How to Organize a Debate

Last Updated: February 10, 2023 Approved

A debate is meant to be an open discussion about a topic, usually viewing the topic at hand either being negative or positive. To organize a debate, you should be prepared to deal with some fairly hazardous details.

Steps

1
Know who is participating. Knowing who is participating allows you to accurately plan and organize how a debate should run. You should be certain to not have too many participants, as this may lead to increased confusion and loudness.
2
Tell your participants to prepare. Nothing is worse than having several people not know what they are talking about. In order for a debate to run smoothly, tell your participants to please write some key points they would like to discuss.^{[1]
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3
Have a method to the madness. It is most common to have a spokesperson for each side of the debate, and to only allow them to speak on behalf of their respective side of the debate. To ensure that not only one person leads each side of the debate, allow for people on each side to switch out every five to ten minutes.
4
Do not allow it to go on and on. The worst thing to do for a debate is for the debate to completely veer off track. This defeats the purpose of the debate, and as an organizer you should strive for the best results a debate can have.^{[2]
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5
Find a pleasant solution. A debate should reach an end when both sides reach a conclusion or present all of their opinions and facts. A solution will not always be found, but a compromise or general understanding should mark the end of a debate.^{[3]
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6
To create an artificial ending: Simply ask for a vote from the general assembly of people on both inputs of the debate groups. If the debate is still split, consider reorganizing at a later date and finishing on a more defined ground.
7
Maintain a respective and neutral environment. Do not allow participants (or if applicable audiences) to interrupt your debate. Consider asking such persons to calm down, and if necessary, to leave. If things escalate to violence, consider contacting authorities.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I debate as opposition?

Penguinpencil

Community Answer

Think of points for the proposition, then flip the logic to work in your favor.
Question

How do I dress for a debate?

Community Answer

Acceptable debate dress is generally somewhere between business casual and formal, depending on the venue and audience.
Question

How many people participate in a debate?

Community Answer

Three or four from each side, depending on the format. Either the first or second speaker doubles as a reply speaker who summarizes the entire debate and states why his/her side should win. There can also be a separate speaker for the reply speech. Again, this depends on the format. Additionally, there are also two reserves in case any speaker cannot make it. So overall, there are ten to twelve people in each round.

Warnings

Always allow for speakers to have their fair share. Cutting off or interrupting speakers can lead to a foul atmosphere.

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As organizer, do not choose a side or show any bias in the debate.

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