[Zurchi_DZ]

A lot of people don't know how to debate properly. I myself have been a head debater in my school for 4 years. (Grades 9-12).

First off, the most obvious step. Is to have a topic to debate on. If you can't think of one, here's some topic I've found on google.

Just click on one of the topics.
Politics
Education
Free Speech Debate
International
Religion
Philosophy
Science
Culture
Environment
Health
Law
Society
Economy
Sport

Just click on one! This site is amazing, it will give you the info you need to make a solid opinion on them, and of course be able to debate.

Now, you're going to need to pick a side. For this example we will choose one of the most debated topics out there.

The legalization of Marijuana;
There's usually only two sides. We call these positive, and negative. Of course, both of you are going to have the "positive" side. But, you need to find out what is your positive side. For example...
One side will say "Hey! Legalize the weed! I want to 420 blaze!"
The other side will say "Keep weed under lock down! It's horrible for you!"

Now that you've chosen one side, you're going to need to know your facts about it.

This is important.
Try and keep your debate purely factual. Keep your opinions to yourself, and don't make up anything! Stick with what you know, nothing more. That's how you're going to 'win'.

Now, with this being a forum, you have a great advantage. Time.
Time? Yes. You don't have to respond immediately. With this being, you can research your topic far more then you could in real life. Also, giving you more knowledge than you knew in the first place! This also gives you a chance to proof read what you're about to say. Make sure you do that, you don't want to look stupid!

One of the most important things that you need to remember, is that it's just a debate! Don't get mad! I mean, yes you have having an argument with someone I understand! But be professional! There's no need to blow up on the person because they say something you don't like. Just take a few deeps breaths, and drink some milk.

And last but not least, have fun. That's what debating is all about! Having fun, taking a subject you truly care about, something that you have passion for, and standing up and defending what you believe in.

[Villain]

Very nice Zurch, this will help loads of people I'm sure.

[Ryan]

Nice thread, this must have taken awhile.

[Zurchi_DZ]

Very nice Zurch, this will help loads of people I'm sure.

Thank you very much!

Nice thread, this must have taken awhile.

Thanks! And yeah, it did. This is all from my knowledge, nothing is ripped or taken off of somewhere else. This is all unique to Diverse Box.

[Burak]

Great thread, Zurchi. Should have some members that don't know where to start with.

[Cosmic]

Always bear in mind Graham's Hierarchy of Disagreement when attempting to make a reply in a debate. Always aim to refute the central point and stay away from the lower chunks such as Ad Hominem.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...ement1.svg


Nice thread.

[Zurchi_DZ]

Thanks Muzzy and Burak! Means a lot.

[Huskers]

Great job Zurchi.

[Wonders]

Great thread, Zurchi.

This will be helpful for a lot of members.