The Debater's Guide, 3rd Edition [Paperback]

Jon M. Ericson (Author), James J. Murphy (Author), Raymond Bud Zeuschner (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0809325381 | ISBN-13: 978-0809325382 | Publication Date: September 25, 2003 | Edition: 3rd

Thousands of debaters at all levels have relied on this practical guide for reference and instruction in argumentation and communication since it was first published in 1961. Now in a third, fully revised edition featuring restructured chapters, updated examples, and the addition of parliamentary debate as a form, The Debater’s Guide continues to be the leading handbook for helping both novice and advanced students develop the skills necessary to successfully apply the basic principles of debate.

 

Cutting through theory with clear explanations and specific applications, this compact volume with a broad scope offers students and teachers no-frills assistance in resolving the major problem faced by debaters: the need to present arguments forcefully and cogently while reacting effectively to criticism. Readers are advised on matters from budgeting time in a debate to speaking in outline form through a well-organized series of explanations, specific examples, and graphic presentations related to both policy and value issues.  

 

Beginning with a clear explication of basic principles, The Debater’s Guide presents chronologically the steps of building a debate case, reviews the strategy of planning for refutation and defense, and offers sound advice on presenting the case in oral discourse. Expanded contents pages and effective use of subheadings allow for quick reference to any particular aspect of debate, making it an excellent classroom text as well as a valuable, hands-on tool during actual debates. A glossary of key terms used in debate complements the volume.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Jon M. Ericson is dean emeritus of the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University.

James J. Murphy, professor emeritus of rhetoric and communication at the University of California at Davis, was the founding president of the Northern California Forensic Assocation.

Raymond Bud Zeuschner is a former chair of the Department of Speech Communication and former director of forensics at California Polytechnic State University.

About the Author

Jon M. Ericson is dean emeritus of the School of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University. 

 

James J. Murphy, professor emeritus of rhetoric and communication at the University of California at Davis, was the founding president of the Northern California Forensic Association. 

 

Raymond Bud Zeuschner is a former chair of the Department of Speech Communication and former director of forensics at California Polytechnic State University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press; 3rd edition (September 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809325381
• ISBN-13: 978-0809325382
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,163 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Emerson College Professor says this one is worth it !, February 8, 2000

By 

Danell C Tomasella 21st Century Communications - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Debater's Guide, Revised Edition (Paperback)

"ONE STOP SHOPPING" I highly recommend this book for professors teaching undergraduate Critical Thinking and Debate Courses.

For days, I searched for a book that my students (could afford $)would ENJOY reading. In addition to Freeley's book this is the one I adopted for my class at Emerson College.

It CLEARLY (using pleasant layout & copy) explains * The Debate Process * Building The Debate Case * Elements of Debate * Research * Constructing Affirmative and Negative Cases * Refutations * Cross Examination

Speakers Duties, Delivery Style, etc.

THIS 143 PAGE PAPERBACK CAN GO ANYWHERE...

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Handbook of debate in 1987, still conceptually applicable, March 18, 2002

By 

Tomak (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Debater's Guide, Revised Edition (Paperback)

Burden of rejoinder! Plan meet need! Fiat? Fiat who? Hey, stop talking so fast! And what's this "kritik" thing?

Okay, let's face it, it's old. It's from the days before politics disads, and when "cards" really were 3x5 index cards. Obviously a poor resource for intruducing anyone to the contemporary debate forum. If you're a novice who wants to learn to win rounds, this is not the place to look. Reading this my first year of debate just made me more confused than when I started. Debate has changed a lot since this book came out. The theory, style, and lingo are all so different today that this book is practically useless as a learning tool.

On the other hand, for long-time debaters who want to codify their style to be more powerful, intuitive, and organized, this may prove quite helpful. The methods of evaluating and presenting arguments that this book investigates are really quite good, and the section on cross-examination is second to none. I've judged too many high school rounds where debaters waste time, let their opponents weasel out of certain death in cross-ex, or simply don't see the obvious fallacious connection between disad links they havn't seen before. If nothing else, this book could boost your speaker points a few notches here and there.

I only gave it three stars because it no longer lives up to its title, but I didn't give it less because every time I skim it it's enlightening.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not a Debater, But I Love It, July 13, 2010

By 

Gilgamesh (Middle Earth) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Debater's Guide, 3rd Edition (Paperback)

I recommend The Debater's Guide, 3rd Edition for improving critical thinking skills, presentation of arguments, and research strategies. Starting with the 1987 revised edition, it has been an immense help to me over the years, especially after I began graduate school. It's so well-written, it's fun just to thumb through.

I am surprised at how much of this overlaps with the 1987 revised edition. The typeface is darker (thank goodness), and the layout has changed, but the content really hasn't. Do debaters still use index cards? I much prefer the 3rd edition. However, they really ought to update the content more someday.

SUMMARY
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Definitely worth buying if you are interested in debate or improving your own reasoning / research skills.