what are some good tips for debating?

Question

i.e how to rebutle and other stuff.

Answer 1

Here are a couple of my favorite debate winning strategies:

1. "If X, then Y" - Repeat the conditions of your opponents argument but then propose a logical effect to the conditions that must be false or undesirable. For example. If your opponent says something like, "Abortion should be outlawed because it is baby-murder." You should rebut by saying, "...it would also promote underground abortion clinics whose doctors are not as professional as licensed doctors."

2. "Let them save-face" - In most of the debates I get into, my opponent will continue to argue despite the fact I've completely destroyed his argument simply because he feels he needs to continue the argument to retain some pride. In this situation I always provide him with a "way out" usually by giving him a choice between two similar viewpoints. For example, if he says, "My final point is vegetarianism is the only moral diet for humans". Then you would say, "It may be for some people, but other people require the protein in meat to stay healthy. Either you concede my point that vegetarian diets are not suitable for everyone, or you concede that my friend here who is allergic to most fruits should live malnourished and condone any medical conditions he developed from your diet.


3. "Yes or no please" - When you ask him a question always restrict your question in a "yes or no" answer form and ALWAYS know the answer before asking the question. For example, (You) "Do living things exist?" (Him) "Ummm....sure they do." (You) Is God dead? Or is he alive?" (Him) "Well God certainly isn't dead......so he must be alive" (You) "So logically, God must exist because he is alive....QED* *I know about the bad logic here, but this is still a good example of this strategy.*

Hope that helps

Answer 2

Most important: Listen carefully to your opponent's argument. Paraphrase the points to show you've heard and understood, then use the same language to poke holes in the argument. This creates uncertainty. Step three is then to put forth your own opposing view, which if followed, would seem to resolve the debate in the best way possible for all concerned.

Answer 3

Make sure you are well versed on the facts. Site facts to prove your position. Examine how the facts affect the topic as a whole.
Basically, do the homework to prepare yourself.