Do you feel that debating is a daunting task? Many people struggle with it because of fear of not getting their words right, stress, or simply because they don't know what to say. The lack of success and negative reactions from others can lead to a decrease in self-confidence and motivation during debates.

Our debate techniques training provides a structured approach to address these challenges. You start by identifying the specific obstacles you experience when debating. You will then learn to apply neuroscientific principles that will help you speak confidently and purposefully. Discover our comprehensive learning materials, including syllabus and instructional videos, available on our digital learning platform. This allows you to reinforce and support your learning process so that you can effectively apply the techniques you have learned in practice.

Learning objectives

1. Develop strategies for persuasive and successful debates: This means understanding the psychology behind persuasive communication, identifying your audience's needs, and adapting your approach to show value and build trust. For example, by understanding how to structure an argument with a clear statement, explanation, and illustration, you can make your point more powerful.
2. Increase understanding of non-verbal communication: Non-verbal cues can be just as important as what is said during a debate. By learning how to use body language, voice intonation and other non-verbal cues effectively, you can reinforce your message and better tailor it to your opponent's reactions. For example, using body language and vocal variation can strengthen the message and make it more convincing.
3. Managing conflict and giving and receiving constructive feedback: Debates can sometimes lead to conflict or resistance. The ability to manage conflict and give and receive feedback in a constructive manner can help conversations run more smoothly and build relationships, even in challenging situations. The ability to listen well and respond to counterarguments is crucial for effective debate.
4. Argumentation techniques: Proposition and Opposition: Learning how to effectively defend a position (proposition) and how to attack it (opposition) is essential in any debate. In proposition, you focus on presenting your position clearly and convincingly, supported by facts and logic. In opposition, you learn to identify and criticise weaknesses in the opponent's argument, while simultaneously presenting your own counterarguments.Rhetorical Techniques: Reframing, Generalising, Specifying, Omissions, Distortions:
5. Reframing: This involves highlighting a topic from a different perspective to make your opponent's argument seem less powerful or your own argument seem stronger.

• Generalising: This involves using broad statements to make your point. This can be powerful, but should be used carefully to avoid exaggeration.
• Specifying: The opposite of generalising, where you zoom in on specific details to support your argument and anchor it in concrete examples.
• Omissions: Strategically not mentioning certain information to strengthen your argument or shift the focus.
• Distortions: Here you slightly adjust the representation of facts to support your argument, without distorting the truth....

Programme (per half-day)

• Day 1 (Morning): Basic theories of communication and the impact of non-verbal cues during debates. 
• Day Part 2 (Afternoon): Workshops on conducting persuasive debates, dealing with resistance, and practical exercises, role-plays and application in practice.

Experiential learning at The House of Coaching

Experience practical, experiential exercises that allow you to apply your debating techniques directly in real situations. Our maximum interaction and sharing of experiences ensure learning that really sticks!

Are you looking for ways to improve your debating techniques and become more successful at debating? Then contact us today to join our training and find out how to strengthen your communication skills for effective debates!