Workplace Debating Requires Great Communication by Steve Adubato, Ph.D.

Presidential candidates aren't the only ones debating these days. Debating skills are critical to any professional who seeks to persuade workplace colleagues on important projects or initiatives. With this in mind, consider some tools that will help you in meetings, boardrooms or any professional situation where debating skills are needed.

--Plan but don't cram. Of course you must know your subject matter, but too often people cram reams of data into their head that by the time they are asked to argue their point of view, they are on information overload.

--Unlike high school or college forensics, debates aren't really about how much you know on a given topic. Instead, they are about how much conviction you have about the two or three main points you are communicating. If your audience believes you believe, you have a big debating edge.

--Have a plan but be flexible. Communicating key messages is critical, but sometimes in these public exchanges, opportunities arise that great communicators must seize. Being disciplined is not the same as being inflexible. So keep your eyes and your mind open.

--Your tone of voice matters. Be strong and confident when debating a colleague, but there is no reason to yell. Raising your voice can communicate the message to others that you're actually not too sure of your position.

--When your workplace debate "opponent" is speaking, show respect. Look at him. Don't go through your notes or prepare for the next thing you want to say. Avoid sarcastic facial expressions. No rolling of the eyes.

--Speaking of non-verbal communication, stand, don't sit, if at all possible. Further, your posture matters. No slouching or swaying back and forth. Avoid leaning on a podium or conference table. Stand tall and erect, but don't be a wooden soldier.

--Of course you are there to argue a specific position, however, great workplace debaters aren't afraid to acknowledge a good point an opponent makes. Just don't do it too much or your audience will wonder how passionate you are about your position.

--Avoid canned one-liners. They are overrated and it is extremely difficult to deliver them at the right time without it seeming that you are forcing the issue.

--Disagree, but don't be disagreeable. Always be respectful of your debate opponent. No name-calling or dismissing his position with comments such as; "That's the dumbest argument I've ever heard, Jim!" Even if people agree with your content, they will be turned off by your style.

--Don't be afraid to smile. Even though it is a debate, one of the biggest problems debaters have is that they appear to take themselves and their position too seriously. You can be a professional and argue with conviction and still be relaxed and comfortable with yourself and the situation you are in.

--Identify three or four predictable points your opponent is likely to make and prepare to challenge him and shift the conversation back to your main message.

--When debating, avoid beginning sentences with qualifiers such as "I think" or "I believe." These phrases only weaken your argument and make you seem unsure.

--Finally, never interrupt a questioner, who is a potential decision-maker, regarding the idea you are proposing. Let the full question be put on the table, then take a beat before responding. In debates and in most workplace situations, nobody likes a know-it-all.

What was the last workplace debate you were in? How did you do? Write to me.

Dr. Steve Adubato coaches and speaks on the subjects of communication and leadership and is the author of the book "Speak from the Heart." Write to him at The Star-Ledger, 1 Star-Ledger Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102, or click here to contact him through this web site.