Ending your rebuttals powerfully will improve your performance in debates.
Rebuttals allow you to directly attack your opponent's argument, looking for fallacies and lapses in logic that weaken their position. Your closing statement for a rebuttal in a debate will be the last thing you write, but may also be one of the most important. The last sentence in a rebuttal should incorporate the most salient points of your argument succinctly, especially for an oral debate. Your goal with the last sentence is to end your rebuttal on the strongest note possible. This will leave the judges with something substantial to chew on as they weigh your rebuttal against your opponent's argument.
Instructions
1. Make a list of your rebuttal's major points, mainly ideas in your opponent's argument that are invalid or weak in logic. You don't need full sentences, just the gist of an idea. Think of this as brainstorming, not writing.
2. Come up with a couple sentences that incorporate all of your main arguments against your opponent's position. The sentences do not have to be polished yet, but limit yourself to two succinct phrases.
3. Edit the two sentences, pulling out points that are either not directly connected to the main idea or are weaker. Cut it down to just one short statement that still conveys the main counterargument. Adjust your sentence so it sounds good as well. Remove any stilted language and awkward phrasing that may muddle your argument.
Tags: your opponent, opponent argument, your opponent argument, your rebuttal, against your, against your opponent, your argument
