A bit like law I suppose, if you can't win on the facts, argue the law, if you can't win on the law, argue the facts, do whatever you can to make them look like they haven't a clue what they are talking about, and YOU do!Originally posted by Greg Bernhardt
I taking a debate class and we have a practice debate next week. Our professor really hasn't told any strategies on debating. I am the first cross examiner for the negative side. The affirmative wants to ban animal testing. What are the things I need to accomplish as the first negative cross examiner? Also misc debating strategies or tips.
Originally posted by Mattius_
It sounds like lincoln-douglas debate... I would definitely take all of the ideas we had from the animal testing thread...
The key part of a debate, is to put the other person in a position which they have to compromise...
Get one or two facts that you keep harping on, and that they can't defend without coming off cruel... They will dodge that critical fact you throw at them alot, but keep harping on it and they will lose...
Make sure to be a demagogue, appeal to the audiences emotions, give morbid examples and then ask how they can justify carrying out these morbid examples.
Research jane goodall, she is an excellent source against animal testing.
Good tips, but I am pro animal testing in this debate. The affirmative wants to ban, I am negative.
The key strategies for being an effective negative cross examiner include understanding the topic and arguments being debated, actively listening to the opponent's arguments, asking concise and pointed questions, staying calm and composed, and knowing when to concede or refute a point.
To improve your questioning skills as a negative cross examiner, practice asking open-ended questions that require the opponent to provide detailed and specific answers, use follow-up questions to dig deeper into their arguments, and avoid leading questions that suggest the answer.
Evidence is crucial in a debate as it provides support for your arguments and adds credibility to your points. As a negative cross examiner, you can effectively use evidence by asking the opponent to provide evidence for their claims, challenging the validity and reliability of their evidence, and presenting counter-evidence to refute their arguments.
Handling a difficult opponent as a negative cross examiner can be challenging, but it is important to remain calm and composed. Listen to their arguments carefully and respond with logical and well-reasoned questions. Avoid getting into personal attacks or becoming defensive, and focus on the arguments rather than the person.
Some common mistakes to avoid as a negative cross examiner include asking leading questions, being overly aggressive or confrontational, not actively listening to the opponent's arguments, and getting too caught up in winning the debate rather than having a productive discussion. It is also important to avoid making baseless assumptions or using logical fallacies in your questioning.