7 Habits of an Effective K-12 Debate Team

Debating is the process of presenting one view in opposition to another view. It is an interactive form of argument wherein two sides take turns presenting their case. Whichever side presents a more compelling case by virtue of having presented a stronger argument supported by facts and logic is considered to have won the debate. A formal debate is governed by rules which the two opposing sides agree to follow. There is structure to a formal debate, with time limits in speaking and with each side taking turns presenting their case. Each side is usually assigned to either be for (affirmative) or against (negative) a certain proposition. Teams will take turns presenting their case, and the opposing teams follow with their rebuttals or counter-argument. A panel of judges sits as adjudicator of the debate, while a moderator acts as referee and enforcer of the rules. In the end, the judges choose a winner based on points scored by each team. In order to be a good debater, one must follow certain principles and practice those principles in an environment conducive to harnessing logic and critical thinking. Below are the 7 habits of an effective K-12 debate team.

Factual argument

Lay the foundation of your case using facts. Fact is always stronger than fiction. If you can present your case supported by strong evidence, you would've effectively laid down a good foundation for your case. Your information must be researched and your arguments must be supported by factual data. Otherwise, you would just be running off your mouth without having the means to support your argument.

Logic and critical reasoning

Use logic and critical reasoning in arguing your case. The quality of a debate hinges on the participants' ability to use their inductive and deductive reasoning skills. Without employing logic, you run the risk of using fallacies to augment your case.

Order and rules

So that the debate will run smoothly and not turn chaotic, there must be rules clearly laid down before the debate starts. Both teams must agree to follow these rules and the moderator must ensure that these rules are followed by all the participants. The rules ensure that order is maintained throughout the debate and that the debate doesn't turn into a shouting match between two teams eager to prove their point.

Dynamic and interactive

A debate is not only about proving one's point and discrediting the other person, it is also about letting the other side present their views and their argument. The object of a debate is not merely for argument's sake, but for truth's sake. We would like to know the validity of one argument and the

The art of persuasion

Debating is not the art of arguing but rather that art of persuading. If you can sway your opponent to see the value in your argument, then you have just effectively won the debate. While if you pose an argument that turns your opponent more adversarial, then you've just effectively lost your chance to convert them.

Following the debate to its logical conclusion

An effective K-12 debate team will follow the logical conclusion of their arguments up to the very end. The mark of a good debater lies in following through each argument to its valid end. Loose ends are points of arguments which your opponent can exploit. A good debater ties up all loose ends and does not allow his opponent to exploit any holes in his argument.

Ending on the right note

In a debate, winning is only a partial aspect of victory. The larger and much more important aspect of victory is convincing your opponent of the validity of your argument, thereby gaining a new ally. Gaining new friends instead of bitter enemies is the true aim of debate.