Debate podium in a dimly lit stone lecture hall

Training Archive / Debate Modules

Training ProgramDebateComprehensive: Logic and Rhetoric

The debate course at Lunovon is designed to master the techniques of arguing systematically, persuasively, and data-driven — not just speaking, but listening critically and dissecting the opponent's logical structure.

Core Curriculum

10 Structured Modules for Self-Study

From the anatomy of an argument to the ethics of debating — each module is designed for self-practice with evaluation recordings.

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Logic · Rhetoric · Systematic Argumentation · Self-Study · Logic · Rhetoric · Systematic Argumentation · Self-Study · Logic · Rhetoric · Systematic Argumentation · Self-Study ·

Program Orientation

Self-study / No guarantee of instant results

Learning to debate means learningto think under pressure— constructing arguments that are not easily broken.

This course covers various international debate formats adapted for self-study needs. You will not only learn how to speak, but also how to listen critically and dissect the opponent's logical structure.

The main focus of this course is on developing quick thinking capacity and constructing arguments based on credible data. Each module is designed to be completed personally, with research guides, practice recordings, and evaluation criteria that you can use yourself.

This program does not promise victory in competitions or instant results. Progress depends on dedication to practice and methodologies that are tested both academically and practically.

Module 01 / Anatomy of an Argument

Anatomy of a Strong Argument

In the early stages, participants learn the basic structure of an argument consisting of a statement, evidence, and explanation — known as theARE (Assertion, Reasoning, Evidence)model. We teach how to find credible data sources and integrate them into debate speeches.

Understanding this anatomy is important so that every word you speak has a strong foundation and does not just become empty rhetoric without clear meaning.

Assertion

A clear position statement — what you think is true about this topic.

Reasoning

Logical reasons why the statement makes sense — a cause-and-effect chain.

Evidence

Evidence from credible sources — data, studies, or verifiable facts.

Module 02–03 / Logic & Rebuttal

Identifying and Responding to Logical Fallacies

Debates are often colored by the use of logical fallacies, whether intentional or not. This module provides an in-depth guide on how to recognize types of fallacies and point them out in a polite yet decisive manner.

Ad Hominem Attacking the opponent's character, not their argument.

Strawman Distorting the opponent's argument to make it easier to break.

Slippery Slope Claiming one step will lead to extreme disaster without evidence.

Effective Rebuttal and Refutation Techniques

The essence of debate is the ability to respond to an opponent's arguments directly. This material discusses rebuttal techniques — how to break down an opponent's claims with stronger counter-arguments or by pointing out their inconsistencies.

Participants learn to prioritize which arguments need to be attacked first to win crucial points, and train their sharpness of thought under time pressure.

Priority Principle

Attack the most central argument first. If the foundation collapses, the supporting arguments automatically weaken.

Notes on the flow of debate written on yellow paper

Module 04–05 / Structure & Format

Time Management and Speech Structure

In formal debate, every second is valuable due to strict time limits. This course provides practical tips for organizing speech points so they can be delivered completely within the given duration.

—An engaging opening statement to establish a position
—Structuring main points with proportional time allocation
—A conclusion that summarizes all key arguments
—Practice with a timer to measure delivery speed

Understanding Various Debate Formats

The world of debate has various styles, ranging from British Parliamentary to Asian/Australasian. Lunovon provides a summary of the rules for each format and the roles within a team — from the first speaker to the whip.

British Parliamentary 4 teams · 8 speakers

Asian Parliamentary 3 teams · high school format

Australasian 2 teams · 3 speakers per team

Module 06 / Persuasion

Hands of a person speaking with gestures at a podium

Psychology of Persuasion and Body Language

Debating is not just about words, but about how you deliver them. We include a module on the importance of eye contact, voice intonation, and the use of gestures to emphasize certain points.

Additionally, we discuss the psychological aspects of convincing an audience. The combination of strong content and persuasive delivery is the key to success in both formal debates and professional conversations.

Ethos

Building credibility as a trustworthy speaker.

Pathos

Touching the audience's emotions to create a connection.

Logos

Using logic and data to strengthen claims.

Module 07–08 / Research & Evaluation

Independent Research, Case Analysis, andSelf-Evaluation

Before entering the debate arena, thorough preparation through research is mandatory. We teach efficient research methods for complex topics such as public policy, economics, and socio-culture.

Participants learn to map out problems (case building) and predict what arguments the opposing side is likely to present. Preparedness with data and scenarios provides higher confidence when facing unexpected arguments.

Because this is a self-study course, we provide a series of exercises that you can do privately. We suggest participants record their speeches and compare them with the evaluation criteria in the module.

Through this self-evaluation process, you can identify bad speaking habits, such as excessive filler words or disjointed argument structures.

Research Phase

Problem Mapping

Identifying the core topic, affected parties, and the position each side might take before constructing arguments.

Research Phase

Predicting Opponent Arguments

Compiling a list of possible opponent arguments and preparing rebuttals (prebuttal) for each before the debate begins.

Practice Phase

Record and Compare

Recording a speech with a phone, then comparing it with the module's evaluation rubric — speed, clarity, structure, and use of filler words.

Practice Phase

Identifying Bad Habits

Noting word repetitions, unnecessary pauses, and jumps in argument structure, then creating a list of improvements for the next session.

Module 09 / Professional Application

Debate inProfessional Life

The skills learned in this debate course are highly applicable in the workplace. The ability to present a company's position logically or defend a project idea in a meeting is a concrete form of debate technique.

The debate structure of thinking can accelerate the decision-making process and minimize unproductive conflict within a team. Learning to debate means learning to communicate strategically to achieve specific goals.

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Module 10 / Ethics

Ethics andSportsmanshipin Arguing

Lunovon strongly emphasizes that debate must be conducted with respect. Attacking an opponent's ideas is allowed, but attacking an opponent personally is a serious ethical violation.

We teach how to remain professional even when in sharp disagreement. Sportsmanship and intellectual integrity are values we instill so that every graduate of this course becomes a speaker who is not only smart, but also wise and dignified.

Ethical Principles

Respect Ideas, Not Individuals

Criticism is directed at arguments, not at the opponent's character or motives.

Be Honest with Data

Cite sources openly; do not hide information that harms your own position.

Acknowledge Uncertainty

Admitting that data is incomplete is a sign of intellectual strength, not weakness.

General Questions

Frequently asked questions aboutthis debate course ini

Yes. The modules start from the basic anatomy of an argument (the ARE model) so that beginners can build a foundation before moving on to rebuttal techniques and strategies. Each module is designed sequentially — you can work at your own pace without having to attend live classes.

The modules provide evaluation criteria in the form of a grading rubric that covers speed, clarity, argument structure, and the use of filler words. You record your speech with your phone, then compare it yourself against the rubric. This process helps identify speaking patterns that need improvement.

This program provides a summary of the rules for British Parliamentary, Asian/Australasian, and other high school formats. Although the main focus is self-study, understanding these formats provides insight into how world-class debate competitions are run and the different roles within a team.

No. This program does not promise competition wins, exam results, or specific achievements. Progress depends on dedication to practice and the application of the taught methodology. We focus on developing critical thinking capacity and argumentation techniques — not a guarantee of results.

Yes. The ability to present a position logically, defend project ideas in meetings, and accelerate team decision-making are tangible forms of the debate techniques learned in this course. The structural thinking of debate helps reduce unproductive conflict in professional communication.

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Ready to craft arguments that are hard to break?

Download the full syllabus to see the details of each module, or contact us to ask about the learning format that best suits your needs.

Syllabus

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Details of 10 modules, evaluation criteria, and independent research guide.

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Modules

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