Komunikacijske vještine

Prepared debate

Goal of the practical class

The goal of the practical class is to apply Aristotle’s three basic principles of persuasion: etos, logos i patos. The following basic skills, related to a successful debate, are practised: ability to express freely, respect for other debaters, acknowledgement of different opinion, acceptance of diversity and keeping track of the time. Finally, the techniques of controlling the audience are practised through interaction with the group.

Preparation

The practical class deals with the topic announced in the previous classes. Prior to the class attendance, the students should study the assigned topic and theoretical background of the practical class.

Delivery method

Students in pairs come out in front of the group. The group assigns a topic and the students, by flipping a coin, define the parties of the debate and the order of debating. The debate is unfolding according to the following order:

 

A Student B Student
  • Presentation of the topic
    • Introduction
    • Self-introduction
    • Formulation of the resolution
    • Arguments in favour of the resolution
    • Concluding remarks
  • Presentation of the topic
    • Introduction
    • Self-introduction
    • Formulation of the resolution
    • Arguments in favour of the resolution
    • Concluding remarks
  • Rebuttal 1
  • Rebuttal 1
  • Rebuttal 2
  • Rebuttal 2
  • Rebuttal 3
  • Rebuttal 3
  • Final remarks
  • Final remarks

 

During the rebuttals, the audience actively participate in the debate asking the speakers some questions. The debaters should answer those questions and decide when to make final remarks.

After discussion the students judge the winner and along with their lecturer provide the feedback to the debaters.

At the end of the practical class, the students and the lecturer together assess the acquired experience. Assessing potential benefit of the practical class for their professional and private development, the students in cooperation with their lecturer critically review its successfulness.

Video

Theoretical background