Speech & DebateStrategies

Responsibilities

Make your case

Rebuttal

i.e.,

I'm right

You're wrong

Know your role...and lines!

Be it resolved: that any individual who is a fan of the Twilight series will be required to live in the isolated regions of Papua New Guinea.

1) Definitions!

2) Advantages/Disadvantages

3) Context

4) Solvency

5) Harms/Benefits

ArgumentAn argument is an ASSUMPTION based on a PREMISE, backed by

EVIDENCE in support of a CLAIM.

Dogs are better than cats because dogs can protect our homes. There's no such thing as a police cat.

Assumption:

"Protection" = "Better"

*Identify the assumption*

*Provide counter evidence*

Common logic errorsIt is hot in June - we should open an ice-cream store!

It's hot in a VOLCANO - would you open an ice-cream store in a volcano?

Your face is a volcano.

Correlation X Causation

False ComparisonAd-hominem

Because I said so!

- Are you a certified authority figure or leading expert?

- Do you have a track record of success every time you make a claim?

- You also said you would be here on time, that the tooth fairy existed, that you would never speed again...

Be it resolved:

The internet has improved childhood.

DO:

Research - know what you are talking about

Organize - so information is clearly presented

Make eye contact (or at least attempt it)

Use available space

Let your personality come through

DON'T:

Rely on improvisation

Be scripted

READ

Stand there like a statue

Disrespect, insult, or offend

ENGAGEMENT

Relax & "act natural"

Be AWARE

BREATHE

POISE

Don't be mean!

You attract more flies with honey than with vinegar

Support your peers!

You are confident when you are relaxed

Be PRESENT!

CONFIDENCE