Debating 101: How to professionally conduct a debate

Interview done by: Omar yasser

One of the arguably best tools to possess in life is an efficient and professional debating technique. Great statesmen, leaders, generals and many more iconic figures of our society possessed or possess this essential skill. Even for your average Joe the skill can prove helpful at endless instances of day to day life and it is never not worth learning. Effective debates may be very well one of the main pillars of democracy. A debate usually stems out due to the disagreement of two parties on a certain point or topic and of course the end goal for both parties is to have their opinion prevail. However, as we all know it is quite easy to slip into an emotional phase that will make it much more difficult to have your opinion prevail and will most probably end up just escalating the conflict without actually resolving. But it is also quite easy to master the art of debate with a bit of learning and practice. You’re on your own with the practice part, but we can help you with the learning part through offering some of the foundations and principles of professional debate. Follow these rules and guidelines and in no time your argumentative skills will be on par as those of a politician!

Credit: Wix

1- Be Truthful & honest

The easiest way to lose a debate is through lying. The opposing party can shut you down and rip your argument apart if he detects that you are using false information or distorting any of your facts. So always be honest.

2-Have a mediator present

Having a mediator present to regulate your debate is quite important especially for more serious topics. Almost all parliaments around the world implement this some way or another giving the person different labels such as house speaker, head of parliament, etc…

3- Respect and listen to your mediator

It goes without saying that you must respect your mediator and understand that he is not on anyone’s side and is only there to moderate and see the debate be fruitful and professional.

4-Stay true to the topic and do not diverge

It is easy to get carried away during a debate so avoid that at all costs because this is only a waste of time and will usually not add up to anything regarding the debate.

5-Refrain from personal attacks

Remember to never ever attack either the mediator or the opposite side on a personal level. Attack their logic by a solid and well-structured argument instead. Personal attacks make you look weak and indicate you have nothing to say.

6- Speak, but also listen

Stick to taking turns when speaking rather than constantly interrupting one another. Speak and say everything you want and have prepared when your turn comes, when it’s not, and listen very carefully even if you disagree and take notes, you have better chances of preparing stronger counter arguments if you pay attention to all the details.

7-Maintain your tone of voice

Always speak confidently but politely. The best approach is to maintain a very neutral tone of voice devoid of emotions. Remember, let your logic drive you NOT your emotions.

8-Be flexible

While this is a more broad point, it may be one of the most important and crucial. Flexible how? In admitting and facing the shortcomings of your own arguments, admitting to the opposing parties that they are right if they utilize facts and logic to present an undeniably stronger argument that others agree with and support. Finally, remember that you cannot win every single debate, sometimes because you did not prepare sufficiently, others because you chose the wrong side to defend and at times because the other party is not flexible himself and will remain defiant against your logic no matter what.