A public debate is a discursive event in which a group of participants present their views about a topic through speeches and questions. Debate has a long tradition in most cultures and is often considered as a highly respectable form of argument. It is distinct from private, interpersonal or diffuse debate because it has a formal status and claims to representativeness that other forms of dispute do not possess. This article explores the significance of this normative definition of public debate and discusses how it may operate differently than other types of discursive conflict.
Debate is about more than winning or losing. It is about making progress together, which can only happen when the group explores ideas that none of its members would have come up with on their own. Debate is therefore more than a contest between groups of people; it is about constructing the borders of the public sphere itself.
A good debater must be able to understand how their opponents argue, and that requires an understanding of discourse theory. In addition, a good debater must be able to read the synapses of the audience and can use that knowledge to guide their argument.
For students, a good way to prepare for a debate is to watch a video of a high-level debate round. This exposes technical inefficiencies and forces a student to think on their feet. This type of preparation can also help a debater develop a stronger case by identifying the most important points their opponents might make and practicing ways to respond to those points.