Transcript Intro. To Debate Notes

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To ensure we are informed of the issues
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To preserve freedoms
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To see alternate points of view
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To be able to separate emotion from fact
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Clarity
◦ Avoid use of terms which can be interpreted
differently by different readers.
◦ We are talking to people to disagree with us, so we
need to ensure we use clear word choice to be
understood
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Evidence
◦ Use indisputable proof
◦ Be cautious when quoting books or people since
they have been proven wrong before
◦ Scientific facts are best
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Emotionalism
◦ Avoid emotionally charged words
◦ Attack the issue, not your opponent
◦ Examples of labels to avoid are “liberal,”
“conservative,” “socialist,” “baby killer,” etc.
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Anticipate and understand your opponents’
arguments
Avoid the use of logical fallacies
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Apply the scientific method.
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Cite relevant personal experience.
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Be polite.
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Organize your response. (Beginning, middle, end.)
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Treat people as individuals. (Not everyone who is prochoice is also anti-gun.)
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Cite sources for statistics and studies used.
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Stay open to learning.