Debate skills

At a historical moment where it seems obligatory to have an opinion on any topic, it is very interesting to observe the debates. These appear as a natural element of the social relationship: we regularly see them in different contexts such as social networks, television or other media. That’s why it’s important to have certain debate skills: we never know when we might find ourselves involved in one.

On the other hand, The ability to debate is a type of skill that is often practiced, but little thought about. Thus, if we break with tradition, we will realize that debate skills can be developed. The educational field has relegated this type of training to specific studies, because, although debate skills are often spoken of as transversal skills, the truth is that many times, since they are not specifically in the plan of any subject, they end up being absent skills.

In addition, critical thinking and argumentation and refutation techniques are essential tools to defend an argument or an idea. Social networks are a perfect field for the development of these skills. Thus, when we analyze the disputes that take place in them, it is easy to identify different deficiencies in communication. The most common, and at the same time sad, is usually the lack of respect for those who do not share the ideas defended.

Critical thinking and analytical skills

Critical thinking is one of the skills for debate. It implies being able to think reflectively, differentiating solid arguments from mere mirages.. Being critics we will appreciate that on many occasions opinions are formed based on the mere repetition of arguments created by campaigns aimed precisely at creating a specific current of opinion.

Critical thinking goes the other way. It is based on logical thinking and in the critical analysis of ideas or dogmas to avoid reaching hasty conclusions. Avoid biased analyses, euphemisms and arguments based on assumptions.

As we have already pointed out, the good news is that critical thinking can be trained. It begins by consciously choosing the source of information. On the other hand, it is important to separate the information from the medium from which we obtained it. It is true that the medium may or may not inspire confidence, but that does not exempt us from critically analyzing information that we are going to give as an argument in a debate.

The argument

Present an argument, or a series of arguments, consists of providing information and reasons to defend an opinion. Especially when a matter lends itself to debate or discussion. We start from the basis of critical thinking with which we have analyzed and reflected on the idea to defend. The argument has several elements:

Although it may seem obvious, the object of argument It is an element to consider. You must know what is being debated, whether it is the economic or political situation or any other topic. And you must have knowledge about the subject, not just opinion.The thesis, or the main idea that is intended to be defended. It is the idea, or ideas, on which the argument will revolve. It is important to have a clear concept and present it correctly.The body: It is the development of the ideas or positions that are intended to be defended. This is where you reflect on the object to be discussed from all possible angles. It is made up of two elements: argumentation and refutation of opposing arguments.The conclusion: It can be affirmative, when its arguments are explanatory of the object of debate. Or it may be of a suggested nature, when no definitive conclusions have been reached and research or future developments on the topic are suggested. On the other hand, it is important to know how to close a debate when it has already exhausted its course or the positions are very entrenched.

The refutation

The refutation is based on finding the inconsistency in the opposing argument.. For example, we have all fallen into the temptation of generalizing from personal experiences, reaching erroneous conclusions.

In addition to the possible gaps, We must keep in mind that for every argument there is a counterargument, the idea that refutes it. To this we must apply the same parameters of logic and critical thinking as the initial argument; Otherwise the inconsistency will be served.

That is why one of the skills for debate is to intelligently handle counterarguments. That is to say, At a certain point we may be interested, when someone has made the mistake of overgeneralizing, to transfer the idea to a broader context.. For example, if you are discussing an economic law that does seem to work for one country, it may be good to see how it works in the economy of other countries or even at other levels.

Some techniques to develop debate skills

Acquiring debate skills is a strength that will serve us countless times and in many different areas of our lives. It requires intelligence for analysis and resources that have been well trained. Some resources that can help us are simple, such as the use of rational arguments based in ideas already accepted by society and that, in general, relate cause and effect or are based on analogies.

The ability to debate is an art that can be acquired and trained. It is a social skill with a very high return: grateful, bearing good fruit, if we want to invest in it. In this sense, there are training courses in debate skills where you can acquire all the techniques and resources for this.

You might be interested…