Debate is an excellent way to develop public speaking skills and build confidence. It also encourages teamwork and critical thinking. It’s an especially good fit for students who are interested in politics, government or social issues. It’s a program that can be offered at all levels of schooling, from middle schools through to graduate programs. The debate curriculum and pedagogy are well-established, and debaters can engage in national and international competition.
In a debate the participants are in teams of three and each person is given a time to speak during the question and answer period. Speakers can give a rebuttal and final focus speech. In rebuttals, each team is expected to present their strongest arguments. In final focus, each speaker can bring up new information. The debate is judged by a technical panel of judges.
The debaters participate in debate because they believe it is important for their cause, their ideas to be heard and to make an impact. They have the belief that they can change people’s mind by convincing them of the rightness of their argument. In a political context debates are an essential part of the election process, allowing the electorate to get to know candidates and their views.
It is important for debaters to consider their reasons for participating in a debate. Unless the motivation is carefully reflected upon, debate activities can easily become an empty box-ticking exercise. This is particularly true when the debates are aimed at the formation of the frontiers of the public sphere.
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