Constructive Argumentation (Debate)

The Art and Science of Effective Communication | Constructive Argumentation (Debate)

Why It Matters?

Understanding how to disagree and argue constructively is crucial for effective communication and connection with others. It will build confidence in expressing your position respectfully, even when it contrasts with others’ views and opinions. This skill fosters mutual respect and understanding which will promote healthier and more productive interactions with others.

How Do I Disagree and Argue Respectfully and Constructively? The first step is identifying the disagreement type | What are we arguing about?

Factual disagreements are about objective facts and involve things that can be observable, measurable, and verified. Statements are claims that are true or false about the world. Data, evidence, and empirical observations can determine what is true or false and resolve these arguments. Ask: Are you arguing about something that can be proven true or false through evidence?	Normative disagreements are subjective and involve beliefs, values, and judgments about how we think things should be. Statements are about what should be considered true or believed to be true. These arguments are harder to resolve because they involve personal or cultural values and beliefs. Ask: Are you arguing about something good, bad, right, or wrong?
Prescriptive disagreements are directive and action-oriented and involve recommendations or directives about what should be done. These arguments are resolved through a debate about policies, actions, and strategies and therefore require negotiation. Ask: Are you arguing about what should be done or what action to take?

Once you have identified the type of disagreement in play, the next step is to develop your argument | How do I make my point? This is done by answering the following questions:

What’s the point of my stance?
Why is my position true?
When has it happened before?
Why should anyone care?

Prepare your rebuttal by actively listening to the opposing view and determining if what they are presenting is true and important. Be sure to consider your delivery and how you present your rebuttal with facts and evidence. Keep emotion out of your response.

When Can I Use These Strategies?

These strategies may be useful when you are preparing for a debate in one of your classes or when in conversation with a peer, friend, or colleague. You may also find these strategies helpful when you find yourself in a position at work where you have to respectfully defend your position in opposition to others.

Action: The next time you find yourself in a disagreement with another person, or you are preparing a debate for class, identify the disagreement type you are having and think about how you can make your point in a respectful way. This takes practice, so seek out opportunities to build your awareness around this process.

The Art and Science of Effective Communication | Constructive Argumentation (Debate)

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