This article has been written by Dr. Ravi Misra pursuing a Personal Branding Program for Corporate Leaders from Skill Arbitrage.

This article has been edited and published by Shashwat Kaushik.

Introduction

TV debates are a concurrent and widely used tool to bring out critical analysis on issues and subjects of common public interest. The debates involve deliberations/ discussions and counter views by/among 2-3 or more parties. The number of parties may vary and depend upon the topic, audience, purpose and stakeholders. The objectives or purposes of debate may be different but the common thread is to win. A plethora of strategies and approaches have been outlined by various experts and authors, which are needed in order to create a successful impact as an organiser and as an individual or group.

Presenting a clear point of view, strong evidence and a firm conclusion are the first three steps to winning a debate. However, in order to persuade the audience, one needs to probe the opponent’s position without being arrogant or overbearing. “Nixon was a kind of politician who would cut down a redwood tree and then mount the stump to make a speech for conservation”- Adlai Stevenson, American Statesman, 1900-1965.

There are, however, different steps involved in a successful TV debate, which is vital to winning. This includes:

• Planning
• Choosing a strategy
• Researching the topic
• Working on opponents strengths & weaknesses
• Working on a great ending

Planning

Sound planning is essential to participate/win a debate. This involves knowing about the target audience, thorough and updated knowledge on the theme, well done research on the subject, the opponents and their strengths & weaknesses, and an overall strategy to be applied to win the debate.

Based on the topic, participation is invited considering the knowledge, background and strategy. The venue, audio, audience, telecast, etc. are also well planned in advance.

The participating parties present their respective views/opinions on the given/ chosen topic/issue. The rules of the game are made known in advance and parties are expected to abide by them. Moderator/anchor steps in wherever needed or switches over to sub contents of the main topic. Parties must present their views based on authentic or published data sources, which can be required or verified to earn the trust of the audience. The anchor is expected to be fair to all parties and provide a level playing field to elicit a worthy, positive and interesting debate for the audience. The role of the moderator is critical in soliciting the best outcome from the parties in that form of debate.

Strategies to win a debate

Deploying and choosing from a set of strategies/ tactics depending on the opponent’s strength, such as anticipating counterarguments, respecting different viewpoints and soundly structuring one’s argument, significantly enhances the probability of igniting stimulating debates. Solid arguments, relevant research and forceful views and expressions are winning strategies.

According to David Gergen’s 20 General Tips for Political Debates (Shorenstein Centre on Media, Politics and Public Policy), anyone or more of the following could be chosen as a strategy while preparing for a debate.

• Prepare thoroughly: Any debate requires a thorough study of the subject matter in order to give the arguments substance. Knowledge about the strength of the opponent makes or helps in selecting a proper /winning strategy.
• Engage in mock debates, using a podium and televised tapes for review- A well-rehearsed exercise generates confidence in terms of timing, emphasis points and the design approach of the debate.
• Encourage candid advice.
• Narrow down the group of advisers towards the end.
• Agree upon general strategy, main points to be hammered home, sound bites, rhetorical responses, and surprises.
• Consider props.
• Prepare opening and closing statements.
• Have professionals negotiate conditions in the hall.
• Spend some time thinking alone.

All the arguments need to be supported by apt examples in order to be effective. The questions can be rephrased, but not too often. Draw upon figures from the past, which might help appeal to swing people. Use some verbatim statements and see how they can best be applied today and a quote or two from other sources always enlivens.

There are also expected rules for the presenters/parties. Every party must be analytical and critical in their views based on reliable data sources. Parties must come out with a clear stance on the topic. Parties must adhere to the time slots allotted to them. Parties should not criticise the individuals who are into the fray itself. Parties must supplement the views in case some aspects or perspectives remain uncovered to provide a wholesome evaluation.

Eric Ravenscraft, WIRED, in his article “How to win any debate”, describes the following key strategies for winning in any debate.

Don’t take the posturing bait

The goal of posturing is to force your opponent to keep answering short, incorrect statements with long, detailed answers because it’s easier for an audience to understand the short accusation than the long, detailed explanation. Similarly, you must be able to quickly understand and not fall prey to the opponent’s bait.

Ask more questions

Your argument can be a lot more persuasive when you gently lead the other person there, rather than pummeling them over the head with it. It positions the points of the debate as something to think about.

Non-verbal communication matters

Nonverbal communication can be used in a variety of ways, including through facial expressions, gestures, and body posture or position., especially in a political debate.

Winning a debate against a well-prepared opponent who uses their own logic can be challenging, but there are some strategies that can help.

• Research and preparation
• Listen actively
• Stay calm and composed
• Use evidence and examples
• Find common ground
• Be open to learning

It is always better to express things in a manner that sparks discussions rather than making a dull or plain narrative, or to challenge narratives and offer multifaceted perspectives to create a vibrant digital community.

MSNBC anchor Mehdi Hasan, in his new book ‘Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking,’ has revealed his tricks of the trade for the first time. According to him, the following five strategies to punch holes in the opposition’s arguments are:

• Identify weak points and minimise strong points.
• Challenge the sources and interpretation of facts
• Don’t be rushed to a hasty response
• Don’t Overreact
• Minimise your opponent’s challenge

In his famous book ‘Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Mehdi Hasan has brought out following techniques-

Focus on feelings, not just hard facts

Humans are by nature sentimental and emotional; utilising this as a key area, the facts and boring data sets should be blended with touching stories containing feelings, which helps in connecting to hearts and influences the minds to enable you win the arguments. These stories and examples can bridge the gap between dry data and human experience, making your argument more relatable and persuasive.

Play the ball and the person

By carefully applying this strategy in conjunction with other persuasive techniques, one can effectively discredit opponents and strengthen their own position It can discredit your opponent and their argument at the same time. It can win over a sceptical crowd and give you the upper hand.

Make ’em laugh too

Laughter brings the two people closer. It releases stress and develops relationships. Laughter provides your audience with “social glue.”

The strategic use of humour and mockery can also put your opponent on the defensive. Making the audience laugh intermittently as a strategic tool attracts and inclines them against those who just keep bombarding them with large Excel data sheets.

Use some judo moves

Judo is an old Japanese martial art that reflects “flexibility” or “yielding.”  In a debate, some of the features much needed in order to use your opponent’s energy against them and knock them to the ground are flexibility. This is a useful tool to pretend something has the objective of something else. Occasionally, we do have to yield to an opponent because the action pretends to look more reasonable to the audience and help us win.

Look and sound confident

Confidence is an essential ingredient when it comes to debating or for that matter, any fight. Debating, in particular, requires courage & confidence so saying, “Sorry, you’re wrong” demolishes the opponent.

According to David Robson, in his article “The Science of Influencing People,” he has mentioned six ways to win an argument:

• Craft a compelling narrative to debunk conspiracy theories.
• Maintain calmness and friendliness.
• Appeal to values and identities.
• Be kind and respectful.
• Ask “how” Instead of “why”.
• Reframe the issue thoughtfully.

Analysis and conclusions

The moderator, at the end, summarises concisely and brings out the extract of the debate deliberations, which could easily be imbibed by the audience. The measurements/ parameters of the success of any debate lie in the impact it creates in terms of knowledge enhancements for the audience through the combined knowledge of the participating parties.

The organisation skills, selection of debate parties, background of the parties, honouring of the timelines, onboarding skills, and behaviours also play roles in making lasting impressions on the quality of debate and its outcome.

As brought out above, there are a range of strategies and tips that could be deployed as a winning strategy in any debate, but success usually depends on tweaking according to the rival’s strength, his approach, the audience and your holistic performance given the conditions.

So have belief in yourself. Get ready for an emotional appeal. Be willing to play the ball and the person. Use zingers, jokes, and judo moves. The combination of confidence, knowledge, delivery and strategy is the winning combination in any debate.

References

• Dan Gabor, Words That Win, Penguin 2003
• Mehdi Hasan, ‘Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking,’
• Thomas Waldvogel, Pascal D. König, Uwe Wagschal, All I do is to win, no matter what? What matters in gaining electoral support from televised debates,  Communication & Society 2023 – Vol. 36(1)
• David Robson, The Guardian, 2019
• Eric Ravenscraf, WIRED, Texas
• https://www.logora.com/blog-posts/winning-debates-tips.