(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); I read the other one, it doesn't really help. I couldn't post on that one so I'll make my own. (I made the same one on another forum I like to debate on as well).

This thread will focus on the main points, as well as how to properly debate rationally and calmly to convey your point across in a professional and credible way. I've seen many people on this forum that mistake intelligent debating for ignorant arguing This guide will insure that you get your point across and sound more educated and respectable as a debater both on this forum and in real life.

* What is debating? According to wikipedia's definition, debating is a formal method of interactive and representational argument. Debate is a broader form of argument than logical argument, which only examines consistency from axiom, and factual argument, which only examines what is or isn't the case or rhetoric which is a technique of persuasion.

Debating is like a game, simple as. In debating there starts out being no one right side a good debater can debate Pro or Con and still win a debate even if its not what you believe.

There are two sides to a debate
Pro - The person for the side of the debate, who concurs with the topic, For example; Do you support abortion? If you do then you're arguing the Pro side.

Con - The person for this side of the debate is someone who disagrees with the topic, For example; Do you support abortion? If you do not then you're arguing for the Con side.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What can you do to become a better, sophisticated debater?

Control your Anger
I can't say this enough, All to often I see inexperienced debaters start out formal and once the debate starts going, they start to get personal Attacking the arguer and not the argument. This is the #1 reason why most people lose argument. The best thing to think is ATTACK THE ARGUMENT NOT THE ARGUER!


1.Use your words carefully - This goes along with Controlling your anger, we know you're eager to debate about a subject you feel passionate about (In example: Religion) however when you start to call your opponent(s) names and curse it ruins the credibility aswell as your argument even if you're right. Use your words carefully and refrain from calling names even if they're true. You will look much more professional and credible if you are staying calm in a debate if you do so and you're obviously right then you will win the debate.
1.Stick to the topic you're debating about - If you are debating for example; about Abortion. Debate about abortion and only abortion, I see way to often people debating about a topic and end up debating about something totally different. For example if you're debating about Abortion keep it that way don't end up debating about Terrorists later on in the debate.

2.Think of the debate from both sides - This can be one of the most difficult things to do, 2 sides both think they're 100% right. However if you want to be a good debater look at the argument from both sides, where your opponent is coming from. Improve your argument from there this will help with your anger but will also make your arguments stronger and maybe end up agreeing on a particular point and thats the beauty of debating.

3.BACKUP YOUR ARGUMENT! - I cannot stress this enough, All to often I see two opponents debating a side and throwing out facts, those "facts" don't mean anything unless they are backed up by credible sources and scientific research. Whenever you debate it is best to state sources as it will make your argument more valid. Just as important as citing sources is citing CREDIBLE sources.
What are not credible sources?
1.Youtube video's
2.Wikipedia
3.Anything '.com' with no valid research backing it up, just opinions
4.Make it obvious what you're debating about - Make it clear early in the argument which side you're debating, are you debating Pro side or Con side?

5.Grammar - Proper Grammar is also an important part of your argument, Using proper grammar will make it easier to respond to your argument, give your debate credibility, and make you a real factor in the debate, using "Silver dollar words" are great also broaden your vocabulary and introduce higher intelligent words in your argument.

6.Pick your battles - This goes with your eagerness to debate and state your opinion, handling 3-4 different people in a debate can be quite challenging and will be very tempted to lose your temper. If you see a topic and reply to it with your opinion and somebody responds, and you know hardly anything about the subject; it might be wise to just not reply its not worth making yourself look completely ignorant, only bad things can come out of it from there.

7.Know When You're Wrong! - If you have clearly been defeated and there is pretty much no way to 'win' Your argument, you lose. Its not the end of the world, while nobody likes to lose a debate it will happen sooner or later and the best thing to do is know when you're wrong the best thing to do in this case is either acknowledge that you're wrong and tell your opponent you have no further arguments to back up your point or to not reply at all after. In this case you can look back on your arguments and see where you could of improved. You learn more from a lose than a win! When I am in a debate with someone I constantly go over my argument and revise, revise, revise, use that edit button its there to help you! Make your argument as impenetrable as possible!

8.Rebuttal's - Pick out flaws in your opponents argument avoid grammar debates since they have little to do with the topic at hand and are irrelevant This may seem difficult when debating someone especially when they know how to debate but it will get easier as you get better, A proper Rebuttal should address
1.The main points you disagree with
2.Why they are wrong, remember to PROVE they are wrong not just disagree!
3.If its your first rebuttal to the topic, Briefly outline what you will be debating about, the main points in your argument, and rebut a couple points. Your first rebuttal should be short, sweet and too the point!
4.Cite contradictions, this can catch your opponent off guard and really set you up for the "kill" to win the argument,


Examples of Debating

[Original Topic]

Originally posted by another user

Debate whether Barrack Obama is a good president

Lets assume you take the Con side, meaning you agree that Obama is not a good president.

Wrong way:

Originally posted by another user

Ya **** obama he sucks and is bad because he is black and ruened the econommy nd he spent a lot of $$$$$$$$!!!!!

Correct way

Thank you for the topic. I will be debating the Con side.

Originally posted by another user

President Barrack Obama is one of the worst presidents the United States has had in their history for several reasons in which I will state throughout my argument with Pro.

To introduce my argument, Obama is a bad president Because [STATE A FEW REASONS] [CITE FACTS]

at the end of your argument you list your sources even if you have listed them in the text.
[sources]

As you see the second Con side made a valid, intelligent argument introduction, from then on he can elaborate on other points to prove his argument correct.
What did the First Con side do wrong?
1 - No attempt to type 'proper' grammar. Correct some spelling and add some punctuation.
2 - Aggressive entrance into debate, basically meaning you start off the argument in an aggressive manor. In this case swearing.
3 - No clear reasons why he was a bad president. How did he ruin the economy? How did he spend a lot of money?
4 - Total lack of organisation
5 - No clear facts or sources stated.
6 - He let his emotions and personal belief alter his rational thinking.

Useful Links
Visit these links to help you improve your argument.

1.You must login or register to view this content. - This is a GREAT website to properly cite your sources, they will even do it for you!
2.You must login or register to view this content. - Good for finding better words for your argument.
3.You must login or register to view this content. - Great examples of formal, intelligent debates and how to approach them, Study and become a better debater!


Following these few simple suggestions, I promise you, you will be taken a lot more seriously, be respected more, and actually seem intelligent.

I really hope this helps at least somebody because I am sick of Ignorant people debating about something they know nothing about.

---------- Post added at 12:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:08 AM ----------

18 views and no replies?

No it's not, you either don't know what politics really is or involves, or you don't know what debating is.

Pick.

You really don't need to cite your sources to debate on a forum ;-;
Unless people question the validity to your sources, then maybe just link them but no need to like spell it out in APA format.

I feel like the stickied one is more useful though, sorry. But I agree with a lot your points, especially the "attack the idea not the person". The debate forum often has threads that start off as good debates but later just turn into a jumbo of random shit that people spew to put down others, and it's really frustrating.

The difference between mine and the original one is mine is a lot more explanitory on the subject.

Citing your sources is just for the people who will challenge it.

Still nothing?

You must login or register to view this content.

That's an awful way to look at debating while you're learning on how to first debate.

Why? Knowing what makes a good argument is bad? I fail to see where you're coming from. Was the -rep necessary?

Everyone who's given input on this thread has been attacked (without any obvious cause). It just seems like you're eager to prove your debating ability without actually debating anything.

Judging from the posts you have made in this section, you're hardly qualified to be deciding what is good and bad in terms of debate. I have yet to see an intelligent post from you. I have yet to see you take a hard stance in a specific debate. It seems like you're more interested in the idea of debating than in actually doing it.

I haven't wasted my time in creating a decent debate until now. After creating the thread "Abolishing the Death Penatly" I've realized there's actually a couple individuals that know what they are talking about. I didn't feel like wasting 10 minutes on typing out a paragraph on a debate on "Miley Cyrus".