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Originally posted by Halx
1. I see too many people who use the method where they quote a user and pick apart every single point they make. This is not a good way to debate. Why? Because it becomes less and less about the point at hand, and more and more about simply proving the other person wrong. I call this "The Darth Vader Effect." It's not illegal to make a pointed remark directly at someone, but the tone of the debate becomes very personal very fast. It crosses over into the Dark Side. Just make your point, after point, after point, after point.
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Often when people write a post, they make numerous points. Addressing each of these points individually is a very logical and systematic way of debating. If they make a point, it deserves to be addressed.
Quoting the person's post and inserting your responses is a very good way of adding structure to your replies, in my opinion. It also makes it very clear what exactly the two people in question disagree about.
It is also a good opportunity to ask someone to clarify what they meant by a specific point.
Of course, this way of posting
could be used to be disrespectful, but the method itself is sound. (I use it alot on Tilted Philosophy).
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2. Do not claim a disadvantage. You may be arguing against a moderator, administrator, or even me, but as long as you can debate in a respectful manner, you will never be at a disadvantage. Yes, people have gotten banned for debating against moderators. However, it was not because they simply disagreed, it was because they acted like a cornered mutt when it came down to the wire. I call this "The Jew-For-A-Day Defense." TRUST your moderators - they work as a team.
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Of course. Nobody gets banned for disagreeing, only for being disrespectful.
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3. Don't FOCUS on the flow of your opposition's argument. If you feel that by causing your opponent to say something out of character, you've automatically won the debate, you are sadly mistaken. I call this "The Bill O'Reilly Tactic." It can also be referred to loosely as "The Chewbacca Defense."
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"The Chewbacca defense"?
Google is my friend....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewbacca_Defense
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If you've ever been fooled into thinking a TV show is GOOD because it is popular, then you need to make sure that you read this paragraph one more time.
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...I don't get it?