The Debater’s Voice

If two people in a group start raising their voices at each other and begin using profanities, that’s an argument. if the same two people are talking casually over a cup of tea, that’s a conversation. And if these two are seriously contemplating over a matter of relevance, its called a discussion. So what’s a debate? Is it the same as the previous three or does it have some different components entailed with it. What makes it different and special? Why do we call it an art? Let’s find out.

A debate, as the definition goes, is a formal method of interactive and position representational argument which includes persuasion and appeals to the emotions of an audience regulated under rules which enables people to discuss and decide on their differences. Actually it’s a broader form of argument and goes even beyond logical argument as it involves conviction of emotions as well as intellect. One misconception to be dispelled immediately “it is not all about argument”

The word argument too modifies to a different definition in the debating world, where it primarily refers to the point or the idea put forward. It is generally called an argument. For instance: my argument is that public display of affection is unacceptable because….. now, the because entails with it the argument or the point put forward which decides on the value of the debate.

Now, a debate can be of different kinds. It’s mainly categorized as informal or formal which are subdivided into different categories. An informal debate is a common occurrence where on casual grounds two groups align voluntarily in opposition or agreement to a particular issue and put forth their arguments, convincing the other party about their stand, but a formal debates works under well regulated rules and guidelines which are to be followed by debaters, such as time limit and format rules. Formal debates too are conducted differently in different scenarios.

A debate in a school differs completely from a debate in a parliament house where the debate is channeled in accordance with the British parliamentary procedures. Extemporaneous debates are also a kind of debating style followed in parliamentary debates sometimes where the speaker doesn’t have a pre determined text or argument and puts forth his points in situ with spontaneity. These debates basically focus on the strength of the argument and the creative and logical ability to dodge and strike.