Page 226 - (DK) Help Your Kids with Language Arts

224 C OMMUNICA TION SKILLS

Debates and role plays SEE ALSO

202–203 Writing to influence
DEBATES AND ROLE PLAYS ARE TYPES OF CONVERSATIONS   206–297 Writing to analyze or review
216–217 Writing a script
THAT ARE PREPARED FOR IN ADVANCE.  222–223 The spoken word
Presentation skills 228–229 
A prepared conversation is very different from an informal chat with
friends. Participants need to think about what they are going to
say in advance, and consider how they should react to others.
• A formal discussion requires
formal language so try to use
The big debate Standard English.
A debate is a formal discussion or argument about a topic.
Participants need to express their own opinions confidently,
and listen and respond to others.
Acknowledge the
opposite point
I think Powerman is the best of view before I understand your point.
superhero because he has Always back up an disagreeing with it. However, I think Birdman’s
opinion with evidence.
the most superhuman lack of superpowers makes
powers. He is incredibly him more inspirational,
strong and can fly at because he has had to
supersonic speeds. overcome challenges and
learn his skills.

▷ Prepare
Participants need to convey their ◁ Listen and respond
ideas and opinions. The best way to Listening is just as important as
do this is to research the topic in talking. Participants should show
detail, and consider the different that they are listening to others by
points of view related to it. The most responding appropriately and asking
effective discussions will cover as relevant questions. They should either
many viewpoints as possible. agree with someone and add to
the point, or disagree and say why.

So, Melvin, what do you
think? Maybe you prefer
Avoid hostile
someone else, such body language.
as Tigerwoman?

▷ Involve others ◁ Body language
It’s important to involve all the Body language helps participants
participants in a discussion and to Coax other interact with one another. Nodding
act as a group. Everyone should be participants to in agreement is a simple way to do
allowed to speak, without someone join in by asking this. Making eye contact with
questions.
else talking over them. Quieter everyone in the group, especially
members of the group may need the speaker, is also effective. If
encouragement to join in. someone folds their arms, it looks
as if they don’t want to be there.