Discussions are a common task in high school and college where two people or teams discuss an issue. In many ways, the structure of a debate is similar to that written for papers and speeches. However, since not everyone is necessarily familiar with this form of communication, it is important to know how to outline a debate so that your opinions are structured properly.
Part 1 of 2: Create the Basic Schematic
Step 1. Identify the discussion format you are going to use
Each format has its own organizational structure and you have to base the scheme on it. There are two common formats that are used in schools and in competitions. The others are simply variations on these two, what changes is the amount of time available and the organization of the different rounds.
- One of the most common formats is team discussions. In the first half of the debate, each team has two rounds to present their arguments. In the second half of the debate, each team has two rounds to refute the arguments presented in the first part.
- The "Lincoln-Douglas" debates are organized in order to allow one party to present their arguments and then the other team to question them. Then the roles are reversed, the second team presents their arguments and begins to question them. In the end, each team has a chance to make a final rebuttal.
Step 2. Do the respective investigation
Regardless of the format of the debate, you will have the opportunity to present your position on the subject. Gather all your notes and look for recurring arguments. On a separate sheet of paper, make a list of the different elements that support the argument, including quotes, examples, cases, facts, and statistics. Do not forget to write down all the bibliographic information.
- Make good use of available research, not just top Google results, the point is to find strong evidence. Visit libraries and look for magazines and newspapers for good material.
- For each piece of evidence that supports your case, try to find evidence to the contrary. It will help you to build the argument later.
- It is better to include more points than you think you will need than to not do good research and lack evidence.
Step 3. Follow the general outlining criteria
Although the order of the presentation is determined by the format of the debate, the structure of the outline must comply with the basic rules. If the discussion is for a class, you will likely receive a rubric that determines these principles.
- Subdivide the information. The main titles are made up of the arguments, while the subtitles contain the various evidences.
- Use the correct numbering. Each section of the diagram has a particular numbering. Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV) will be used for the main titles. In subtitles, capital letters (A, B, C). The next division will have Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3). Be consistent in using these conventions throughout the schematic.
- Leave an indent at each division of the outline. Indentation helps you follow the story line and keeps the outline organized.
Step 4. Outline your thesis
The thesis is your main argument: the value that you try to demonstrate through various tests. Begin to build the outline of the debate by compiling a list of the evidence that supports your thesis. Organize your list so that the strongest and most convincing arguments are presented first, while the rebuttable evidence comes in the middle. Save the best argument for last.
- If you've planned a lengthy discussion, break it down into categorical sections. For example, the elements that support your thesis can be legal, moral or economic.
- Try to have at least three supporting facts or evidence in your thesis outline.
- In debates, in particular, quality is better than quantity.
Step 5. Prepare for possible rebuttals
You will have the opportunity to rebut or question the validity of the other party's arguments. Identify the possible arguments that could be used against you. You may find many of these rebuttals during the investigation. Use the brainstorming technique to counter these arguments if the other party uses them.
- Find counterarguments, both for individual parts of your argument and for its entirety. It will strengthen your position in the debate.
- Often times, your thesis will be the opposite of theirs, so while your arguments state the pros, their list will list the cons of your thesis. By paying attention, you will not only be able to show that your argument is valid, but you will help promote it.
Step 6. Add details to your outline
Once you establish the structure of your thesis and related counterarguments, start adding more details that will be helpful if you are writing an essay or discussing the topic. Respect the format of titles, sections and bullets, but write complete sentences. Add helpful apps and evidence. Keep your argument well rounded and don't just jot down a list of words.
- Write this more detailed outline, as if you were speaking in the debate. It will help you in the writing of the text and to understand your own argument, as well as to ask pertinent questions and counterarguments for your opponents.
- Make sure to avoid logical fallacies in your thesis and rebuttal outline. A well-made argument is based on solid evidence that you can lean on if necessary.
Part 2 of 2: Avoid Logical Fallacies
Step 1. Avoid falling into the straw man fallacy
Novice debaters use it in their current schemes by misrepresenting the opposing thesis and misrepresenting it to the audience. Don't do it when you present your rebuttal and identify when your opponents do it.
For example, if you are against the death penalty, your opponent may fall for the straw man fallacy by accusing you of a lack of solidarity and compassion towards the families of the victims and of not wanting criminals to pay for their crimes.
Step 2. Watch out for the slippery slope
In planning the exposition of your thesis and rebuttals, it is very easy to be tempted to use the fallacy of the slippery slope. It refers to the fact of assuming that a thing is not acceptable based on the demonstration that its consequences will be serious and unstoppable.
For example, if you argue that you are in favor of the legalization of gay marriage, your opponent will say that it is a bad idea, since very soon polygamy and bestial relationships are going to be legalized in all states
Step 3. Beware of the ad hominem fallacy
Often used by the party that has lost the debate, the ad hominem fallacy is when, instead of attacking the merits of a thesis that is presented, the opponent makes personal attacks against the person presenting the case.
For example, if you have argued your thesis exhaustively, but your opponent has not, in his time of reply he may throw your bad grades or drinking problems in your face. It is something that is unrelated, may or may not be true, and has no effect on the debate
Step 4. Avoid asking loaded questions
When difficult questions are used in the debate, they apparently point to an obvious flaw in the argument, but in reality they seek to surprise the person who is debating. Charged questions are those that have an offensive basis, so that the person answering the question is forced to defend himself, even if it is not true.
In a debate on the legalization of marijuana, your opponent accuses you of taking drugs with the question: "Is it true that he is interested in legalizing marijuana, because you yourself have taken drugs in the past?"
Step 5. Avoid using explanations and ambiguous language
When someone is not sure what to say or tries to avoid saying something that might seem detrimental to their thesis, they often use ambiguous language. This is where unclear explanations and very vague descriptions of things and events are given.
For example, if you ask your opponent to clarify why exactly we should convert to a socialist system and he tells you something about how people benefit from it, but he is unable to provide clear evidence, other than the reasons emotional
Step 6. Stay away from the ad populum fallacy
It is one of the most common fallacies in which something is assumed to be right or good simply because it is popular belief.
For example, base your argument on the fact that many people approve of the death penalty as the most effective method of punishment
Step 7. Be careful about using the false dilemma
It is often used at the end of a debate to highlight the goodness of making a decision in your favor; the fallacy occurs when only two final options (black or white) are offered when certainly other options may be available.
For example, your opponent claims that, in conclusion, the only two options are to legalize all drugs or to ban them altogether
Step 8. Avoid using anecdotes instead of evidence
When addressing an audience, it is easier to rely on personal experiences and stories as the basis for an argument rather than to find clear evidence to support that belief.
For example, your opponent argues that because her friend decided to have her baby instead of aborting and is now feeling happy, all women are going to feel the same way
- Discussions are based on evidence and organization. Do your best to find the appropriate information and make your arguments easy to follow.
- Keep a record of all the cases and examples you find as you investigate. This information will be helpful when you build rebuttals.