Debate/Discussion: Boldness vs. Mellowness

Before I start, don't take 'Boldness' and 'Mellowness' to be exactly what I mean I was trying to think of better words that were fair to each side, but I... didn't.

Anyways,

I've been steadily watching the tourney debates, and have a question to pose to anybody who reads this. That's right. You there.

Both from the perspective of a judge and a debater, what would you say is the better position and attitude to take?

To be bold, self/team confident, strong on the offense straight from the gates?

or

To be slightly less overwhelming right from the start, more respectful of the other team, a little timid in your responses, though still maintaining a strong defense?

Thrash the other team without mercy.

I started off as a mellow guy starting my first tournament, and people would constantly tell me to "sound" more confident (Digi comes to mind). Currently I think that being more confident works if you are trying to win.

Originally posted by Martian_mind
Thrash the other team without mercy.

Works for convincing arguments, but makes you seem like something of an @sshole to the judges. Also could give the appearance of overhyping a character.

Originally posted by SpunkySmurph
Works for convincing arguments, but makes you seem like something of an @sshole to the judges. Also could give the appearance of overhyping a character.

Honestly who would overhype a character 😖hifty: but wouldn't you want people to think the characters abilities are as high as they possibly can be?and as for being an Ahole,well they shouldn't be judges if they judge a match based on your personality and not your debate.

As long as you can back up your arguements, no matter how crazy they are, then you have nothing to worry about. Be respectful to the other team, but don't give them an inch in the debate. Mind is right that you have forget being courteous in your arguements, but don't start bashing the other posters. THAT's what will piss off the judges, not your bashing their teams.

I find people that are more bold in there claims and seem more confident do better. It's just a total mind thing because people that come of as bold generally seem to be on the offensive the entire time which many judges do take into account.

I'd like the second group better, but the first kind wins easier...

Originally posted by SpunkySmurph
Before I start, don't take 'Boldness' and 'Mellowness' to be exactly what I mean I was trying to think of better words that were fair to each side, but I... didn't.

Anyways,

I've been steadily watching the tourney debates, and have a question to pose to anybody who reads this. That's right. You there.

Both from the perspective of a judge and a debater, what would you say is the better position and attitude to take?

To be bold, self/team confident, strong on the offense straight from the gates?

or

To be slightly less overwhelming right from the start, more respectful of the other team, a little timid in your responses, though still maintaining a strong defense?

You left out option number 3...

Which is?

Originally posted by pr1983
You left out option number 3...

My favourite. 😊

I'm kidding of course... 😖hifty:

Originally posted by Blair Wind
Which is?

mine... ask me on sunday, and i'll tell you exactly what i mean...

Originally posted by xmarksthespot
The be an ass'hole and a bastard approach?

My favourite. 😊

I'm kidding of course... 😖hifty:

of course you are...

Originally posted by pr1983
mine... ask me on sunday, and i'll tell you exactly what i mean...

....you mean after your match? 😕

Originally posted by Blair Wind
....you mean after your match? 😕

✅ 😛

Originally posted by pr1983
✅ 😛

I wonder if batdude has decided on judges for the second matches yet... 😖hifty:

If you're able to hold out till the 2nd of February pr...Christmas may come early. 😉

🙂

If you want to convince someone you are right, just remember these terms:

"all of the evidence that I have seen/is generally accepted/anyone who is logical believes points to..."

"I see your point, and its good, but..."

There is no better way to completely dismiss someone's argument without even responding to it, AND look the wiser for it!

Anyways, in general, aggressive is good because you get to set the context of the debate, it becomes about weather or not your character can do what you are saying rather than the opposite. Really though, its all about rhetorical devices. Appeal to authority or experts, its the flawless fallacy 😛