What are the prerequisites of a good debater?

[countryboy]

Not really, because the point of a debate is to argue one side of a question or the other. In a proper debate, neither side is 'wrong', as there are no facts being debated, simply opinions on the best course of action. Facts cannot be debated, and opinions, if based on thought, cannot be wrong.

I don't know if these thoughts are helpful, but here they are for what they're worth...

Are we debating or discussing? I can't see the point in trying to "win" a debate in the forum, but I can see the value of a good, open discussion. The value to me would be to learn things from other "discussers" (?), thus gaining new or better information which I might then use to modify my opinion on some subject. And I think a discussion should include so-called "anecdotal" information and opinions, feelings, and all that other human stuff. Stating "why" one feels the way they do about a subject would also shed a bit of light on things, but I don't think it has to be a requirement.

A few good one-liners now and again seem to be the norm, and they can be used to add humour, diffuse a tense situation, or just make the writer feel better. They're going to occur anyway, so why not just accept them (within reason) and carry on?

 

[VanIsle]

I think the ability to claim that what you've said is not what you've said, while claiming that you always say what you mean, is paramount. That, mixed with a healthy does of patronizing and mis-placed egotism.

This is a perfect example of what not to do. This is the kind of post that others jump on rather than ignore and it just starts trouble. Just talking of debating.:smile:

 

[VanIsle]

That's good, perhaps if we are to define a good debater we have to establish all the parameters. "Facts" being "true" goes without saying...............in my books :lol::lol::lol:

That's impossible. We all have "facts" we honestly believe to be true. If someone says "I don't agree" and can gently prove you wrong, good debating is accepting the proof and moving on. Good debating is providing the proof/truth without gloating.

 

[VanIsle]

We should all remember this is a public discussion forum. The debating society is uptown. If one has to attack grammar and spelling (excluding that annoying MSNese/text highschool stuff) then one less should be here.

And one should not give out reds either because they simply disagree with someone - would you agree?

 

[lone wolf]

And one should not give out reds either because they simply disagree with someone - would you agree?

Red's another thread

 

[TenPenny]

This is a perfect example of what not to do. This is the kind of post that others jump on rather than ignore and it just starts trouble. Just talking of debating.:smile:

I would never post anything like that.

 

[countryboy]

And one should not give out reds either because they simply disagree with someone - would you agree?

Uh, as the newby here...what's a "red?" Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[TenPenny]

Uh, as the newby here...what's a "red?" Thank you in advance for your help.

Didn't you see the movie Quadrophenia?

Reds and blues.

 

[JLM]

Uh, as the newby here...what's a "red?" Thank you in advance for your help.

I think she's referring to "rep" points, I was going to try to clarify the same thing when I saw your post. I know a red rep point is like gritting your teeth at someone, the exact reason of which I'm not sure - possibly more for being a jerk while being wrong than just simply being wrong I would. I rec'd a couple of them myself but from people, that I'd really start to worry about if they ever gave me a green one. It's like telling one to f*** off.

 

[countryboy]

Didn't you see the movie Quadrophenia?

Reds and blues.

Musta' missed that one...we just recently got into "talkies" out here in the boonies. I have seen "Gone With The Wind" but it only had blue and gray in it, as far as colors go.

So, what's a "red?"

 

[VanIsle]

Bump...

Research the subject, so that you have facts to back up your views.

· Use logic to develop your case and make your points.

· Think about what the counter arguments are likely to be, so that you can work out your case in advance.

· Be open minded and prepared to change your opinion.

· Don't get drawn into personal attacks.

· Stick to the subject being debated.

· Pay attention to spelling and grammar, it will strengthen your case.


Keep it clean

This is your opportunity to debate the issues that matter to you with people from all corners of the world, so do not spoil this opportunity by posting childish or abusive comments. Likewise, if you notice such comments then please do not respond to them, as this can ruin a good debate. The your debate administrator will remove them as soon as possible.

Thank you. All of the above is the way it should be. We are not here to do professional debating but - we are adults who have the ability to treat each other with respect whether we agree with each other or not. I think that if a person feels they cannot respond without an insult, they should not respond at all. I've had lots of times when I've thought that what a person has had to say is completely ignorant or just plain stupid or mean but - I've said nothing in the interests of the forums staying friendly. Now there are times when someone shoots something at you that goes too far and I admit that - I shoot back. I don't like it when it's like that and I like it when the offending posts are removed before everyone gets in on it and friends stop being friends.

 

[countryboy]

I think she's referring to "rep" points, I was going to try to clarify the same thing when I saw your post. I know a red rep point is like gritting your teeth at someone, the exact reason of which I'm not sure - possibly more for being a jerk while being wrong than just simply being wrong I would. I rec'd a couple of them myself but from people, that I'd really start to worry about if they ever gave me a green one. It's like telling one to f*** off.

Okey-dokey, JLM...thanks for the explanation. Just to summarize for a simple guy like me...

Green=good
Red=bad

:lol:

 

[VanIsle]

Uh, as the newby here...what's a "red?" Thank you in advance for your help.

See all those green arrows below your name. Well - the red ones just don't show up there and yes - I'm referring to reps.

 

[VanIsle]

I would never post anything like that.

I knew that.

 

[countryboy]

See all those green arrows below your name. Well - the red ones just don't show up there and yes - I'm referring to reps.

Thanks VanIsle...so how does one know if ones receives a "red?" (Just learning the system here...)...thanks in advance.

 

[DaSleeper]

What we have in Forums is discussions.....a debate is two people only....one on one!

 

[CDNBear]

What we have in Forums is discussions.....a debate is two people only....one on one!

Where someone concedes when they are proven wrong...

 

[lone wolf]

Where someone concedes when they are proven wrong...

8O People actually DO that???

 

[CDNBear]

8O People actually DO that???

Yep, I've even been known to have to do it too.

 

[JLM]

See all those green arrows below your name. Well - the red ones just don't show up there and yes - I'm referring to reps.

Oh yes, the red ones do show up there, at least on mine a couple of them did.