My constant prep work for debates means I always run the show.

The rest of the group just sits back and lets me do all the talking.

3 comments

3 Comments

The worst part is when they use all that prep to dodge direct questions. I saw a guy last week with three notebooks full of stats who couldn't answer a simple "why do you believe that." It just becomes a performance, right? They're not trying to understand the other side, they're just waiting for their turn to talk. So you end up with two lectures happening at each other instead of a real conversation.

kevin_bailey1mo ago

But that's not arguing... it's just a lecture.

lee.jessica1mo ago

Okay, calling it a lecture is kind of funny (because honestly, who enjoys those?). But really, when someone just talks at you without listening, it's not a debate, it's a monologue. That feels like being stuck in a bad class where the teacher won't take questions. I get why you'd point that out, since arguing should have back-and-forth, not just one side dumping info. It's frustrating when people don't see the difference (like, come on, engage with me here). So yeah, spotting a lecture disguised as an argument is a solid skill.