Debate & Argumentation
📋 What it is
In a debate you support your side with evidence, respond to the opponent, and stay focused on the point (not the person).
🗣️ Coach says
Real debate isn’t about winning by volume — it’s claim, evidence, and answering the other side while staying on the issue. Attack the ARGUMENT, never the person. The most respected debater is often the calmest one.
🧠 Memory hook
Attack the argument, not the person. Calm + evidence beats loud.
😂 Giggle
What happened when the bandwagon fallacy threw a party?
Everyone came — but nobody knew why!
😲 Whoa!
Formal debate has strict rules precisely to keep it about ideas — debaters are scored on evidence and rebuttal, and personal attacks LOSE points.
⚖️ The claim on trial:
“This debater made the stronger move: “Good point — here’s evidence that answers it.””
You're the judge. Deliver a verdict, pick the evidence that really matters, then reveal.
✓ Well-supported — Well-supported — engaging the actual point with evidence (not volume, not insults) is the mark of strong argumentation.
Answer the point with evidence and stay on the issue — loud and personal attacks are weaker.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Pick a fun topic (pineapple on pizza?) and argue one side using ONLY evidence and reasons — no “you’re silly”.