DEFENDING YOUR CASE

Debates usually include three parts. 1. a presentation, 2. a questioning period (a form of attack and defense), 3. an opportunity for rebuttal. The courts give both the presecution and the defense an opportunity for an introductory statement, the presentation of a case, cross-examination, and an opportunity for summation. If you are also thinking about your defense while you are preparing your presentation, you might come up with a better presentation and a better defense because you have anticipated what the objection might be.

As is always the case when you are trying to win, the major thing to look for is audience reaction. Try to determine the extent to which your objection has been successful in breaching your defense. What particular points of yours were most easily overwhelmed, which remained steadfast and resisted all assaults, and, especially, which were ignored by the opposition? Your evaluation of what worked and what did not work with the audience should determine what you choose to emphasize, what you choose to ignore, and what new elements you should introduce into your defense. It is one thing to be a spectator at a battle and it is quite another to be a participant. In all cases you must learn to control your emotional responses and concentrate on winning.

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