An argument is the simplest form of debate.
Debate is a form of communication in which people take opposing positions on an idea or proposal and try to convince their opponents that her argument outdoes the other's. A debate may be designed to develop solutions to problems. Two people arguing at a school board meeting, where each feels that his solution will prevail, can lead to a compromise. Politicians arguing each another, trying to persuade people to vote for them, could be considered another form of debate. Academic debate takes on a more structured format with special goals and rules.
History
The history of debates stems back to ancient Athens where the open-air marketplaces were centers for political, philosophical, military and civil debates. The debate between Lincoln and Douglas over the controversial issue of slavery in 1858 is one of the most famous in history. Although Douglas regained his senatorial seat as a result of the debate, Lincoln emerged as a national figure. In modern times, presidential debates have captured our attention.The Kennedy-Nixon Debate in 1960, dealing mainly with the issue of relations with Cuba, is the first televised presidential debate.
Features
High schools and colleges today frequently use a four-person team with two sides forming a team; where the debate consists of an affirmative, or pro, and another that consists of a negative, or con. In the debate, there is a proposal and an opposing idea, which form the basis of the confrontation. The affirmative position states a need for change or another movement and proposes a plan to achieve it. The negative refutes the argument and shows there is no need for this action. There usually is a moderator or judge.
Skills Needed
The debater must display logical reasoning and critical thinking as well as the ability to analyze a problem. He must know research and use the material to further the arguments and pick flaws in his opponent's contentions.
Topic
For formal debate, the topic must be controversial and is usually decided in advance. The National Forensic League in Ripon, Wisconsin, provides yearly topics for high school or collegiate debate. Other debate organizations do the same. Informal debate topics can be based on issues of concern between two people. A topic for a political campaign could be, "Why you should vote for me." The topic must be of interest, timely and appropriate for the audience if there is one. It should be something that has sufficient information readily available for making a case.
Structure
The debaters gather evidence by doing research in books or magazines, on Internet sources or from conducting interviews to prove their arguments. Testimony, statistics or examples must accompany each argument and the sources used must be reliable. The debaters organize this material into a logical sequence. By showing that that her case is stronger than those of her opponent, the debater not only tries to prove her own argument, but tries to refute those of her opponent as well.
Actual Debate Process
With the evidence at hand, the debater is ready to participate in the debate. Speaking ability is crucial. The debater must be able to communicate his ideas clearly, emphatically and convincingly. The audience has to be able to understand his speech. He should use gestures, look around at the audience and sound interested in the material.
Other Forms of Debate
Some schools and organizations now use the Lincoln-Douglas debate, which consists of one person arguing against another. This usually involves topics about values rather than policies. Politicians or presidential candidates can argue on a one-to-one basis or can opt to be part of a panel debate. The panel debate is often seen on television and consists of several people, or a roundtable, arguing about a given topic.
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