THE SUBTLE ART OF PREPARING FOR A POLITICAL DEBATE
Did you watch the presidential debate at the last 2022 elections?
It’s very interesting to hear the candidates exchange their views about plans and platforms. Such debates help voters to make data-driven choices, as data-driven campaigning enables parties to evaluate their actions, platforms, and gather feedback that previously thought impossible to have a formal discussion over a particular topic and a place to learn about a candidate’s personality. But have you ever wondered how each candidate prepared themselves for a political debate?
Well, we have a list that might interest you, here are the steps to prepare for a Political Debate:
- Prepare thoroughly!
– Devote sufficient time to studying. Study your agenda, study your local papers, and most of all, study your opponents. Also, think of how you will respond and how you will say it will help you during the debate. Engage in mock debates and agree on a general strategy, main points to discuss, rhetorical responses, soundbites, and surprises (you never know!). Spend some time thinking alone and rest properly beforehand.
- Practice makes perfect
– Even if you are an experienced debater, you still need to practice! It is also a good practice to “stand in” for your opponents; basing their past performances and portrayal of an opposing candidate can prepare you for what’s coming. With that being said, don’t focus too much on making sure you practice any possible question and not enough time on the questions that are central and what is most likely to be asked. Always consult your debate advisor.
- Debate your opponent—not the moderator or the rules
– Adhere to the formats, respect the timer when your time is over. For a lot of undecided voters, debates are one of their options to assess a candidate’s character rather than looking at their positions, so be straightforward and direct. Answer candidly and respond civilly. Taking that into account, take care in criticizing the other side. Don’t be overly aggressive; keep a level head all the time. If you ever make a mistake, be sure to admit it quickly.
- Enjoy yourself and the debate!
– There will be a moment during the debate when you want to make a point, but you won’t be sure if it will come out right (in the context you want or if the facts are correct). If you’re in doubt, don’t. The voters will learn about the debate from what they hear in the news or read in the papers, as public perceptions will develop after the debate. So make sure your campaign puts as much effort into winning the debate and what to do after the debate with a focused strategy.
It isn’t just enough that you take a stand and engage in the discourse, thus the result of the debate may be able to help them to victory or can affect the campaign.
By: Janha Tolentino
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