How to Debate - Tips and Tricks

"Ignorance is no argument' - Baruch Spinoza

The first round of the QDU took place last week, and I am involved in a team (fortuantly we won). Seeing that this is a world wide activity I felt that I should write some basic tips for debating, as I realize how hard it is when I first started. I have been debating for 5 years and hopefully I can pas my experience on to others.

I'm not sure if different countries have different types of debating, but Australia has a system where there are 3 people on each side who take it in turns to argue a point.

(1) - You are always right - no matter what you really believe, if you want to win then you have to know that what ever you say is correct and your opposition is always wrong.

(2) - Strong central argument - after you make each point link it back to your teams case. This makes the whole team look more prepared and gets big marks.

(3) - Rebut - if they have an incorrect fact, rebut it. If they do not link back to their teams case, rebut it. If they give an example that has no relevence, rebut it. Remember, the opposition is always wrong.

(4) - If you need more time, summerize - a good summery not only gets good points, it also increases your time. If you go under time you lost points and the same occurs if you go over. Try to find a balance.

(5) - Never insult the opposition - no matter how much you want to, don't! If you want to insult something, do it to their argument. Don't use personal attacks if you want to win.

(6) - Have passion - believe in what you are saying and you probably will win. Speak from the heart, but also use logic and academic research.

This is not so much a guide but just some helpful tips, so that you can earn maximum points. If you still have some query's, then post a comment below.

Categories: Debating, Arguments, Misc

What would I do with $1000 cash

The people over at Vote me rich are asking the question, and I aim to answer it. Very simply, spend it. Money has no purpose other than spending. It was created to be spent and does nothing if not spent. But what to spend it on? That, I suppose, is for each person to answer for themselves.

For me, the answer would be to waste it on worthless items that make me feel cool. Most probably I would eat from the school tuckshop everyday until I leave (pies in a bun are calling me). Or perhaps some other kind of beverage...

Food is usually my top priority. You see, without it I will die. Therefore I feel that it is quite important for my survival.

So there you have it. With $1000 I would spend it on food, but not just any food, special food.

Categories: Cash, Misc

Skype Revolution

Yesterday I downloaded a newish program called Skype. It is similar to MSN Messenger, but is directed more at the phone using peoples, rather than simply text messaging. Instead of sending messages back and forth across the internet, it sends video (web cameras) and voice. It can also call normal phones, for an extremely small cost.

So, I set it all up, got myself some headphones with a speaker attached, and got ready to use it. The problem is that I don't know anyone else who uses it, so I can't even call them for free and test it.

Seeing that I couldn't test it across the free internet section of the program, I decided to try the internet-phone service. With the credits purchased I had a chop, only to find out that they had not yet been activated. So I am sitting here still, waiting for a chance to chat.

While the idea is good, I hope the practical side works...

Categories: Skype, Internet, Phone