Debates Are Great, If You Understand Their Purpose

May 2, 2023,

An opinion is like a nose, everyone has one.

Maybe everyone shouldn’t have one.

An opinion, that is.

Some people are very opinionated and see themselves as discussing something when in reality, all they are trying to do is prove they are right and you are wrong.

That’s called arguing.

In their opinion, it is call debating.

That is like saying the moon is made of green cheese.

What is a debate?

If you are young, learn what it really means and how to do it, as opposed to arguing.

A Debate is a process that involves formal discourse on a particular topic, often including a moderator and audience.

In a debate, arguments are put forward for common opposing viewpoints.

In other words, you actually welcome a different thought than yours, even if you don’t agree with it.

Debates have historically occurred in public meetings, academic institutions, debate halls, coffeehouses, competitions, and legislative assemblies.

Debate has also been conducted for educational and recreational purposes, usually associated with educational establishments and debating societies.

These debates put an emphasis upon logical consistency, factual accuracy, and emotional appeal to an audience. Modern forms of competitive debate also include rules for participants to discuss and decide upon the framework of the debate, in other words, how the debate will be judged.

We have our viewpoint (euphemism for opinion) as to what a debate is and how it should be conducted and most important, why it should be debated.

We’re going to first turn to debate experts.

First, the dictionary.

Britannica Dictionary definition of DEBATE. : a discussion between people in which they express different opinions about something. A debate can be an organized event, an informal discussion between two or more people, or a general discussion that involves many people.

The operative word there is discussion.

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Not argument.

Not talking over the other person and not giving them a chance to finish.

Not keep repeating yourself over and over again in a loud voice.

At debatecoaches.org, they educate, “The National Debate Coaches Association provides all debate coaches, regardless of type of debate, region, or pedagogical style, with avenues for professional development. The goal of the organization is to strengthen the ability of coaches to provide meaningful learning experiences for their debaters. Our ultimate vision is to provide opportunities for high school coaches to strengthen their abilities in order to provide stronger learning environments for their students.”

The word that keeps jumping out to us is to “learn” from the debate or discussion.

Learn.

Not just prove that you are right, especially with unsound reasoning.

We have a friend in our circle named Tim who communicates with a childhood relative.

They debate.

In reality, while Tim views it as a debate, his relative views it as an argument and conflict yet time after time, he is the one who starts the debate by saying he doesn’t agree with one of Tim’s points. When he is losing the debate, which is often, he gets very angry.

One of the debates they got in was, drum roll please, when the NFL New England Patriots were a dynasty, and Bill Belichick and Tom Brady were a dynamic duo, winning multiple Super Bowls, the debate was, is it Bill Belichick’s system or Tom Brady’s talent, that is the key to their success.

This was before Tom Brady played for Tampa Bay.

As you might guess, Tim’s opinionated relative picked Bill Belichick.

Tim reasoned, this doesn’t need to be an argument. All you have to do is look at Bill Belichick’s record when he coached the Cleveland Browns.

From 1991 until 1995, Mr. Belichick was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. During his tenure in Cleveland, he compiled a 36–44 record, leading the team to the playoffs in 1994, his only winning year with the team.

Without being insulting, what does that tell you about his system?

Tim’s relative refused to back down and became angry.

Later, of course, when Tom Brady departed and won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay, Bill Belichick didn’t make the playoffs.

The team at reddit.com add, “Belichick in 10 seasons of coaching without Tom Brady:
79-88 Record
42-41 at Home
31-64 vs .500 teams (16-35 w/ NE)
7 losing seasons
0 Division titles”

What does that tell you? Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Tim still communicates with his childhood relative but now, every time his relative throws a grenade in the room with a differing opinion. Tim simply states, “I understand your position, I don’t agree with it, but I’m not going to discuss this further”.

Then he changes the subject.

Okay, now for our viewpoint.

The purpose of a debate is to learn something from it. You have to go into a debate understanding that you may not be right. You should be able to support your position with strong analysis of the facts that are undisputable.

Like Bill Belichick’s coaching record without Tom Brady.

Don’t talk over the other person. Patiently wait and let them finish.

Don’t get angry or heated.

Sometimes, by following the above, we have actually altered our behavior because the person we debated, made some good points. We benefited from the debate.

In your debates, are you capable of doing that?

Time for another expert.

Let’s walk over to the bookstore.

The Debater’s Guide, Fourth Edition Paperback – February 17, 2011

By Jon M. Ericson (Author), James J. Murphy (Author), Raymond Bud Zeuschner (Author)

“Tens of thousands of readers have studied and applied this practical guide to instruction in argumentation and communication since it was first published in 1961. In this fourth edition-the Fiftieth Anniversary Edition-authors Jon M. Ericson, James J. Murphy, and Raymond Bud Zeuschner have made significant revisions to improve the depth, flow, and clarity of this popular debater’s handbook.

With straightforward explanations and specific applications geared toward contemporary debate practice, this compact volume offers students and teachers clear-cut assistance in resolving the key problem faced by debaters: the need to present arguments forcefully and cogently while reacting effectively to criticism. Beginning with a candid explanation of the basic principles of debate, The Debater’s Guide then introduces the steps to building a case, from reviewing strategies for refutation and defense to engaging in cross-examination, solid research, and critical thinking. It advises readers on a wide range of important topics, from budgeting time in a debate to speaking in outline form by using a well-organized series of explanations, specific examples, and graphic presentations related to both policy and value issues. The authors apply these concepts to a variety of formats and situations commonly found in high school and collegiate debating.

Avoiding jargon and complex theory discussions, The Debater’s Guide offers sound advice on presenting an effective case in oral discourse, helps students build their understanding of how and why debate functions, and provides a solid foundation for success in any format. The expanded contents pages and new subheadings allow for quick reference to any particular aspect of debate, making this new edition an excellent choice for classroom use as well as a valuable hands-on tool during debates.”