Galactic Activity 6

The chair asks the meeting for a common issue and then asks the speaker for their opinion on that issue. The speaker then needs to argue the opposite point of view.

Activity 6 – Reverse Debate

Duration: 4 mins
Applicable Streams: Workplace Skills, Meeting Skills, Leadership, Sales, Personal Challenge, Humour

Aim

In this activity you are aiming to:

Inform by providing alternative views on a subject.

Objectives

To do this, you will need to keep the following objectives in mind:

  1. Develop an opinion, take a position on the topic.
  2. Present 2-3 arguments which clearly support your initial view.
  3. Present alternative arguments which clearly rebut all the original viewpoints.

The Why…

In a workplace or community meeting, you may be required to argue for or against an idea or suggestion. A valuable skill to have in these situations is to be able to see the ‘other side’ of an argument so that you can be prepared to rebut their points and prove your own points.

This activity helps you build:

  • rebuttal skills and
  • the ability to clearly articulate a viewpoint.

Where do I start?

  • When deciding on your original position, think about how easy or difficult it will be to provide clear arguments to support this.
  • Research the topic and look for positions similar to the one you have decided to take and the arguments for and against this.
  • Number your arguments with key words to make it easier to remember what you want to say. Use the same numbers for your corresponding rebuttals.

The How

Specific guidelines on how to tackle this activity.

The Chair will provide you with a topic, and you will spend 2 minutes arguing for a point of view on that topic, then 2 minutes rebutting all your own arguments.

Tips and traps

TIPS:

  • Remember, the objective of the second part of the activity is to master the art of rebuttal, not to introduce new topics or positions.
  • Use arguments that there are clear for and against positions on so that both parts of your speech are equally as convincing.
  • When introducing the rebuttal for a point, mention the point that was made originally so that there’s a clear reference to what you’re rebutting.

TRAP:

  • Introducing new arguments that don’t directly correspond to a position already stated.
  • Putting too much emphasis on one argument and not leaving enough time to address the others.

Guidelines for Program Director:

  • Provide suggested topics to make it easier for the speaker to focus their preparation.
  • Don’t be afraid to suggest topics that don’t seem to have a strong ‘for’ or ‘against’ case.