Author Topic: Debate Rules and Suggestions  (Read 12443 times)

Pip

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Debate Rules and Suggestions
« on: November 13, 2012, 04:30:07 PM »
Debate Rules and Suggestions

Avoid the use of Never.
Avoid the use of Always.
Refrain from saying you are wrong.
You can say your idea is mistaken.
Don't disagree with obvious truths.
Attack the idea not the person.
Use many rather than most.
Avoid exaggeration.
Use some rather than many.
The use of often allows for exceptions.
The use of generally allows for exceptions.
Quote sources and numbers.
If it is just an opinion, admit it.
Do not present opinion as facts.
Smile when disagreeing.
Stress the positive.
You do not need to win every battle to win the war.
Concede minor or trivial points.
Avoid bickering, quarreling, and wrangling.
Watch your tone of voice.
Don't win a debate and lose a friend.
Keep your perspective - You're just debating.
You need to be very polite when disagreeing with someone, even someone you know quite well.
With someone you know very well, you can disagree more directly....

....and last but not least (thank you PaulaJo  $%$ ) a need for respect for others' opinions... Just because it's different from yours doesn't mean it should be dismissed or discounted out of hand.
« Last Edit: November 15, 2012, 04:36:43 PM by Pip »

sad sack

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Re: Debate Rules and Suggestions
« Reply #1 on: November 13, 2012, 09:09:55 PM »
and if all else fails, invoke Godwin's Law to drive home how amazing you are... _-+ _-+ _-+

 =+-



Pip

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Re: Debate Rules and Suggestions
« Reply #2 on: November 13, 2012, 09:38:02 PM »
 &(& !+!

PaulaJo

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Re: Debate Rules and Suggestions
« Reply #3 on: November 13, 2012, 10:37:08 PM »
Awesome list, Pip! This should be really comprehensive. Thank you for adding this politics section!

The only other thing to add is a need for respect for others' opinions... Just because it's different from yours doesn't mean it should be dismissed or discounted out of hand. It is instead an opportunity to explore and discuss even further.
I am looking forward to intelligent, respectful debate to stimulate the grey matter!