Maasa Kevin Desire's Argumentation and Debate was inspired by the difficulties most Sub-Saharan debaters face in formulating winning arguments and ultimately winning the debate. This book thus offers a step by step guide to mastering the art of argumentation and debate while debating in the World Schools Debate Format. Unlike most debate manuals, this book not only offers an in-depth analysis on the nittygritties of the World School Debate Format, which include but not limited to an understanding of team burdens, case development, motion analysis, speaker roles, but also offers a great insight on material on the art of argumentation such as critical thinking, argument construction, assessment and evaluation, logical reasoning, advanced rebuttal - which actually form the heart of any debate. Some of the Chapters in the book are concluded with a section containing FAQs by debaters and coaches. These sections are aimed at expanding the debaters' understanding of the WSD formalities, and also provide answers to some of the most common controversies in debate. Whereas the information in this book has been greatly allied to the World School's Debate Format, it does not mean that it may not be worthwhile for other debate formats. The great debater will actually find this information impressively relevant to debating in other formats of debate. You therefore needn't wait to read. Read now and be ready whenever!

“The rare book that has the potential to make you smarter—and everyone around you wiser.” —Adam Grant Two-time world champion debater and former coach of the Harvard debate team, Bo Seo tells the inspiring story of his life in competitive debating and reveals the timeless secrets of effective communication and persuasion When Bo Seo was 8 years old, he and his family migrated from Korea to Australia. At the time, he did not speak English, and, unsurprisingly, struggled at school. But, then, in fifth grade, something happened to change his life: he discovered competitive debate. Immediately, he was hooked. It turned out, perhaps counterintuitively, that debating was the perfect activity for someone shy and unsure of himself. It became a way for Bo not only to find his voice, but to excel socially and academically. And he’s not the only one. Far from it: presidents, Supreme Court justices, and CEOs are all disproportionally debaters. This is hardly a coincidence. By tracing his own journey from immigrant kid to world champion, Seo shows how the skills of debating—information gathering, truth finding, lucidity, organization, and persuasion—are often the cornerstone of successful careers and happy lives. Drawing insights from its strategies, structure, and history, Seo teaches readers the skills of competitive debate, and in doing so shows how they can improve their communication with friends, family, and colleagues alike. He takes readers on a thrilling intellectual adventure into the eccentric and brilliant subculture of competitive debate, touching on everything from the radical politics of Malcom X to Artificial Intelligence. Seo proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that, far from being a source of conflict, good-faith debate can enrich our daily lives. Indeed, these good arguments are essential to a flourishing democracy, and are more important than ever at time when bad faith is all around, and our democracy seems so imperiled.

In the second edition of this witty and infectious book, Madsen Pirie builds upon his guide to using - and indeed abusing - logic in order to win arguments. By including new chapters on how to win arguments in writing, in the pub, with a friend, on Facebook and in 140 characters (on Twitter), Pirie provides the complete guide to triumphing in altercations ranging from the everyday to the downright serious. He identifies with devastating examples all the most common fallacies popularly used in argument. We all like to think of ourselves as clear-headed and logical - but all readers will find in this book fallacies of which they themselves are guilty. The author shows you how to simultaneously strengthen your own thinking and identify the weaknesses in other people arguments. And, more mischievously, Pirie also shows how to be deliberately illogical - and get away with it. This book will make you maddeningly smart: your family, friends and opponents will all wish that you had never read it. Publisher's warning: In the wrong hands this book is dangerous. We recommend that you arm yourself with it whilst keeping out of the hands of others. Only buy this book as a gift if you are sure that you can trust the recipient.

Argumentation and Debate: A Public Speaking Approach

Explores how we justify our beliefs - and try to influence those of others - both soundly and effectively.