ARGUMENT & AUDIENCE: PRESENTING DEBATES IN PUBLIC SETTINGS

A complete guide for the public debater, debate organizer, coach or consultant. When the debate moves from the confines of the practice arena to the broad and diverse public sphere, the situation requires adaptation and specific efforts to tailor your arguments and your style to your audience, your opponents, and the immediate circumstances. This text features twenty two focused chapters exploring broad themes such as the historical, functional, logical and ethical dimensions of public debates as well as practical elements such as developing a format, framing a proposition, analyzing your opponent and audience, and serving as a moderator, coach, or organizer. Several case studies are included which evaluate debates in political, educational and mass media contexts.