Debate is defined as two opposing sides working against each other, and parties trying to persuade a proctor to give into what they know. During a debate, you cannot speak what you think. In fact, if you ever say the phrase “I think” during a debate, you will automatically lose 3 points. In a debate, you will either be for or against an issue. If you are for it you will be with the pros, and if you are against it you will be a con. You will never be given the choice to be a pro or con. You will be given the role that the proctor chose for you. There have been a couple of times when I was assigned to be pro something, when I actually wanted to be con. At the beginning of a debate, you must always step forward and tell the audience your first and last name, and if you are for or against the issue that you are trying to resolve. For example, “Hello my name is Dominic Roher, and I am against abortions.” If you are considering debate, I encourage you to have high self esteem, because people will try to manipulate you. In these situations, you must be a bigger person, and ask them where they got their facts. For example, if someone says to you, “you don’t have good experience in debate”, you must come back with stronger facts. When debating, you will not be asked questions in the order that your cards are organized, because you will be expected to rehearse these notes and know them by heart on the day of the debate. You will be given one minute per question, and if you try to impress the proctor by writing a lengthy argument, you will not do well in that debate. Your minute will go up, and you will not receive another chance to respond until your next turn. While debate may seem difficult, it is actually very fun, and it helps to build your public speaking skills. It can also assist students in other ways. I can guarantee that if you are a good debater, you are likely to receive good scholarships.