If you know anything about fallacies, you’ve probably heard of false equivalence. This fallacy occurs frequently in casual arguments and formal debates. False equivalence is when you compare two unlike things to make a point. While usually you want to avoid fallacies, let me explain why this one might actually be a useful tool. Let’s […]
Get organized
For more articles on organization, check out this list: http://debate.potentspeaking.com/category/organization/ Organization is important for these reasons: 1. It helps the judge to understand your arguments and how they tie in with the opposing team’s arguments. 2. It improves the judge’s flow, meaning when they review the round afterwards your speeches will stick out. 3. It helps […]
Statistics and Quantification
You’ll often run into situations in debate where you need a basic grasp of statistics and willingness to do the math in order to argue effectively. As a result, here’s a quick overview of statistics and some helpful thoughts on doing the math. In debate, you’ll often come across inferential statistics. Inferential statistics is using […]
Taking the moral high-ground
How do you beat a case that seems to be backed up completely by a value that the judge can’t disagree with? How do you defeat a case if it’s trying to reduce terrorism and you seem to be supporting terrorism with your position? I’m going to give you a quick crash course in taking […]
Stop at the nod
Do you want to know how to get more words in your speech while still winning each argument? Stop at the nod. All you have to do is wait for the judge to agree with your point, then move forward. Don’t beat the dead horse! Benefits: Saves time Avoids exasperating the judge Allows you to […]
Cross-Examination: Chance to Rephrase
Have you ever been in a round where the opposing team made a completely inaccurate statement, and you can prove it’s inaccurate? While many people would simply get up in the next speech and start refuting the statement, this can cause problems. What if the other team denies ever having said it? Cross-examination can be […]
Tactical argument dropping
Dropping arguments has always been considered a taboo in debate. Your opponent stands up and approaches the lectern, sweating heavily. “But Judge”, he spits, “they dropped arguments 1, 2, and 3 a, b, c, and d! These arguments flow affirmative because silence is consent!” Unfortunately for Mr. Sweaty Debater, dropping arguments is not bad 100% of […]
Repetition vs. refutation
If you’ve debated long enough, you’ve probably heard the catchphrase “repetition is not refutation!” thrown around casually by debaters. It seems to be their go-to response to arguments they don’t know what to do with. Even though the phrase is often misused, it is even more frequently and unfortunately true—too many people get in […]
Run less arguments
One of the first challenges for a novice is to fill up all the time in their speech. They are drilled and pushed to get to that 8 or 5 minute time limit and fill up their speeches. And rightly so! The only problem with this approach, a problem that I hope to remedy in […]
Say bold things
I used to find it frustrating when I knew in my head why the other team was wrong, but the judge just didn’t seem to get it. I’d complain to myself about the ballot afterwards, wondering how I could win that round next time. One day, I was venting to a friend about how […]