What options do you find best for improving your debate skills?

Thorough research.

Lots of practice also. sndfreQ is right and practice takes a back seat to research, but both are important for improvment.

Yes, I know that research helps with gaining skills and does not represent such a problem to me, than does building an argument [let’s say i’m the opposition] in such a way it does both, negates the affirmative claim and supports our claim.

So I’m a sort of in looking for some practices to increase my skills outside the tournaments… so if you know of anything like that, don’t hesitate to help me out. Thanks :D

This falls under the “practice” category but I think it might be useful. Whenever I’m reading an opinion/editorial piece of writing I often try to be as sceptical as possible and try to come up with arguments to counter any assertions the author makes. Sometimes it means I have to go look something up (now we’re back to research) but it always helps me learn something. I think that the more you try to find valid counter-points to a variety of topics you’ll begin to devise them much quicker which can certainly help in a timed debate.

Listening

This may seem obvious, but in my opinion one of the most overlooked and important skills.

Patients, Understanding and, having an open mind while understanding it from all directions.

Robby, I think you meant “patience”.

@Spargett, maybe he means brain surgery: “patients”, “open mind”...

Oops.. My bad

Speak in some Indigenous language. Surely your opponent will crumble and prostrate befor you as a God. Maybe…