We explain what debate is and what its main characteristics are. We also explain the elements it contains and its rules of conduct.
What is debate?
Debate is a form of communication that consists of the confrontation of different points of view regarding the same topicThe meeting takes place between two or more parties (two people or groups) in which a specific issue is addressed from different concepts.
In a school and academic environment, the debate It is a useful tool for analyzing study topics and allow reaching a higher level of consciousness. It is not about a fight or mockery of the other, but rather a conversation between people who respect and listen to each other.
It is understandable that people have different opinions and reactions on the same topic, especially if they are related to politics or ethics. Through a debate the parties are not likely to change their mindsbut they can better understand those who think differently.
See also: Panel discussion
Characteristics of the debate
A debate is characterized by being a safe moment of encounter for the confrontation of ideas, through respect and without violence (otherwise it would be a confrontation). There are two general types of debate, depending on the environment in which they take place:
- The formal debates. These usually have a structure that establishes the times for the speaker and the times for the audience to ask questions and give their opinions. They may even have a person in charge of moderating the meeting (responsible for maintaining order between the parties). For example, an informative debate offered by an authority to a specialized or press audience.
- Informal debates. Those that arise spontaneously, without prior agreement or structure, and that allow for the harmonious exchange of opposing points. They tend to be very interesting and genuine because the thoughts and emotions of each participant come to the surface, without premeditation. For example, debates that arise during a family dinner or during a school class.
Discussions, both formal and informal, can be structured with different communication tones:
- An informative tone. The information to be discussed is presented in a complete manner, based on facts and evidence. A speaker can be the one who presents this data and the audience can be the one who asks questions to clear up doubts.
- An argumentative tone. Data that attempts to justify a point of view must have reliable support to ensure that the debate does not become a meaningless discussion between opposing positions.
- A persuasive tone. A speaker (or a group he represents) may have the intention of convincing an audience. To do so, he will use persuasive techniques based on logic, emotion or sympathy.
Elements of a formal debate
A formal debate has the following elements or steps to follow in order to carry it out:
- Planning of the topic or hypothesis to be debated, in a clear manner and in accordance with the public to which it is addressed.
- Organization of the teams (from the speaker or group representative, audience, moderator, among others).
- Determination of the structures or moments so that each party has the floor. For example, a speaker can answer questions from the audience only after finishing his speech.
- Initiation of the debate itself, which may or may not be led by the mediator or moderator.
- Execution of the debate, with the respective moments so that each party can speak.
- Conclusion of the debate, which may consist of a few words from the moderator, to close the meeting.
Rules of conduct
For a debate to develop properly and harmoniously, it is necessary that each party respect certain general rules of conduct:
- Be tolerant of the differences of others.
- Listen without interrupting.
- Do not underestimate or make fun of those who think differently.
- Avoid raising your voice to interrupt the person who is speaking.
- Avoid getting distracted or talking about topics unrelated to the one being discussed.
- Criticize with reasons or with better proposals than those criticized.
References:
- “Debate discussions: characteristics of a great debater” in Hype.
- “Top 10 characteristics of debate” in Lifepersona.
- “What is a debate and what are its characteristics?” in Guioteca.