Debate Dash
The Oxford Union: a public speaking school for future leaders.
1 Pre-listening
What are the keys to effective debating? Read over the top tips below. Which ones do you agree with? Can you think of any more? Discuss your ideas with a partner.
● Believe that you’re always right… no matter what you really believe.
● Have passion and you’ll probably win.
● Speak from the heart, but also use logic and academic research to back up your arguments.
● Tell the audience what you’re going to say, say it, then say it again.
● Time your presentation in the debate perfectly so you end it just on time. Never finish too early or go over time.
● Create a strong central argument and make all your points link back to this.
● Never insult the opposition – no matter how much you want to.
2 Listening I
You’re going to listen to someone who’s talking about the Oxford Union – a world-famous debating society. Think of three things you’d like to know about it. Then, listen once to see if they answer your quetions.