Travis L. Hughes - How to Debate Leftists and Win In Their Own Game: Obama and other Democrat Debaters’ Key Points, Responses and Counter-Responses

There is a vast difference between preparing for a traditional debate, and preparing for a debate with a leftist. The steps that you follow when preparing for a debate include: -

Step 1 Get the Topic

The first item that is agreed upon by both parties is the topic that will be debated. This gives both parties the opportunity to prepare for the debate, as well as to establish what they stance will be. When you debate with a leftist, you are most likely going to be on the affirmative side, while the leftist will be the opposition.

Step 2 Define the Topic

In order to make sure that your point of view is clearly understood, and not misinterpreted, you need to define the topic and put it in perspective. This provides an excellent starting point for your debate and puts the leftist in a position where they would need to refute your definition if they choose to do so. In order to refute your definition, they will need to provide evidence.

Step 3 Organise your Time

Before any debate begins, you are given a designated amount of time to make your argument. Once you have used your time, the opposition has the opportunity to share their point of view. Make sure that you write out all the points that you want to share, and then you can plan to argue them all within the designated time.

If you find that you have some extra time during the debate, do not give it up to the opposition. Discuss again the points that you would emphasised and attempt to convince the judge of your position.

Step 4 Present an Orderly Argument

You need to present your argument in an organised, step by step fashion. You should take note of your tone of voice as well as the passion of your delivery. To bring your point across, speak in a clear tone, without rushing your words and as loudly as is acceptable. Establish eye contact with the audience and the judges of the debate. If possible, before you go into a full argument, outline the points that you wish to address.

Step 5 Rebut your Opponent

After you have made your point, listen to the opposition. Then, you need to find a subtle and effective way to rebut your opponents points. You do not need to interrupt what they are saying, no matter how passionate you are about the topic. In a debate, each party is given the opportunity to present their argument and ask questions.

When you have the opportunity to rebut your opponent, offer evidence for your rebuttal. Do not simply give an opinion and expect that to be enough. Attack the most important parts of the argument, and ensure you bring out your points clearly. Make sure you avoid criticising the person presenting their point of view, instead of their ideas.

Step 6 Know What is being Judged

In most debates, people are judged in three main areas. These are the matter at hand how this matter is going to be addressed, the points that will be brought forward and the information that will result, the manner in which is it being discussed the aggression, details and order, and the method that is being discussed the formality of the debate.

Step 7 Responding to Rebut

In the same way that you would rebut your opposition, you should be ready to be rebutted. Once you are given the chance to defend yourself, remember to speak in a clear, concise and composed way. Under no circumstances are you to raise your voice of get emotional about your point of view. When you do so, you lose ground and give your opposition a footing which they can use to throw you off balance.

If you are unable to address the issue due to a lack of information, admit it, and move on.

You should make sure that you avoid repeating the same point over and over again. This can be tedious and make you appear ill informed or inflexible.

Step 8 End on a High Note

The aim of a debate is to have a winner and a loser. Whatever the outcome for you, you should wrap things up as amicably as possible. Even if at the end of it all you do not reach an agreement, you need to respect your opposition enough that you will not be a sore loser. Sometimes, it is best to agree to disagree. Disagreeing does not mean that you cannot be friends.

These steps are followed when conducting a traditional debate. A debate with a leftist however, differs greatly. When debating with a leftist, you must note that they will not keep to the rules. They are interested in making their point known no matter what. So you should also be aware of the tactics that they are likely to use.

The next chapter explains exactly who the leftist is, where they get their points of view, and the likely way that they will behave during a debate.