The Basics of Speech

Chapter 15: Learning about Debate

Web Quest

Introduction
As you have learned, debate is a contest of spoken argument between individuals or teams. On September 26, 1960, John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon participated in the first televised presidential debate.

Destination Title:
The Great Debate by Hallock Hoffmann
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Directions: Read the essay entitled "The Great Debate" by Hallock Hoffmann, former staff director of the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions' study of the political process. After you have read this essay, answer the following questions.

1.
How does the medium of television negatively affect the debate process?
2.
How does the medium of television positively affect the debate process?
3.
How can the effectiveness of television debates be misleading?
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