Book Description

If you want to learn to debate without all the jargon (and without losing your soul) Upside Down Debate is for you. You'll be introduced to debate by learning how to listen before you speak, construct a persuasive argument (or "case") for change, connect with your audience, draw on centuries-old wisdom from classical rhetoric, and engage thoughtfully with your opponents. Experienced coaches of both competitive debaters and business clients, Isaiah and Betsy McPeak bring a wealth of debate war stories and real life anecdotes that make Upside Down Debate anything but theoretical. Whether you're a novice, a veteran debater, or a curious outsider to the debate world, you will grasp what it means to master the art of persuasion with one's honor intact. Why "Upside Down?" Communicators often speak from a self-focused perspective--I want to sound good, feel in charge, and get what I want. But this misplaced focus is often the cause of communication breakdowns. Upside Down communication is all about putting your audience first by listening well, thinking well, and only then, speaking well in a disciplined way. You will learn: Multi-format debating: this book teaches value and policy debate at the same time How to build persuading arguments from shared assumptions Six types of arguments that refute at a macro level Six types of arguments that refute at a micro level How to "make a case" for anything, with several alternate structures The deep meaning of the four parts of a debate - topic, sides, audience, and format - with a chapter on each How to transfer debate skills to everyday conversations and business meetings Over 50 examples that illustrate theory with practical experience "The reader will learn not only the building blocks of debate, but more importantly how to debate with integrity and an eye on persuading others in a manner that will serve beyond high school forensics, into college classes, board rooms and even personal relationships." - TJ Harding, champion debate coach "Upside Down Debate does more than just teach you how to debate. It makes the all-too-often overlooked connection between academic debate and real life." - Chris Jeub, Founder and CEO of TrainingMinds.org; educator, author, speaker