Teach Students How to Debate During a Meeting!

3 steps that will give confidence when you debate.

Prior to the SG training that I was hired to conduct at Central Connecticut State University, I was asked by the Student Body President to focus a portion of my presentation on how to debate during a meeting. I was excited to share my insights with the group because learning how to debate effectively is the easiest way to save an organization time and increase productivity. 

Too many times I have listened to students during meetings give away the power of their voice because they just do not know how to debate.  We have all experienced the person who doesn’t talk loud enough, talks in circles or just repeats what the person before them said.  These types of debates feel like a waste of time and can create undo frustration.  Remember, I believe that great teams run great meetings and how the members within that team learn to debate has a huge impact on the efficiency of your meetings.  The members of your board need to become great at debating a motion. 

I encourage you to remember that the reason you are debating during a meeting is for really only 2 reasons. You debate to:

• Give information that will help move the group closer to a decision about the motion at hand.
• Influence the group to make a certain decision about the motion at hand.

During my personal coaching and group seminars I teach my clients this simple 3-Step process about how to debate a motion during a meeting.  These steps are easy to remember, and create a needed structure for members to use when they are about to debate a motion.

The steps are:

1. Repeat the motion you are talking about
2. State your opinion about the motion
3. Tell them how you want them to vote!!!

When you start off by repeating the motion you are getting everyone on the same page. Make sure everyone knows what motion you are about to discuss by repeating the motion. Then, be clear and to the point when you state your opinion. Give 2 to 3 firm points as to why you are in favor or against the motion you are debating.  Finally, the last step should be obvious but too many members miss it, tell the assembly how you want them to vote!  You are there to influence your fellow board members as well as be influenced! Tell people how you want them to vote.

I have watched countless discussions where a member of the assembly starts to discuss a motion, says a few interesting points and then sits down without a strong finish and I am left wondering, what do they want me to do? Pass the motion or fail the motion??? State how you would like the assembly to vote. When you do you add power to your voice!!

These 3 simple steps are meant to support you as you work to run move effective meetings.  Remember Great Teams Run Great Meetings!

Good luck and until next time Happy Meetings

Susan Leahy MA. ABS turns groups into teams through increasing communication, improving meetings and driving results.  Susan conducts keynotes, workshops and full day retreat for her clients across the country.  Visit Susan at www.SusanLeahy.com or www.FreewayGuides.com for more details about how to turn your group into a TEAM!

(Note: Please feel free to publish this article as along as you include the byline provided and email a copy of the publication to susan@susanleahy.com)