What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

A formal debate has two teams: affirmative (for the motion) and negative (against the motion)

Each speaker must present arguments, provide evidence, and address the opposing team's points

Rebuttal is the skill of directly addressing and countering an opponent's argument

Spoken persuasion requires confident delivery: clear voice, eye contact, and deliberate pacing

Key Vocabulary

Motion

The topic or proposition being debated, usually phrased as a statement to be agreed with or against

Affirmative

The team arguing in favour of the debate motion

Rebuttal

A response that directly addresses and attempts to counter an opponent's argument

Point of information

A brief interjection during a speech, subject to the speaker's permission, used to challenge a point

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

In a formal debate, which team argues in favour of the motion?

The negative team The adjudicators The affirmative team The timekeeper

Question 2

What is the main purpose of a rebuttal in a debate?

To introduce new arguments To summarise your own team's case To thank the judges To directly address and counter an argument made by the opposing team

Question 3

Which quality is most important for effective spoken persuasion in debate?

Clear voice, confident delivery, and direct engagement with the audience Using only statistics Reading directly from notes without looking up Speaking as fast as possible

Formal Debate Skills