LEARN ABOUT DEBATE

1. DEBATES

It is the presentation of two sides of an issue before a panel of judge or an audience. Debating process is based on the ideas of an open discussion and respect for differing viewpoints. During the debate, each side is timed and speaks accordingly.

Each side presents its arguments in constructive (affirmative side) and rebuttal (negative side of points) speeches. Before participating in debate, you have to make practice before an audience: you may strive to speak clearly and distinctly. You may also create an imaginary audience and try to speak aloud so as to develop confidence.

During debate make sure you maintain eye contact with the face of judge, try as much as possible to face the audience. Speak your points first and then elaborate them systematically, loudly and accurately, with clear pronunciation.

Try to be short and precise so as to catch the time before it runs out. The judges determine the winning side through the number of points given by each side or through the majority vote, or both.

THINGES TO CONCIDER DURING THE DEBATE

(a)  Introduction: Start with a good introduction, by doing the following:

i)                    Greet the debate participants according to their status or positions in that debating session.

ii)                  Extend appreciations to the chairperson and other special peoples who have organized the debate. You may simply say “Thank you”

iii)                State your position, whether you belong to the opposing side of proposing side.

(b)  Repeat reading. The motion and start giving your opinions and arguments according to your stand; whether you are opposing or proposing the motion.

(c)  Be clear during your presentation. The language should be understandable and the voice should be audible.

(d)  Present your ideas or facts logically and fluently, For more emphasis you can use words or phrases like; in fact, due to the fact that, to prove my point, for more clarification.  

(e)  Where possible or necessary support your arguments with evidence.

a)      Be straight to the points.

b)      Finish your presentation by simply saying “thank you”

c)      Be aware with the language diction during debates. Language should focus on expressing ideas, opinions, and views. One needs to be more conversant with spoken language.

d)     Practice on how to play with words in various situations.

e)      Use simple language as possible when presenting your arguments.

f)       The arguments should be presented in a convincing and attracting way so as to avoid boring the audience.

EXAMPLE

PROPOSITION/ MOTION

“Science and technology have brought more harm than good to third world countries”

i. Introduction/ greetings:

Thank you chair person, secretary, matron/patron, timekeeper, principle speakers from sides, ladies and gentleman good morning. As far as the motion is concerned, I am here to oppose the motion which says, “Science and technology have brought more harm than good in 3^rd world countries…..”

ii. Make short and precise elaboration about the motion.

If the chairman has not elaborated the motion, principal speakers may do so. Other speakers from the floor may begin directly to describe their main points so as to avoid tautology.

Example on how to elaborate key concepts of the motion;

            Science is the body of knowledge and skills which may be natural, learned or acquired in various ways. Technology is the application of science.

iii. Start giving your arguments according to your stand.

The points for each side may be given as follows:

            Affirmative Side / Constructive Speech / Proposing Side.

1. Moral erosion
2. All forms of pollution
3. Land degradation and soil erosion.

iv. Spread of diseases like cancer, diabetes etc.

v. Spread of western culture into African countries.

vi. Deterioration of African languages.

Negative Side/ Rebuttal Speech/Opposing Side

1. Improvement of transport system.
2. Advancement in information and communication technologies.
3. Creation of employment.
4. iv. Dissemination of information through various mass media like television, radio, newspapers, etc.
5. v. Improvement of agriculture and other economic sectors.
6. vi. Advancement in the provision of medical services.

Other propositions

1. Women`s struggle for gender balance is the main source of massive divorce in most African societies.
2. Globalization is inevitable in any society.
3. School fees should be abolished at all levels of education.
4. Women`s inferiority complex is a direct result of male domination (chauvinism)
5. Indecent dressing among girls is the source of sexual harassment in educational institutions.
6. White people are more intelligent than black people.
7. Rural life is better than urban life.
8. Polygamy is better than monogamy.
9. An educated woman is better than an un – educated woman.

10. Workers are better than farmers.
11. Women are to be blame for the spread of HIV/AIDS.
12. Rich people are better than poor people.
13.  Corporal punishment should be abolished in schools.
14. Kiswahili language should be used as a medium of instruction in all levels of education in Tanzania.
15. Girls cannot compete with boys in academic performance at all levels of education.
16. Were it not for the coming of the whites in Africa, Africa could not have developed.
17. Boys are brighter than girls.
18. Neo- colonialism is the main source of African underdevelopment.