Top 10 rules to win a debate

02 Oct 2008

by: rebecca

Debates are easy: As long as a candidate knows what he or she is talking about, a debate should be easier than many media events.
20 questions, 20 answers, one message: Every question is just another way for candidates to answer the question, “Why should we vote for you and not the other guy?”
Familiarity matters: Familiarity leads to comfort, which then leads to confidence. Candidates should do whatever they can to feel at home at the debate site.
Don’t cram: Too much new information learned right before the debate will likely confuse a candidate, leading to stammering and the impression he or she does not know the issues.
Wit is sticky: Smart candidates will use humor to make their message stick in voters’ minds.
The camera is always on: Self-explanatory – candidates should avoid ever looking bored, annoyed, harried or angry. They need to stay pleasant and interested.
Create a moment: Most voters don’t watch the debates; they see clips on the news. Candidates need to assure themselves a spot in one of those clips by using sharp words, and eye contact.
Don’t be a lawyer: Lawyers do not make good debaters because the structure of their arguments is the opposite to how a debater must state his or her ideas. An effective debater starts with the conclusion, and then explains that conclusion. Anything else can be construed as weakness.
Small people make small points: Focus on the big picture, and not petty digs.
Debates are more often lost than won: Following these rules will help you avoid gaffes, but confidence is the most important tool a debater can have in his or her corner.