Standing up and defending your point of view might be challenging, especially when you do it in your non-native language. 

If you are struggling to get your message across in English, then keep reading our blog post with useful tips! =)

#1 – Debates are not fights

First of all, remember that debates are not fights or competitions. You should concentrate primarily not on winning, but on convincing. Although it might seem that you have won, ask yourself a question: “Did I really convince them?” In addition, some people might give up in the middle of a debate. They will just leave a room, but with their own opinion. They will not be convinced by your arguments. 

 #2 – Pay attention to “how” and “why”

In justifying your arguments, think of two questions: “How does this happen?” and “Why is this important?” When we talk about “how,” it helps us build a clear and rational step-by-step description of our points. And when we talk about “why,” it allows you to explain the importance of your points. Knowing these two points will help you with your successful strategy during debates.

#3 –  Get prepared

You may want to draft your main ideas and what your counterparts may say. Based on what your counterparts may say, improve your strategy. Also, it is a good idea to practice with your friend or a partner. This way, when you have a real debate, you will know what to say. Make a list of all the possible questions and practice the answers.

It is important to prepare because when you are prepared, you are likely to succeed. Abraham Lincoln once said, “If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six hours sharpening my axe.” 

Even successful people always get prepared, no matter how much experience already have. Lack of preparation often causes stress and anxiety because you do not know what happens next or what the solutions are without the time you need to do it properly.  It is a good idea to work ahead of time.

#4 – Courage over Confidence 

Contrary to your beliefs, not being courageous enough to dare to do something and instead playing a sitting and waiting game will hinder your learning progress. Confidence will not come to you unless you dare to do it.

In anything you may attempt in your life in which you are placed in a different situation from your routine, it is scary and unfamiliar territory; thus, there is an element of fear involved. As humans, our brains are plastic, meaning they can grow, adapt and evolve, rewiring our brains at any age. This takes courage if you set yourself a new challenge, such as learning a new language. Indeed, you can think about pivotal points in your life, such as meeting a new date, starting a debate, or going to a job interview. Was it your courage that went through those moments to just do it, or did you wait for a confidence spell to push you forth? 

The answer will likely be apparent to you now; courage is key. So now you are probably thinking, how can I be more courageous?

After practice and being given some time, you will eventually see progress, and it will naturally boost your confidence. But this cannot happen unless you dare to attempt, which will allow the road of progress to be built. Tracking your progress by keeping a log of dates on the work you have down and things you have learned and seeing how far you have come will be a good indicator of how you are doing.

Confidence is not static; it is dynamic. Keep in mind that if you have gained some confidence, and it is helping you with your target language, you need to be courageous. Otherwise, you will remain in plateaus, as you will be unable to achieve your next goals, which may also be contaminated with elements of fear, maybe for differing reasons. Still, nonetheless, you must continue to persevere. 

#5 – Do not interrupt

If you notice that you interrupt others during the debate, try taking a deep breath and let your opponent finish her/his thought. When we constantly interrupt, we get angry and can stop the conversation. Thus, you will lose the debate. 

#6 – Language

One of the other important key points when it comes to debating is using a wide range of expressions and phrases that can help you sound more convincing and make your message come across much more clearly and cohesively. Do not worry! This does not mean you have to become a walking thesaurus, nor does it mean that you will have to memorize long lists of new vocabulary. You could, however, start by learning some basic phrases that can help you do the trick when debating.    

Here are some examples which you can use:

Expressing your opinion:

I (strongly) believe that…

I feel/think that…

Personally, I’m convinced that…

Ex. I strongly believe that we should prioritize the projects first. 

Sequencing (steps, phases, order)

The first thing we should consider is + verb-ing

Firstly

Secondly

Thirdly

Then

Finally

After that

Ex. The first thing we should consider is changing the date.

Providing supporting arguments

What’s more…

What’s furthermore…

Not only…but also…

As well as (VERB+ ING), it is also…

From a/an (ADJECTIVE) standpoint, …

Ex. We can finish it in a week. What’s more, the cost is 50%.

Acknowledging others’ views

I am aware that you feel…, but…

…but I don’t feel comfortable doing that because…

It is clear that you…, 

Your standpoint is clear, however…

I see what you’re saying, however…

Ex. Your standpoint is clear; however, you might want to consider this other solution.

Showing contrast

However

Alternatively

Although

In comparison…

Yet

But

Nevertheless

Nonetheless

Still

Apart from

Other than

Besides

Aside from

Ex. In comparison to the previous event, this one is much more organized. 

Reformulating

In other words, …

What I want to say is…

What I’m trying to say is…

What I mean by that is…

What I previously said was…

Ex. In other words, it took longer than expected. 

Summarizing and finishing

It seems clear that

In conclusion

All things considered

All in all

Above all

After all

In summary

Ex. In conclusion, all the corrective actions have been put in place. 

Practice with colleagues

If you would like to practice the art of debates with your friends, colleagues, or family members, here are some topics that you could use:

Plastic bags should be banned.

Vaping should be banned.

All people should be vegetarians.

Social media has improved human communication.

Governments should invest in alternative energy sources.

College should be free for everyone.

Studying a second language should be compulsory.

When you buy a house, should you automatically own the land that it’s on?

Should social media platforms be responsible for fake news that is posted on their site?

Should all restaurants be required to say how many calories are in their food?

Should seniors retire sooner / later?

Should hybrid working continue?

Will AI and technologies replace humans/labor? 

Will the city be cleaner if the fines for littering are higher?

Is it worth replacing all printed textbooks with electronic ones?

Will higher fines lead to safer driving?

So keep practicing to make progress. Don’t forget that you can contribute to the world in more than one way.

SPEAK BUILD CONTRIBUTE

Used sources:

100+ interesting debate topics – owlcation. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://owlcation.com/academia/100-Debate-Topics

Borkala, L. K. M. (2023, January 12). Why preparation is important? CollegeMarker Blog. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://collegemarker.com/blogs/importance-of-preparation/

Gesellschaft. ZEIT für die Schule. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://www.zeitfuerdieschule.de/themen/gesellschaft/

How to be confident for a presentation (with tips) | indeed.com. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-be-confident-for-a-presentation

The importance of preparation. CanScribe. (2022, August 18). Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://canscribe.com/importance-of-preparation-for-a-professional/

Milliman, H. (n.d.). 55 great debate topics for any project. 55 Great Debate Topics for Any Project. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://blog.prepscholar.com/good-debate-topics

Scott, J. (2021, February 27). 100 ESL debate topics that will get your students fired up. Teach English Abroad. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://www.teachenglishabroad.co/ultimate-guide-to-engaged-ells/100-esl-debate-topics-that-will-get-your-students-fired-up

Scott, J. (2021, February 27). 100 ESL debate topics that will get your students fired up. Teach English Abroad. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://www.teachenglishabroad.co/ultimate-guide-to-engaged-ells/100-esl-debate-topics-that-will-get-your-students-fired-up

Wong, Y. (2018, January 26). How to be a great debater even if English isn’t your first language. Young Post. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://www.scmp.com/yp/learn/learning-resources/debating-tips/article/3069416/how-be-great-debater-even-if-english-isnt