“Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument.” ― Desmond Tutu
Instead of Raising Your Voice, You Should Strengthen Your Case
You need a DIET! D-Data, I-Information, E-Experience, & T-Testimonials
When I was on the high school debate team, our sponsor and mentor used to say whenever we started to raise our voice during simulated debates or practice, “You need a DIET!”
Participants that showed emotion or got verbally defensive were calmly told to cool it.
“Never raise your voice,” was her mantra. “It is a sign of weakness. It shows that you did not prepare properly, and your opponent will take advantage of that weakness.”
You must thoroughly research your topic from every angle and attempt to anticipate your opponent’s arguments or retorts before they make it.
Debate Provides the Student with Undeniable Skills
Whether a student is a member of the school debate team, Model United Nations, or a private debate team, like the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA), Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, or others, they acquire undeniable skills.
These skills include:
· Speaking in front of a crowd
· Thinking on their feet
· Research
· Developing logical conclusions based on facts
· They learn to look at both sides of an issue
· They’ll develop leadership
· They’ll take initiative
These are only a few of the distinct skills they will develop.
What She Meant by D.I.E.T.
D = Data
I = Information
E = Experience
T = Testimonials
D — Good Data Gives You Clout
You must gather as much data as possible about the subject of your debate. Nothing or practically none of what your opponent brings to the discussion should come as a surprise to you.
Elements of data may seem trivial. But, in fact, the more trivial that fact, the more clout it might provide. Regurgitating well-known statistics is excellent, but when you present a little-known fact, it will impress the judges. And everyone’s a judge!
I — Information as a Strength
You gather information through researching the hot topics in the news. Granted, most debate topics are not announced ahead of time, but combing through the news of the past few days will help tremendously.
If you go back over the past ten days and look at the major news items, then rate them one to ten. You can dig deep into those ten items, or divvy them out to your team.
E — Mix in Your Experiences When Appropriate
It is best to stick to experience rather than stating your opinion during a debate. If you had an experience with something related to the topic, you can insert that experience to help form a position of strength.
T — Use Testimonials of Well-Respected People
Using a specific quote from a well-respected person can be beneficial. However, try to avoid controversial quotes, such as statements by celebrities about a hot political topic. Typically, for each celebrity quote, there is another celebrity with an opposing view.
Before using a quote from a celebrity, consider their background. A Stephen King quote about writing would be as appropriate as a quote from Clint Eastwood about acting in or directing movies. But what makes their opinion about a political subject any more significant than another’s?
How Can We Apply this to Social Media?
Instead of getting all P-Oed at a friend or acquaintance on Facebook or Twitter about something they wrote that is in direct disagreement with what you believe, stay calm. Don’t raise your voice. Don’t call them out.
When they call you stupid, libtard, Nazi, racist, or whatever, think D.I.E.T. Take the higher ground.
You should rise above those overwhelming feelings of anger to improve your position. Angry outbursts, nasty comments, and vulgar language, even in reply to the same, are never acceptable rebuttals, and only make you look small.
Step back and gather data facts and information, speak from experience, use specific quotes from experts in the field, and calmly present those. Or you could keep scrolling, promote your Medium link, and start writing a new story!
“Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument.” ― Desmond Tutu
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About Me
Stephen Dalton is a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland and a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. He is a freelance journalist currently living in the Philippines.
You can see his portfolio here. Email [email protected]
