HOW TO ACE A DEBATE – Ogunnowo Zainab

My roommate said that she has never indulged in a debate before. Well, I countered by saying it is impossible. She further proved her point by showing me pictures of her representing her secondary school in other competitions like quizzes and spelling bees, but never a debate. She even went as far as making me speak with her friend whom they've progressed together from primary school to Lagos State University, yet I held my stance that it is impossible for her to have never indulged in a debate. The argument got heated and lasted till the night...Well, I am sure you know what is going on here, right? I am laughing out loud because my roommate is claiming to have not participated in a debate before yet she is debating with me informally. 

Therefore, you can agree with me that everyone has indulged in a debate before, but it is mostly done informally and naturally that it is not considered a debate. As long as you argue about the best tenure of a government so far, the colour that shines the brightest, the sweetest food, the better musician, the best phone brand, etc., then you are unwittingly participating in an informal debate. The problem begins when we try to make things formal, and it is in this formal setting where your argument is called a competition, judges are there to judge, and there's an audience with prying eyes and alert ears ready to listen to you. People panic and back out because they can't meet the standard of formality. Many others even try, but in all the competitions they've attended, they've never been able to bring the audience and judges to accept their stance because they still don't understand what condones the formality of a debate and the various other things that should be considered. However, this article aims at picking debating as a whole, then shattering it into the smallest pieces so that you can see through it, understand it, and make a solid stance in whatever debate competition you find yourself in after reading this article.

      FACTORS THAT CONSTITUTE A DEBATE

The constituents of a debate can be classified into two major factors:

  • Central factor: Content

  • Surrounding factor: Delivery

                                   CONTENT

To serve a hot debate is like intending to serve a meal you've previously prepared at a different location. For you to be able to successfully serve a hot meal at your new location, you'd ask yourself two questions:

1. Is the meal you prepared hot? 

You can't expect to serve a hot meal while what you prepared is a cold meal. The meal, in this concept, is your content. Your content is the basic and central factor of your debate. It is the argument you want to portray, it is what you intend to use to convince the audience and make them see from your perspective. Therefore, if your content is not heated and cogent, your argument would fail, and even if you have all that it takes to deliver your argument, the intensity of your argument would not be felt, and the purpose of convincing would not be fulfilled.

Content = Introduction + Body + Conclusion

Introduction: “Good day Mr Chairman sir” is no longer the trend in standard debates. Be creative about your introduction by crafting it with things like statistics, quotes, or proverbs that correlates with the debate, to grab people’s attention.

Body: Your major argument is given in this section of your content. For the sake of clarity, ensure you list out the headlines of each point you want to give, before diving into it. Make use of debate spices such as statistics, analogy, comparisons, rhetorical questions, proverbs, idioms, interpreted lines and bants within your points to solidify your stance and carry your audience along. We have established that the delivery of your content plays a significant role in making a strong impact. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate relevant quotes into your debate. Quotes from renowned individuals or experts in the field can lend credibility to your arguments and provide additional support for your stance. Utilize statistics to strengthen your arguments and make them more compelling. Data and numbers can add a layer of objectivity to your points, making them more persuasive and difficult to refute. Ensure that the statistics you present are accurate and from reliable sources. However, beware of misusing these spices as they may adversely affect your debate.

Conclusion: Just like you did in the introduction, be crafty about your conclusion too. Making use of any of the debate spices would be valuable in this aspect too. A creative conclusion helps your audience to feel the quality of your debate and they can tell that it is a conclusion even before you do. It gives your debate a complete structure. As you prepare your content, keep in mind that it should be well-structured, coherent, and logical. Each section, including the introduction, body, and conclusion, should flow smoothly into one another, guiding the audience through your points with clarity and precision.

                                  DELIVERY

2.) Will the container you want to put the meal in preserve the hotness?

Leaving Lagos State, you intend to serve the sweet meal hot when you get to Abuja, but you kept it in an opened plastic container throughout your journey when you could have made use of a thermos flask. Yes, you would get to Abuja and serve your meal still sweet but not hot, and we know sweet cold meals don't grab attention. The thermos flask, in this concept, is your delivery. It would be very disappointing if, after creating mind-blowing content and an amazing argument capable of winning, you still don’t win. 

The delivery aspect of your debate is very important. Great content needs great delivery. Here are some key considerations to enhance your delivery and captivate the audience:

• Dressing: Remember that judges often evaluate your appearance and presentation. Dress formally and professionally to make a positive impression. Wearing appropriate attire can help convey a sense of seriousness and professionalism, setting the tone for your debate.

 • Gesticulation and Movement: Engage your audience not only through your words but also through your body language. Use appropriate gestures and facial expressions to convey your message effectively. Be mindful of your movements, aiming for a balance between remaining stationary and incorporating calculated steps and gestures to maintain engagement.

• Grammar and Oral Pronunciation: Pay close attention to your grammar, concord, and pronunciation. The judges and audience will be attentive to every word you speak. Strive for impeccable grammar, accurate word usage, and clear pronunciation to enhance your credibility and ensure your message is understood.

 • Voice Variation and Pauses: Employ voice variation and strategic pauses to emphasize key points and maintain the audience's interest. Varying your voice tone and volume can help highlight important information and make your arguments more memorable. Introduce pauses at appropriate moments to allow the audience to absorb and contemplate your statements.

 • Time Management: Effective time management is crucial in any debate competition. Familiarize yourself with the allocated time for your speech and ensure you utilize it wisely. Conclude your speech within the designated time frame, neither underutilizing nor exceeding it. Practice delivering your content while keeping track of time to develop a strong sense of timing.

 • Composure and Confidence: Display composure and confidence throughout the debate. Maintain a poised demeanour, avoiding distractions or excessive reactions. Project confidence in your voice and body language to demonstrate your conviction and authority on the subject. Even if you encounter difficulties or forget a part of your speech, remain composed and continue with grace. 

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly improve your performance in a debate and increase your chances of making a lasting impact on the audience and judges.

                  CASE STUDY: WORD WAR!

In the second edition of Word War, Abdulsemiu Monsuroh, representing the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, emerged as the WordLord. In an interview, Abdulsemiu Monsuroh shared valuable insights into her approach to debating:

Q: What is the first thing that comes to your mind and how do you react when you are given a debate topic?

A: The first thing that comes to my mind is to be determined to handle the topic excellently whether it is favourable or not.

Q: After getting the topic how do you prepare for it?

A: First, I fall in love with the topic. I understand that it is a challenge that I have to face head-on, regardless of whether the topic is favourable or not. Then, I gain substantial knowledge and a full understanding of the topic, then I proceed to making research and quote credible sources that would solidify my stance on the topic.

Q: What would you advise to be added to the content while preparing for a debate?

A: Always include the FAQS of debating. Facts, Analogy, Quotes and Statistics. Incorporating quotes and statistics into a debate is crucial to add credibility and strengthen your arguments. You should also carefully select relevant quotes from renowned individuals or experts in the field and integrate them into your speech. Similarly, include compelling statistics from reliable sources to provide empirical evidence and make your points more compelling. 

Q: What are those factors judges put into consideration but debaters are oblivious of that you would want to create awareness about?

A: Conduct and composure, body language, audience reception, respect for opponents, how you address your audience and dressing.

Q: How did you deal with stage fright and give a perfect delivery on stage?

A: Stage fright cannot be cured, it can only be managed. Adequate preparation gives confidence. Rehearsing constantly, especially in front of credible people helps. Delivery is a vital aspect of a successful debate. To captivate the audience, I pay attention to my dress, ensuring I present myself professionally. I use appropriate gestures and facial expressions to enhance my message and engage the audience. I practice impeccable grammar, concord, and pronunciation to communicate effectively. Additionally, I employ voice variation and strategic pauses to emphasize key points and maintain the audience’s interest.

Q: Did you see it coming that you would be the best speaker and become the WordLord?

A: I didn’t see it coming, but I prepared and anticipated it. My partner and I, with whom I represented the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies had a goal of making our faculty win and ensuring that either of us becomes the World Lord, therefore we gave it our all. Lo and behold, it happened!

Q: What are the other thoughts and things you would like to share about ‘How To Ace A Debate’ that was not asked in the previous interview questions?

A: Don’t procrastinate your preparations. Ensure you have people rooting for you. People that can give you the push to continue when your strength starts to fail you. Have a coach that scrutinises your debate before presenting it. Make a thorough research on your opponents. Finally, look for loopholes and be objective about it.