Preparing for Candidate Debates

Some campaigns will have debates or forums as an opportunity for candidates to present themselves and their platforms to the public. The rules and formats of these debates vary and are agreed upon by the candidates and moderators ahead of time.

Here are tips to improve your public debate skills:

Before the debate, try to anticipate the arguments that might be made by other candidate(s). Research and facts are critical. You need to be prepared on both sides of the debate topics. Come up with answers against your own points in addition to your opposition’s. Have others help you in preparing a ‘mock debate’. Let them poke holes in your arguments and practice your facts until you know them cold. Learn your weaknesses and those of your opponent.

Prepare your opening remarks or introduction as you could for any other speech. You may want to include an opening quote or fact that is related to a major debate issue. Start off your position by stating these proven points. This helps make your positions easier to defend going forward.

Cross examination is to clarify points or to add explanation to a point or fact that you didn’t understand. Don’t argue with the other candidate(s), either. During cross-examination, don’t make statements when asking questions. You should already know the questions you want to ask beforehand. When you are finished, use what you can from their answers and incorporate their statements into your rebuttals.

Respond to every point your opponent mentions. By not responding to a point during a debate, it is assumed that you agree with them. Be prepared to counter every argument. If you are attacked, confront the attack (or insult, if it’s personal), and reply by transitioning what is said into one of your talking points.

During rebuttals, show the audience the contrasts between you and your opponent. This is done by restating and re-arguing your own points.

Keep your cool. Want to lose an argument fast? Just lose control on stage. Don’t let your opponent knock you off your message or drive you to an emotional outburst. Focus on keeping calm and staying on message.

Public debates can make or break a local campaign. Be sure to prominently announce the debate on your campaign site and keeping your email and social subscribers up to date. The more supporters a candidate can get to attend a debate, the better. A friendly crowd (and adequate preparation) should help make the event a success.