seen the audience having ball 😀  ) but yes, here is an advice from the Guru (me, ofcouse!): An easy way to look smart is to quote smart people because no one in the house could think of contradicting them! Simple and Straight!!

Now the rest of the teams both sides: Guys, before even thinking to debate, your team must have a Rebuttal Sheet. Now what on Earth is that? Well, a paper, divided into 3 columns. First column is for noting down what the other side has been saying. Second column, must have your reply and the third column should have at least 2 examples to corroborate your point. Search beforehand what examples could the opposing party bring in and find very nearby answer. For example, someone could give an example of a country where Globalization proved destructive. Alright, admit graciously but then you should have example of two neighboring countries where it proved to be a boon. Yea, someone might quote some old Chinese scripture but then you should have an answer by quoting a modern Chinese thinker, or Chinese news channel, or someone in top hierarchy in China column should have all the possible points you could think what the opposing team could bring in. Each and Everything. itself. Trust me, nothing more hits your opposition that bad 😉 and its a fun to see the house appreciating you!! Personal Experience You See 🙂

And now, research. I generally use and recommend the websites of United Nations, World Bank, US govt., CIA World Fact Book, news channels like Guardian, Washington Post etc. and official govt. websites of countries specific. Please make sure that you mention the source of what you say as talking about these adds tonnes of credibility to what you say. Here is a very important trick. Lets say you know that Gordon Brown appreciates free trade and this goes against you. Now search specifically in Google something like this: Gordon Brown restricts free trade or Gordon Brown makes strict policies on free trade and similar stuff like that.  This would prove a hole in your opposition’s boat!!

And now, something very important. Keep Calm and Use Humor.If you think that tearing off your sheets to show aggression helps, you are absolutely right, but it helps your Opposition! 🙂  Sorry mom, going to steal one more quote of yours, “The best thing you can wear is a SMILE!!” It works man, yes it does and the best part is that people never figure out if you are nervous!!

And humor? I read somewhere that you can rip a person apart and he wont mind if you can entertain him side by side. I certainly don’t want you to play Santa-Banta on the podium but there are always a lot of nice and relevant things to say which keeps your audience engaged and interested. You can work wonders on the podium by saying, “I really apologize on behalf of my team for causing the inconvenience of POIs to the opposition! ;)”  You can, very politely, also offer a glass of water to the member of the opposition who just spoke before you depending upon the environment of the house.

To conclude, I apologize mom that I could only gather this from whatever she tried telling me tirelessly about debates. I would whole heartedly appreciate your comments and experiences. If at all this chicken scratch of mine helps you, you can thank her by sending an email at kangharpreet@gmail.com

And now, GO and KILL 😉

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