Q&A for How to Rebut Better

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How do I act normally during a rebuttal?

Community Answer

Act like you are having a mature normal conversation. Even though this type of speech is like you are having an argument, you do not want to actually fight with your teachers. Be confident and relax.

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Question

I struggle to remember facts. However, I can think well and create logical rebuttals and can speak decently. How do I make an instant rebuttal with evidence in a short term debate format?

Community Answer

Take paper or notecards with you. Take notes on the opposing team's contentions and jot down a few direct quotes. By the time it is your turn, have an idea of the order you want to present your points.

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Question

Can a first preposition speaker oppose a second opposition speaker?

Community Answer

Since the first proposition speaker gives a speech before the second opposition speaker, it is not possible for him to refute/oppose his points.

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Question

This is the first time doing a rebuttal. How do I make the speech like I am talking to a friend when you are in a large crowd?

Penguinpencil

Community Answer

Just relax and imagine that you are explaining everything to a person you know and like. Remember that the audience thinks very highly of you and nobody wants to see you fail.

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Question

What should I consider when rebutting a point?

Community Answer

Your argument was irrelevant, incorrect, illogical or insignificant and follow that up with a number of reasons why.

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Question

How long should an ideal conclusion be?

Community Answer

An ideal conclusion would be a few minutes that it would take to do the following: rephrase the question, summarize the main ideas and look into the future.

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Question

What style of greeting should I use?

Community Answer

It really depends what type of speech you're doing. If it's a party speech, make it funny and funky. Or if it's a meeting speech, try to be quite formal and sensible but add a little bit of humor.

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Question

How long should a rebuttal go on for?

Penguinpencil

Community Answer

It really depends on where in the debate you speak. If you're up first, you don't need any. As a general rule, the more speakers that are ahead of you, the more rebuttal you should have. In BP style, in a 7 minute speech, you might have up to three minutes depending on the position of the speaker. Rebuttal should always be attempted even if you feel it is not very strong.

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Question

As a leader, how do I help my members prepare for the debate?

Penguinpencil

Community Answer

Go through each speech with your team members and absolutely tear it apart with the arguments you think that your opponent is most likely to use. Then, construct rebuttals that relate directly to those arguments. Do this with each team member and your case will be ten times stronger. (Your members might also feel more confident about their upcoming debate.)

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Question

Should I write a script or take notes while the other candidates are having an argument with the other group?

Community Answer

In my debate club, we take notes while the other group is arguing. Try your best to connect them to your points and show why yours are better. This will help the judges see why they are wrong and you are right.

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Question

How can I rebut to make a point?

Community Answer

Just know your facts, and point out discrepancies in your opponent's argument to overpower them.

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Question

How do I make a rebuttal even if my opponent's point seems quite convincing?

Community Answer

Try to find even one fault in their story. Elaborate on that and back it up with evidence. You now have a rebuttal.

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Question

How do I summarize an argument in one sentence while making it sound negative?

Community Answer

If you're talking about an opponent's argument, you probably want to make it sound like a simply bad idea. However, it's important to do this without really twisting their words or the judge will call you out for that.

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