Debating Skills And Techniques
There inevitably comes a time when you are faced with having to convince someone else that your line of thinking is correct. You may be a salesperson who is dealing with a customer who has his doubts about the product you are selling. You might be a participant on a debate team in the state finals. Or you might even be a politician debating with your opponent in front of numerous potential voters. Whatever your need for debating and persuasion, there are some effective debating techniques you will want to employ.
The first, and possibly the most important technique, is to make eye contact. This is a requisite habit if you wish to make the right impression. It may not apply completely in a team debate situation because many notes must be pored over in a limited amount of time; however, when speaking to someone one-on-one and in other daily situations, holding the other’s eye is a necessity. If you look to the ground or by your debate partner, your confidence will suffer. The confidence others have in you will wilt as well. Maintaining eye contact will also cause your opponent to wonder whether they have what it takes to compete. If you do not avert your gaze, you display an air of authority and it shows that you have a firm grasp on the topic.
You will occasionally become impassioned during the course of a debate, but do not let your hands and arms roam free. A small amount of hand gestures to emphasize a point is alright, but wild flapping will distract those watching the debate. That is not good, as you are trying to gain their confidence, not get them to question why you move around so much. Excessive mobility may also be viewed as intentional, as if you are seeking to cover up some sort of deficiency in your argument. Remaining calm also helps you focus on the support that your opponent offers so that you may form a viable retort.
Verbalizing is just one aspect of a debate. Another, and equally important one, is listening. You must absorb what your opponent says so that you may competently form a rebuttal. If you are thinking about other things or are simply playing over in your head the words you want to say, your grasp of the debate will lessen. If you have not closely considered your opponent’s words, then your counter statements may not be relevant.
When debating, slow down and breathe in some air. Tranquility is the key to assembling your ideas, paying heed to your opponent’s statements, and provides you with the confidence you need to be successful in a debate. By adopting effective debating techniques, you stand a much better chance of bringing others to your way of thinking.
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