Question

how to address a debate panel

Answer 1

Debate

Debate is a process that includes a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting, acardemic institutions or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote.

The addressing of the panel will differ according to the position you hold in the debate.You can be either the host, supporting or opposing person.However, to create a greater impact on your audience and to get all of their attention you must start your debate content with some comical, emotional, influential or any catchy phrase or poem keeping your motion in mind. After delivering that certain part of your debate, you must pause for a second or two and then with a beautiful smile you should greet your panel. First of all a respectful greeting to the chief guest then to the jury members, audience and to your opponents, respectively.This will help you hold their attention from the very beginning till the end. And that beautiful smile will definitely add up to your scores. This step not only grabs the attention of the audience but also gives them a brief idea of what you’re going to debate about. In between the talk if you want ot adress the panel you can say like "Members of the house" or "the people present here"

If you are the host of the debate panel and you are familiar with the subject to be debated, introduce yourself to the audience, inform them about the topic(s) of the debate and what they can expect from the debating parties. Introduce the participants, both opposing and supporting to the audience and allowparticipants to introduce themselves to the audience and state their over view of the subject(s) to to be debated very briefly. once the introductory section have wrapped up, state very audibly and clearly the rules of engagement and how long each participant has to speak . Let everyone know how the entire venue is going to last.FInnay, introduce the panel who will be asking the questions to the participants. Then things can get started .

If you are a participant then always make sure that whether you are going to debate in favour the motion or against the motion. Start with adressing them like " very cheerful good morning(if its morning) to one and all presesnt here,Honorable juries/adjudicators,respected teachers and my fellow competitors.Today I would like to light my views supporting(if ur in favor) /opposing(if ur against) the motion/topic (say ur topic). Always remember that if you are in favour of the motion then start gently by describing your topic and give some points which support or prove your points. If you are in against the motion then begin with the rebuttal, For eg:- “ Thanks Mr/Miss (Name) for delivering such a beautiful context. But I personally feel what you have stated is not 100% correct and I would like to clarify……”

Points to remember

• Make sure that your start should be an eye-opener for the panel. You can begin with a quote, story which can be very influential and relatable to your topic.
• you can also begin with a real life story, explain in a way that will catch the attention of the audience throughout the session.
• You can also start with a question which fits best with your topic and plays a vital role in your speech and entertains the audience more.Then gradually give proper information of your topic and try to convince the audience to the fullest by your speech.
• In rebuttal round, make sure you rebut the strongest point of your opponent in a proper way. You just have to work on your accent, speaking skills, content and have the ability to convince the audience so that they agrees with your point.
• Try to give best examples that supports your view point.