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Essential Vocabulary for Debaters: Speak Confidently in Any Discussion

Hey Debaters, here we are going to discuss some of the important words that can help you lead
a good debate. It can be helpful whether you’re arguing in your classroom, on the latest news in
the auditorium, or discussing the ideas in a party etc. This site focuses on simple, ordinary terms
that anyone may use to seem more intelligent without making themselves or others think they’re
crazy.

Why bother you with debates on choosing the words? It sharpens your thoughts and helps you
build a good vocabulary that can help you in your studies and lifestyle, too. Poor word choice also leads
to misunderstandings. A strong vocabulary is an effective argumentative tool. Using this
vocab, you are more confident in the discussions and debates. In this blog, we will discuss
several words with examples of them.

1. Assert

Meaning: To state something with assurance as true, frequently to support a case.

Examples:
1. In a public debate on school uniforms, one might assert, “Wearing uniforms helps you
Maintain a good discipline that is proven by many studies around the world.”

2. Refute

Meaning: To show that a claim or idea is false, typically by logic or evidence.

In a debate, I must refute your claim that social media only harms pupils because it also helps
them connect and learn.

Example:
1. I refuse to throw the waste on the streets.
2. The lawyer refutes the evidence.

3. Concede

Meaning: Being fair means accepting the truth of something, even if it doesn’t fully support your
argument.

In a debate, “While I concede that online learning saves time, it still cannot take the place of
in-person classroom interaction.”

Example:
1. I concede that your point is better.
2. We accept that the argument was conceded.
3. We concede the recipe is good.
4. The lawyer concedes the argument.

 

4. Elaborate

Meaning: To explain the thing more clearly.

In a debate, could you elaborate on how jobs are created by renewable energy?

Example:
1. The student asks the teacher, “Ma’am, kindly elaborate on the topic.”
2. She elaborates on the business idea.
3. Please elaborate on the deal.
4. They elaborate on the plans at the meeting.

5. Bias

Meaning: An ability to unfairly favor one side, frequently due to sentimental reasons.

In a debate, your argument seems biased.

Example:
1. He spoke biased regardless of the evidence.
2. We should remove bias points during a discussion.

6. Evidence

Meaning: For your argument to be convincing, back it up with facts or examples.

In a debate, there is evidence that she is a criminal.

Example:
1. She uses the evidence to establish his guilt.
2. He finds the evidence.
3. I showed the call history as evidence.
4. She provided me with evidence that she was home.

7. Fallacy

Meaning: It means an assumption without supporting evidence.

In a debate, saying everyone is biased is a fallacy.

Example:
1. Believing that rich people are stress-free is a fallacy.
2. Good food is only found in restaurants.
3. He pointed out the fallacy in his discussion.
4. It’s a fallacy to think that going to the gym only makes you healthy.

8. Perspective

Meaning: A viewpoint that is shaped by your views or experiences.

In a debate, from an audience poll perspective, the B team is the winner.

Example:
1. From my perspective, she will get good work.
2. Everyone has the right to present their perspective.
3. Try to solve the issue according to your perspective.
4. Listening to others gives you a new perspective.

9. Consensus

Meaning: A decision reached by a group following discussion.

In a debate, after reaching a consensus, evidence is shown.

Example:
1. We reached a consensus to schedule the meeting at 6 pm.
2. Her family reached a consensus on the tour.
3. The consensus was to pick the park for a picnic.
4. There was a clear consensus to change the plan.

10. Imply

Meaning: To refer to something without explicitly stating it.

In a debate, are you trying to imply that notes are useless?

Example:
1. Her Eyes seemed to imply that she agreed.
2. His tone implies that he is not happy.
3. The action taker doesn’t give excuses that imply.
4. The notification implies there will be a delay in delivery

11. Reinforce

Meaning: To strengthen or clarify something.

In a debate, this report will reinforce my point.

Example:
1. We will reinforce the discussion with the evidence.
2. She reinforced the rule during the meeting.
3. The principal reinforces the rules for better discipline.
4. He reinforces the idea with data.

12. Persuade

Meaning: To convince someone to agree with you.

In a debate, I will try to persuade the audience.

 

Example:
1. Children will try to persuade their parents to take a tour.
2. He persuaded the discussion with evidence.
3. Can you persuade them to vote for me?
4. They persuade me with good logic.

13. Acknowledge

Meaning: To accept.

In a debate, the jury will acknowledge the evidence report.

Example:
1. An Entrepreneur acknowledges that your idea is good.
2. She acknowledged her mistake.
3. The boss acknowledges the team’s hard work.
4. The chef acknowledges that it is a good recipe.

14. Counter

Meaning: To address or dispute someone’s argument.

In a debate, she will counter on this by showing the call records

Example:
1. I counter the discussion with a valid point.
2. The lawyer countered the point with the evidence.
3. I will counter this with a good question.
4. She countered his argument with facts.

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