Tips for debate (Add your own!) - Page 4

AlbqOwl · 01-21-06, 01:26 PM

On the other side of that, don't assume you're being ignored if your opponent doesn't mention your every remark.

AlbqOwl · 01-21-06, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billo_Really

Try to keep your personal feelings toward a particular poster out of your analytical judgement when evaluating an assertion.

Amen to this one which others have also mentioned. It helps to remind oneself three times a day that a personal insult, either overt or inferred, is not an intelligent rebuttal of whatever the other person said.

It helps to remind oneself five times a day that disagreement with your position is not the same thing as a personal insult.

Stace · 01-21-06, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gardener

About the only advice I could offer would be to remember that well chosen adjectives act to multiply the effect of specific epithets, and that for those less than well versed in the more subtle aspects of invective, your lack of creativity in this regard will earn you demerits. For instance: "You goat tic", is certainly a reasonable enough charge to level against your opponant, but you will add to the power of your statement by applying the word "syphlitic" in conjunction. Even better if you could also remember your verbs, so that "Syphlitic goat tic" becomes "Syphlitic goat tic sucking on the diseased carcass of three day old road kill". Style, people, style!

Conversely, calling somebody a "liberal" or "conservative" by a way of really sticking it to them falls well short of the requirements for good flaming. In this case, adjectives can still bail you out a wee bit, but while "perverted liberal" or "heartless conservative" does add to your statement to a small degree, the term "typical" actually reduces the effectiveness.

Unless, of course, you add that to your more enlightened discourse, in which case "You typical liberal (or conservative) goat tic sucking on the diseased carcass of three day old road kill" is perfectly acceptable.

I would concur that using well chosen words is in your best interest, but....speak English. Not everyone here has a college degree, not everyone here is a genius, or even what could be considered an intellectual. Someone shouldn't have to pull out a dictionary just to decipher your message. When in doubt, use simple words. Sometimes, using "fancy" words makes you look...snobby, as if you're here only to show off, not to have a serious debate.

Hoot · 01-22-06, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alphieb

Try to have a sense of humor and don't take things personal.

I agree, this is the best advice on here.

I'd like to add just one more thing...

Hit that "Preview Post" button before you hit the "Submit Post" button. Sometimes, re-reading your own words can make you realize what an idiot you are and give you time to amend your reply. LOL

cnredd · 02-08-06, 05:55 PM

People! People! People!

You think you've just had the most important point ever made...

You look for sources to legitimize your claim or to backup your point, then proceed to gather your thoughts to create a beautiful well thoughout thread...

But FIRST!!!!...

See if someone beat you to it...

Spreading out one topic over multiple threads...and even multiple forums...dilutes this site...

The Mods try to make this place as tidy and organized as possible...Going through 4 different forums and finding the same topics goes against this organization...

PLEASE look before you make that leap...

Thelost1 · 11-27-06, 07:26 PM

don't post quotes from pundits or other famous people. You end up with a group of people who agree, a group that disagrees and no debate.

example:
Posting something from Ann Coulter is guaranteed to destroy serious debate. Not because she is crazy(though she is), but because everyone already has an opinion of her.