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Danyal Hakakzargar, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Debates can be used in a variety of settings, such as discussions, disputes or everyday situations, while debating is a useful skill mastered throughout life. There is always room for development regardless of the exposure, even while some law students, like myself, learn to debate through applications and experience in case studies, legal themes, or research. 

• Contrasting Viewpoints

All debates require opposing points of view, and the first step in developing your argument is realizing that at least one, if not many, of the other participants, will disagree with it. As the key problem is rephrasing your arguments utilizing other arguments offered, debaters should never underestimate their opponents or put their arguments in a winning position before the debate.

• Strong, Well-Defined Arguments

The most difficult aspect of the debate is often introducing your perspective because an ambiguous perspective will damage your case from the start and perhaps put you on the defensive. By adopting a defensive posture, you offer your opponents a significant advantage in the discussion and make it difficult to objectively evaluate their arguments, let alone persuade the audience.

• Perspectives Over Opponents

In a discussion, all participants are presented with the same information and issues; as a result, it is critical to recognize and minimize personal prejudice, including bias toward your opponents. It is crucial to understand that you can only refute the opponent’s argument, including its generalizability and validity. Debaters must be aware of the limited amount of control they have during the debate, therefore they must make the most use of the resources at their disposal.

• Active Listening and Elucidation

One of the primary components of debates is rebuttals, and active listening is the most crucial ability. Strong debaters isolate the key aspects of the arguments and respond with logic and facts, demonstrating tenacity, knowledge, and recognition. Therefore, rebutting your opponents based on a wrongful assumption undermines your argument and questions your active listening skills.

• Data and Research

Debaters should use statistics and research to back up their claims, and they should also push for supporting evidence from the other side. Debaters must prepare findings, analysis, and supporting evidence for every debate, and they should plan to have the accuracy, generalizability, and credibility of their data verified.

• Rephrase with Reason

While it is easy to give in to the pressure of arguments made by the opposition, strong debaters rephrase or restructure their arguments using the reasoning put forward while remaining steadfast in their perspective.

• Rebuttal Through Critical Thinking

Debaters frequently lose debates while having outstanding research and material available because they base their arguments on emotions and interpretations, thus placing themselves in the position of criticism. Debaters must remain on topic and exercise critical thinking to create compelling and well-defined rebuttals, reducing the possibility of having their arguments factually challenged.

• Confidence and Charisma

One should have faith in their capabilities and continually strive to acquire new skills, maintaining confidence in personal development. Debaters get the ability to retain their composure under pressure and persuade opposing debaters of their persistence. Although logical arguments are frequently the most convincing, a confident debater inspires trust, conviction, and charisma in the audience, increasing the likelihood of support.

• Learning and Productivity

Debaters should learn from each other’s arguments and knowledge of the topic during the debate. While competition can be exciting and thrilling, it is important to value learning and having a good time while engaging in productive and healthy debates.

• Room for Improvement

Debates are fantastic opportunities for growth, similar to practically any situation in life, and their primary goal is to introduce debaters to a difficult topic where they can develop logical arguments. By taking notes and keeping in mind the key elements of other successful debaters, you can challenge yourself to learn and grow every day. 

While debate in a work or academic setting is slightly different from situations in daily life, it offers beneficial opportunities for personal growth. My experience debating has inspired skills including confidence, active listening, critical thinking, and being open to development. These skills can be employed in a variety of real-world situations, such as presentations, interviews, and contract negotiations.

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Danyal is a fourth-year criminology and business student at Simon Fraser University with a keen approach to business lawyering, authoring articles about various topics including self-development, education and conflicts.