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Mastery of Speech: How to Speak
on Public Occasions
How to Debate
KEY
WORDS: IN ALL DEBATE DEFINE YOUR TERMS, LAY DOWN YOUR ISSUES,
AND PROVE EVERY STEP.
You are called upon to
debate more often than you think. Every time you enter into an
argument, however slight it may be, you are taking part in a kind of
debate.
For such purposes, and also for formal debates before large audiences,
follow these suggestions:
1. State your proposition
briefly and clearly.
"Child labor should be abolished."
If you fail to state your proposition you may debate on a phase of the
subject rather than on the main subject. Your hearers, likewise, may
think you are debating on some other topic than the one you have in
mind.
2. At once define the
terms you use.
"By 'child labor' I mean the paid employment of children
under twelve years of age in stores, factories, and other recognized
places of work."
"By 'abolished' I mean prohibited by law."
Many arguments arise because people have in mind different definitions
of terms. Thus they argue to no purpose.
The mere definition of terms is often sufficient to end an argument. In
a public debate the definition of terms places the contestants on a
similar basis, and brings about that "clash" without which there can be
no debate.
3. If you wish, you may now
speak of the history of the question, of the reason for present
interest in the subject, and of any facts that you frankly admit.
None of this is strictly necessary, but it all adds to
clearness of understanding and to interest in the subject.
If you can give it briefly, present the information.
"The child labor question is as old as the working history of the race,
but it has come into prominence in the last fifty years, because of our
great industrial development."
"The war has made it a subject of present interest, because men have
been called away to active service. Several definite legislative
propositions have been made to legalize child labor during the war."
"We frankly admit the great need of labor, and we admit that children
could take the men's places."
4. Lay down at least three
issues, or three main lines of proof.
"In spite of all this, I am going to show you that
(a) Child labor injures the conditions of labor.
(b) Child labor injures the child.
(c) Child labor injures the country.
These are the definite points that you are to prove. The fact that you
have stated them clears your own mind and the minds of your hearers.
5. Take up your issues one
by one and prove your point of view in every case by giving detailed
instances, illustrations, facts, quotations from authority, or any
other proofs.
You are thus proceeding in an orderly and logical method that is
cumulative in effect.
6. Quote freely from
authority.
There are many recognized sources o,f authority, such as
great books, and especially books of statistics.
Give page references as often as possible.
7. In your debate issue
two or three challenges to your opponents, basing your challenges on
points that you believe beyond dispute.
"I challenge my opponents to deny the facts presented in this
book, which I lay on the table."
8. Conclude your debate by
summarizing your main points and emphasizing their importance.
If you make a rebuttal follow these rules:
- Introduce no new argument.
- Confine yourself to overthrowing points your opponents have
given, or challenges they have issued.
- Make no empty denials.
Prove, by reference to authority, or by other
means, that your opponent is in error.
In all debates you should speak:
- Loudly enough to be heard easily.
- Deliberately enough to be impressive.
- Briefly enough to be emphatic.
- Courteously, using such words as "My colleague," "My
honorable opponent," "The gentlemen of the negative" and like
expressions.
PROBLEM.
Think out a debate for the affirmative or the negative of
the following question: "Education is the foundation of democracy."
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