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  • Hi guys, welcome back to Daily Native English.

  • Today, we're tackling a skill that's both challenging and fun, how to argue or debate confidently in English.

  • Yeah, debating can feel tricky, especially if English isn't your first language.

  • So guys, let me ask you, are you good at debating?

  • But more importantly, could you do it in English?

  • That's a great question.

  • And it makes me think, why is debating even important for language learners?

  • Oh, I've got a story about this.

  • A friend of mine from Asia told me once how frustrated he feels at work.

  • He's amazing at his job.

  • But because English isn't his first language, he struggles to debate or defend his ideas in meetings.

  • Yeah, that's tough.

  • And it's not just about work.

  • Studies show that people who are good at debating tend to succeed more in general.

  • It's a really valuable skill.

  • So today, we're going to share tips and phrases to help you argue or debate confidently in English.

  • And we've got a free PDF with everything we cover in this episode.

  • You'll find it in the comments.

  • Let's get started.

  • All right, Noah, let's talk about the basics of arguing in English.

  • People who are good at expressing or debating often use the P.R.E.P. method.

  • Have you heard of it?

  • I think I have, but remind me, what's it about?

  • Sure.

  • P.R.E.P. stands for point, reason, example, and point again.

  • It's a really simple way to structure your argument clearly.

  • Okay, sounds useful.

  • So how do you use it?

  • Well, first, you start with your point, what you believe.

  • For example, I think recycling should be mandatory.

  • That's your main idea.

  • Got it.

  • And then?

  • Next, you give your reason, why you believe that.

  • Like, because it reduces waste and helps the environment.

  • This explains your point.

  • Makes sense.

  • What about the E?

  • E is for example.

  • You back up your reason with evidence.

  • For instance, in cities like San Francisco, recycling programs have cut landfill waste by 50%.

  • Examples make your argument stronger.

  • Oh, I see.

  • So you're showing proof to make your point convincing.

  • And finally, you go back to your point to wrap it up.

  • Like, that's why I believe recycling should be mandatory.

  • It reinforces your main idea.

  • Wow, that's so clear and organized.

  • Why do you think this method is helpful for English learners?

  • Well, it helps you stay focused and sound confident, even if you're nervous.

  • Plus, it's easy to remember.

  • Yeah, and I can see how it keeps your thoughts from getting all jumbled up.

  • But… I also think it's necessary to learn some key expressions for arguing in English.

  • Can we start with polite and professional ones?

  • Sure.

  • Politeness is super important, especially in formal situations.

  • Instead of sounding too direct, you can say things like, I see your point, but… or, I'd like to add that.

  • Oh, those are good.

  • They sound respectful but still let you share your view.

  • Any others?

  • Yeah, another one is, could we consider another perspective?

  • Or, what if we approached it this way?

  • These are great for softening your tone.

  • Nice.

  • Okay, what about backing your arguments?

  • How do you make them stronger?

  • You'll want to support your ideas with facts or examples.

  • Try phrases like, according to recent studies, or, for instance, in a similar situation.

  • These make your argument more credible.

  • So, like if I were debating, I might say, research shows that hybrid work increases productivity by 20%.

  • Is that what you mean?

  • Exactly.

  • It's all about giving proof to support your point.

  • Another one is, let me give you an example of why this works.

  • That signals you're about to provide evidence.

  • Got it.

  • But what about when someone challenges your argument?

  • How do you handle counter-arguments without losing your cool?

  • Great question.

  • First, acknowledge their point.

  • You can say, that's a valid perspective, but… Or, I understand your concern, however.

  • This shows you're listening, not just dismissing them.

  • And then you can follow up with your stance like, even so, the data still supports.

  • Or, but I believe this approach works better because… And if you need time to think, you can always say, let me think about it.

  • It gives you a little breathing room.

  • That's a good tip.

  • Handling counter-arguments calmly really does make you sound confident.

  • Totally.

  • It's about balancing respect and standing firm.

  • Now, let's quickly go over some of the vocabulary we used in this part.

  • Let's start with mandatory.

  • It means something that's required or must be done.

  • For example, wearing seatbelts is mandatory in most countries.

  • Right, so if something is mandatory, you don't really have a choice.

  • You have to do it.

  • Perspective means the way you see or understand something, like your point of view.

  • For example, from my perspective, working remotely is more productive.

  • That's a good one.

  • I like how it shows everyone might have a different way of looking at the same thing.

  • Next is handle.

  • Handle means to deal with something.

  • For instance, she handled the customer's situation.

  • And lastly, we have counter-argument.

  • This one's specific to debates.

  • Oh yeah.

  • A counter-argument is an argument that goes against what you're saying.

  • For example, the counter-argument to this policy is that it's too expensive to implement.

  • So when someone disagrees with you, their response could be a counter-argument, and it's our job to address it confidently.

  • So, Luna, let's talk about how to actually practice debating in English.

  • Any tips for someone who's just starting?

  • Absolutely.

  • One of the best ways is to debate yourself.

  • Pick a topic, argue one side, then switch and argue the other.

  • It's simple but super effective.

  • Can you break that down a bit?

  • How do you actually do it?

  • Sure.

  • Let's take the topic, should school uniforms be mandatory?

  • Start by picking one side, like, yes, uniforms create equality among students.

  • State your main point, give a reason, and add an example.

  • For instance, uniforms reduce the pressure to wear expensive clothes.

  • Studies show, students in uniform focus more on studies and less on appearance.

  • Okay, so that's one side.

  • Then you argue the opposite.

  • No, uniforms limit self-expression.

  • Again, give a reason and example.

  • Students should be able to show their individuality through clothing.

  • In schools without uniforms, kids develop their personal style and confidence.

  • This helps you see both perspectives while building vocabulary and confidence.

  • That's such a cool idea.

  • You're practicing not just English but also critical thinking.

  • That's the point.

  • And you don't need a fancy topic.

  • Start with something simple, like, is social media good or bad?

  • Or even, what's better, cats or dogs?

  • The key is to practice structuring your argument clearly.

  • Speaking of structure, should you focus on your delivery too?

  • Definitely.

  • Delivery is just as important as content.

  • First, control your pace.

  • Speak clearly and at a moderate speed.

  • If you rush, your words can blur together, and it's harder for people to understand.

  • Yeah, I've noticed that when I'm nervous, I speed up and lose clarity.

  • Any tips for slowing down?

  • Try practicing with a timer.

  • For example, take 30 seconds to explain your point and focus on enunciating each word.

  • Say something like, I believe technology has improved education by providing access to global resources, such as online courses and virtual classrooms.

  • Speak deliberately but naturally.

  • I like that.

  • And what about using body language?

  • Does it matter?

  • Absolutely.

  • If it's an in-person debate, maintaining eye contact is crucial.

  • It shows confidence and keeps your audience engaged.

  • You can also use hand gestures to emphasize key points, like holding up a finger when listing an idea or spreading your hands to show balance.

  • Oh, that's a great tip.

  • It makes your argument more dynamic.

  • What about nerves, though?

  • Sometimes they get in the way.

  • That's normal.

  • One way to manage nerves is to prepare in advance.

  • Write down a few phrases you can use like, that's an interesting point, but I'd like to offer another perspective.

  • Or, while I understand your argument, I think there's another angle to consider.

  • Having go-to expressions can calm your nerves.

  • Oh, I love that.

  • It's like having a safety net.

  • And the more you practice, the less intimidating it feels, right?

  • Yeah.

  • The more you practice debating, whether with yourself, a friend, or even in front of a mirror, the more natural it becomes.

  • You'll get better at thinking on your feet and expressing yourself clearly.