Importance of debates
Debates form an important part of formal
education. Debates are held and arranged from time to time in schools and
colleges. A debate is a discussion or argument on an important subject on which
people may have different opinions. In the Parliament and legislatures issues
are debated in detail before a decision is taken on them. In public subjects of
social, national and political importance are discussed and debated and then
opinion is formed about them. A debate or meaningful discussion is a democratic
way to reach wise decisions. Debated help in finding widely acceptable and sane
solutions to the problems.
Man is a rational being and so he wants to
analyze, debate, discuss and argue about important issues, problems, matters,
ideas and plans. The debates become all the more important in democratic and
free societies. No decision can be imposed upon the public before they are
convinced about it. And the only way to convince the public is through debates
and discussions in open through mass media and on platforms and stages. Thus,
debates, discussions or public speaking become of crucial importance for
success. It is the only way to carry a message across. A good debater can easily
win over public support and become popular. Efficiency in debates and public
speaking can be developed and cultivated if there is strong will and motivation.
It is both an art and technique. We have several occasion to develop this art
and technique. Besides formal debates, and question-answer session in the
schools and colleges, we have opportunities to address a group of friends,
preside over an informal meeting, hold group discussions, introduce a speaker,
speak in social gatherings, canvass in school and college elections and organize
meeting. Our conversations with friends, parents and others are also occasions
to acquire and improve our debating skills and abilities. If we are conscious
and aware about it there are scores of opportunities to develop these skills.
What is needed are strong will, perseverance and practice.
All good and famous leaders and speakers have
been excellent debaters. It is they who lead the people and the world. They
shape the destiny of peoples and mankind. They set in motion, the wheels of
events of great importance. For example, Quaid-I-Azam, Maulana Muhammad Ali
Johar, Fatima Jinnah just to name a few, have been very expert debaters and
public speakers. They possessed the power to cast a spell on their audiences.
Successful public speaking has always been an infallible means of achieving
success, fame, popularity, recognition and acceptability.
To be a successful debater it is essential
that there is a sound and through preparation. It needs a proper planning and
preparation. A good debater knows his subject well. He studies all the material
available on the subject before speaking in the debate. He studies books,
magazines, newspapers and consults reference books on the topic. He puts the
ideas and arguments in writing. Reads them again and again, discusses them with
friends and teachers and then makes a final draft.
A sound preparation generates desired
confidence. Self-confidence is of great importance in public speaking and
debates. It is the sure key to success. Only a self-confident speaker can best
sell his arguments and ideas. Only a debater with self-confidence can convince
his audience. There are no chances of success for a debater lacking in
confidence. To attain confidence prepare well, attend lectures, debates, talks,
etc. Listen the good and well-known speakers as often as you can. Take notes and
commit to memory the important points. Debaters often become nervous, confused
and tense for want of sound preparation and confidence. Never be cowed down by
failures in the beginning. Take them as a challenge and carry on your efforts to
win success in debates and discussions. There is hardly any famous speaker who
did not fail in the beginning. All good things are different before they are
attempted and achieved. Therefore, never lose heart and try, and try again.
Practice well and have rehearsals before
actual debate. Stand before a mirror or a mock audience, or a sample audience
and read aloud your written material a couple of times. Better if you practice
with the points noted down on a piece of paper. Practice makes a man perfect.
Practice until you are satisfied. You can also use the tape-recorder etc. for
this purpose.
What we say in a debate is important but how
we say is also equally important. Your arguments should be sound, sincere and
convincing. You should speak eloquently with enthusiasm and be natural and
spontaneous in your delivery. Don't be stiff or self-conscious on the stage. Be
relaxed, assured and polite but firm. Let there be nothing half-hearted or
half-baked. Never feel inferior or hopeless. Always be positive and think of the
best success. Try to develop good and eloquent voice. Avoid nasalization and too
many movement of your hand. Stand erect, firm but relaxed. Neither speak too
loudly nor so low that you are not distinctly audible.
Students who are successful in debates and
discussion also succeed in other fields of life. They have the skills and
abilities to become good leaders, politicians and parliamentarians. They can
become very successful salesmen, managers, advocates etc. Success is assured to
a good debater in these fields of life because he has the power to persuade,
convince and carry the people with him. He can reason out discuss and carry his
message across the people successfully.