Characteristics of Debate

We debate not just for the sake of saying anything. We debate not just to throw any point. Debate must generally be substantive, persuasive and organized.

Debate must have the following characteristics:

1. Informative- a good debate presents complete information and factual setting. Debate is supposed to inform the public of what they should know, to educate the people, and to help them reach a logical understanding of the facts. Debaters should feed the audience the necessary facts and evidence to will properly aid the latter in learning, grasping and appreciating the novelty of the motion. Debaters should not rely merely on their own opinions but on the general principles laid down by the authorities and experts.

2. Well-reasoned- arguments raised in a debate must be logical, relevant, competent and well explained. Arguments must show a direct link on the motion that is debated upon. Arguments must support the core that will aid the team prove their claims. Arguments raised must be acceptable to an average reasonable person who has an average analysis of the issues presented. All questions that will lead to the conclusion of the debate must be clarified, answered, and analyzed. Debaters should make all their points clear and understandable.

3. Persuasive- Debate should give emphasis and force to strong arguments that need the support of the people. In order to convince the people in the position that debaters are supporting, debaters must be firy in presenting their issues. Debaters should build rapport with their audience and help them follow the points raised by the debaters.

4. Orderly- A debate must follow a certain format that will govern the proceeding of the debate and the conduct of the debaters. The rules should among others set the task of each speaker and the time limit alloted to each of them. Speeches must be organized, structured and presented in a methodological form.

5. Dynamic- Since in a debate, two teams present opposing views, said views must be responded to by both teams respectively. All important points must be questioned and answered by each team and teams must directly clash with the points raised by their opponent. Each speaker must contribute and respond to the requirements and necessities of the debate.