The Power of Persuasion
Learning how to effectively conduct and participate in a debate will benefit you in and out of the business world

Most people think of debates as falling only within the realm of political elections and classroom exercises. The truth is that the art of debate can serve you well even when your audience is a handful of colleagues in an office conference room. In that case, the person in charge of running the meeting acts as a moderator, and the consensus reached by the group is reached at least in part as a result of the arguments and opinions that have been presented.

Here, we'll take a look at how to conduct a formal debate, but also explore ways in which aspects of the formal debate structure can be used in other areas of business.

Time Limits

In most organized debates a time limit is put upon the length of time each person can speak and on the length of the debate in its entirety. Training yourself to speak within an allotted period of time, keeping your points brief and your arguments impactful, will make you an expert debater.

It will also make you an expert in the world of business, where schedules are tight and your chance to make your argument can be fleeting. Monopolizing the conversation during the course of a meeting will hardly endear you to those whose support you are seeking.

Taking Your Turn

Debates are typically structured in a give-and-take format; one person has a chance to make his or her point followed by their opponent's rebuttal. Often, the moderator asks each debater the same question so that those present can accurately compare the two's answers. This allows both people to effectively outline their viewpoints and lets the audience know where each debater stands on important issues.

In the workplace, knowing when to let your colleagues have their say is vital. Your credibility and professionalism will be questioned if you are not able to let others give their point of view. Always acknowledge another's opinion respectfully and let them know that you value their perspective.

Staying On Course

Some debates, for instance the exchange between prosecutor and defense attorney during a trial, control what can be said. In a courtroom, some evidence is deemed to be inadmissible or irrelevant to the case at hand, and is therefore off limits for discussion during the course of the trial.

Whether you are participating in a formal debate or taking center stage in a sales presentation, you should also stick to material that will only serve to further your goal. Going off course will confuse your audience, and bringing up taboo subjects or returning to old, already-resolved conflicts will only offend those whose respect you are trying to win and maintain.

Know The Rules

Before your debate or business event, it is important for you to find out in advance what the "rules" are; for instance, how much time is allotted for you to speak? What is the goal of your debate? Are there certain subjects that should be avoided? Being well-prepared means that your points will more than likely be well received. By knowing your audience well in advance and following the preparation tips laid out here, you can learn to be an effective and persuasive orator in any debate-like situation.