HOW TO BE A STRONG DEBATER
     
 It is verily said that nothing is impossible in the world. We see politicians, journalists, analysts etc, speaking with great confidence to win the arguments against those who do not agree on what they talk about. Many students are inspired by such speakers and desire to debate on their institute level. 
      It is seen that different types of institutes organize declamation contests on inter and intra level, in order to enhance the speaking power of the students, build confidence level and to open the inter mingled knots of confusion on certain points in the young minds. Such opportunities help the students to percept various issues the way they want and to explore different views of the same point.
        There are many students who like to participate in such contests but because of anxiety and fear of forgetting the points they want to speak or becoming the fun in front of audience makes them not to express their thoughts. Here are few important steps following which may help the person in delivering his thoughts in a better way.

•  BE PATIENT: First most important thing to debate on a point is patience.As you must know that your opponent is not your friend. Though he is not your enemy, but still you must realize that he is a person who is speaking against your view points. You have to prepare your self to hear any argument from him, which you may not like. But losing temper in such situation is never sensible.
• BE PREPARED: Debating over an issue, showing your view points and convincing the people is not  a piece of cake. You have to be prepared by gathering information on the topic. The best way is that besides getting the knowledge about your view point, you should gain some information on what possible points could be spoken against you. When such points are collected the answers to them should also be designed carrying equal weight.
• MIRROR PRACTICE: In order to judge your self, e.g, gestures,facial expressions and speaking style etc, the mirror practices are essential for the speaker. The speaker must address in front mirror many times in order to pin point the weaknesses and to correct them.
• BE WATCHFUL OF TIME: Time duration matters a lot in declamation contests. He who manages to deliver the views in time limitation is successful speaker. Usually two bells are rung. The first one alarms the speaker that only one minute is left. When the first bell rings, the speaker must prepare him self to wind up the speech with in next 30to 40 seconds.One thing is commonly observed, that the speaker usually gets rattled when the first bell is rung and gets confused. To avoid this, keep a bell with you and while doing mirror practice, use the bell in between the rehearsals.
• CHOICE OF POSITION: Now that the practice phase is completed, the next is delivering phase. It is the time when you have to appear before a big crowd. The choice of position is very important in case when their are many opponents. If the opportunity is not given then you have to put maximum effort to leave a lasting impression on every one's mind. How ever if the option is given to you to choose the position of your turn , its well and good. It is preferred to appear either as an opener or the last debater. If you appear as first contestants, you must know that every one will be fresh at the beginning of the session and you will be supported by a big crowd. And if you decide to be a last speaker, then it will be advantageous as you will stay in the mind of the judges. But again only powerful debater can take maximum advantage of the position.
• CONTEST MANNERS: One must keep in mind that being at such contests needs to follow some etiquettes. Always sit on the seat alloted to you. If you are sitting in people, it does not matter much but way of sitting matters a lot when sitting area is on the stage. There are many people watching you including the chief guest and judges. So sit confidently and in up right position. Do not put one leg over the other. Do not look at left and right too much. And don't make extra movement of arms and hands. Sit relaxed and fresh.
• STANDING AT THE ROSTRUM: When your name is called, walk straight to the rostrum. And while taking steps towards it, prepare your self by saying that finally the time has come when you have to tell people what you know. After standing at a certain position, before speaking, adjust the mike according to your height and pitch of your sound.Make sure that the mike must be neither too close that your voice echoes nor too far that people may not hear your voice.
• BEGINNING THE DEBATE: Beginning the debate is an art. According to me, beginning should be unique. One thing must be kept in mind that keeping written material means your kicking your winning trophy in trash by your self. If you are competing for the position do not take paper with you. Now the question is how to make the beginning unique? This can be done by creating a scene. Once I had an opponent who came to the rostrum, PUNCHED it hard and said, " This rostrum will break today....", by this he gained attention of the whole  hall. Once I opened my topic by taking paper with me and TEARING it off into two pieces and saying these lines, " What is this? My text? with a duration of three to four minutes? Text can't bound me, I am free to speak what ever I want". Words or actions like this attract the listeners.
• WHAT IF ANY POINT IS FORGOTTEN: While addressing the audience , if you forget any point, DON'T STOP. It gives a bad impression on listeners if you get stuck over the point and start thinking. Just skip that particular line and shift towards the next paragraph or statement.
• ADDRESS THE VIEWS WITH COURTESY: To win the debate doesn't mean that you have to get rude to your opponent. Address your opponent politely and also address to the chief guest by using the words RESPECTABLE SIR/MADAM or HONORABLE CHIEF GUEST etc.
• CONCLUDING DEBATE: Finish your debate with the saying of some philosopher or writer and summarize the whole discussion as a conclusion. In the end don't forget to say THANK YOU.

    By following these few tips you can improve to be a good speaker,a strong debater and increase the possibility to win the contest. However one thing must be kept in mind, winning or losing the race does not matter much. What matters is that you expressed the way you percept the things, you told everyone that with what angle you see the world.