Debate Checklist
4.8/5 with 115 votes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Whether you’ve just joined the college debate team, you’re preparing for law school, you’re dreaming of a life in politics, or you want to be an expert in verbal sparring for the sheer sport of it, you’ll need to know how to debate eloquently to ensure success. After all, a debate is about getting a point of view across and swaying opinions in a structured and intellectual manner while building confidence. This Debate Checklist will help you debate effectively.
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Toggle Research. status
Research.
In order to communicate effectively, it’s imperative to know the facts. Do your homework. Read up on the topic. Highlight quotes from your research as an easy reference during this process. Study and understand both sides of the argument. Look at it from different angles. Collect evidence to support all views on the topic.
Toggle Picking sides. status
Picking sides.
While it helps to see a point from all sides, you must pick one side to argue. You may not even agree with this side. However, articulating ideas in a passionate way and with conviction from a perspective you don’t personally agree with is great practice for future endeavors. It’s about committing and following through. If you show signs of doubt, it will be difficult to win your argument.
Toggle Create your debate. status
Create your debate.
Whether you’re debate is written or oral, this process will help put things into perspective. Organize your thoughts using this formula:
Toggle Introduction. status
Introduction.
Keep your introduction succinct.
Toggle Evidence. status
Evidence.
Pick four to six of your strongest pieces of evidence in advance.
Toggle Conclusion. status
Conclusion.
Repeat your thesis in the conclusion and point out ways in which you have disproved the opponent’s point of view.
Toggle Practice. status
Practice.
It’s natural to be nervous, but the more you practice out loud with friends, roommates, family members, or even alone in front of a mirror, the easier it will be for you to appear calm, cool and collected. Confidence will help you win.
Toggle Presentation. status
Presentation.
Toggle Wear appropriate attire. status
Wear appropriate attire.
You will be taken more seriously. If this is for a school debate, you may be given a dress code.
Toggle Stand up straight with your shoulders back. status
Stand up straight with your shoulders back.
Toggle Breathe deeply. status
Breathe deeply.
Toggle Make eye contact with the people around you, but shift your gaze. status
Make eye contact with the people around you, but shift your gaze.
Toggle Reference your notes, but don’t read from them. status
Reference your notes, but don’t read from them.
Toggle Bring a pen and a separate piece of paper for rebuttal notes. status
Bring a pen and a separate piece of paper for rebuttal notes.
Speak clearly and concisely at a volume where everyone can hear you.
Toggle Do not yell or whisper. status
Do not yell or whisper.
Toggle Articulate your words. status
Articulate your words.
Toggle Talk at a pace that gives you enough time to get your thoughts out. status
Talk at a pace that gives you enough time to get your thoughts out.
Don’t speak too slow or you’ll lose the audience’s attention.
Toggle Vary your tone to make it interesting. status
Vary your tone to make it interesting.
Toggle Keep your vocabulary simple. status
Keep your vocabulary simple.
You will sound more intelligent.
Toggle Passion. status
Passion.
Don’t be afraid to convey passion when you speak. It will make your argument more compelling and interesting. Passion is a valuable tool in a debate. For example, people feel strongly whether they are for or against the legalization of marijuana, or abortion. Tap into that passion, but remember to stay level headed.
Toggle Rebuttal. status
Rebuttal.
You’ll be making mental or physical notes as the other side presents their case. Chances are, you’ll want to rebut some of the opposing arguments. You won’t have time to rebut them all. If you nitpick every argument, you’ll water down your own perspective. Be selective.
Download or Print this Debate Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
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Zoe
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Details
Debate Checklist Tips
- Think how would I respond to my friend about this topic. It will help keep your argument more authentic and believable.
- Counter your opponent with the opposite statement they claim. This is an under-used strategy.
- Stay up to date on current affairs. Most likely, you'll be able to use this information in upcoming debates.
Who it's for
This Debate Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Debate essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Debate structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Debate Checklist
- Save Debate Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Debate (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.
Rate this Checklist
5 stars
Scores 4.80 with 115 votes