Please forgive my condescending manner here, however I see a HUGE lack of understanding in our membership of what a debate means. Used properly, it is a useful tool to explore ideas and broaden our knowledge, used improperly its a force of dissention which is what we've been seeing here for a long time.
First Off. DETACH YOURSELVES EMOTIONALLY. This is the toughest part of debate. We are drawn to topics that we believe in and want our thoughts to "Win". In true "Debate" as a practice you may have to argue for something you don't even believe in. Its about representing a side of an argument to its fullest and letting logic weigh the evidence presented.
Far too often we see somebody questioning or disagreeing with our statements as a personal attack. Our feelings are hurt and we either counter attack on a personal level or withdraw completely. Instead of feeling hurt, this should be a call to re-evaluate our position or come up with further evidence. Address the questions.
PERSONAL ATTACKS HAVE NO PLACE. Never use deragatory language. Dumb, stupid, ignorant, etc have no place, EVEN IF TRUE. By referring to somebody's idea as "dumb" you ARE calling them "dumb". They are the source of that idea. Instead point out the failings in their argument, try to show them why you think they are in err. The reality is some people are "dumb". That doesn't mean they may not have good ideas, just as some "smart" people may have ideas without substance.
Some Examples:
Balboa to the guys- "Like my new shoes? Do they suit me?"
Non-Debate Responses:
Paul "No those are Ugly"
Tom "They're brown, yuck, I only wear blue."
John "What're you a girl?"
Dean "ROCK ON, killer shoes. Paul and Tom are dumb."
Neal "I don't wear shoes"
Mark "I don't see the relevance here"
Balboa "You guys are jerks, I'm outta here"
Better:
Paul "I don't care for that style personally, but maybe it would work better on you with some boot cut jeans."
Tom "I'm not a fan of brown, but they do accent your eyes nicely"
John "Dude, it seems a little strange you asking this. Is there something you'd like to talk about?"
Dean "Very nice shoes, and I kinda think they go with the jeans you're wearing just fine."
Neal "Since I don't wear shoes this is tough for me, but if I try to imagine myself in those shoes, they seem nice."
Mark "+1 on the boot cut jeans, but I don't really agree that they match your eyes. Maybe we need to go check these out in a few different colors to find the one that really matches best."
Balboa "Oh thanks guys, I appreciate the input, I know I can count on you. I've been meaning to make some changes in how I present myself to the world and not be such a slob anymore, John, that's all."
Hope this helps folks. You're all my friends and I really like having an avenue to explore ideas with you all.
CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG!!!!!
First Off. DETACH YOURSELVES EMOTIONALLY. This is the toughest part of debate. We are drawn to topics that we believe in and want our thoughts to "Win". In true "Debate" as a practice you may have to argue for something you don't even believe in. Its about representing a side of an argument to its fullest and letting logic weigh the evidence presented.
Far too often we see somebody questioning or disagreeing with our statements as a personal attack. Our feelings are hurt and we either counter attack on a personal level or withdraw completely. Instead of feeling hurt, this should be a call to re-evaluate our position or come up with further evidence. Address the questions.
PERSONAL ATTACKS HAVE NO PLACE. Never use deragatory language. Dumb, stupid, ignorant, etc have no place, EVEN IF TRUE. By referring to somebody's idea as "dumb" you ARE calling them "dumb". They are the source of that idea. Instead point out the failings in their argument, try to show them why you think they are in err. The reality is some people are "dumb". That doesn't mean they may not have good ideas, just as some "smart" people may have ideas without substance.
Some Examples:
Balboa to the guys- "Like my new shoes? Do they suit me?"
Non-Debate Responses:
Paul "No those are Ugly"
Tom "They're brown, yuck, I only wear blue."
John "What're you a girl?"
Dean "ROCK ON, killer shoes. Paul and Tom are dumb."
Neal "I don't wear shoes"
Mark "I don't see the relevance here"
Balboa "You guys are jerks, I'm outta here"
Better:
Paul "I don't care for that style personally, but maybe it would work better on you with some boot cut jeans."
Tom "I'm not a fan of brown, but they do accent your eyes nicely"
John "Dude, it seems a little strange you asking this. Is there something you'd like to talk about?"
Dean "Very nice shoes, and I kinda think they go with the jeans you're wearing just fine."
Neal "Since I don't wear shoes this is tough for me, but if I try to imagine myself in those shoes, they seem nice."
Mark "+1 on the boot cut jeans, but I don't really agree that they match your eyes. Maybe we need to go check these out in a few different colors to find the one that really matches best."
Balboa "Oh thanks guys, I appreciate the input, I know I can count on you. I've been meaning to make some changes in how I present myself to the world and not be such a slob anymore, John, that's all."
Hope this helps folks. You're all my friends and I really like having an avenue to explore ideas with you all.
CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG!!!!!