An Invitation to Debate

Reasoning and Argument as a Framework for Civil Society

Ben Voth (Southern Methodist University, USA)

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Hardback

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English

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
13 November 2025

Public speaking guides; Communication studies

This comprehensive introductory textbook gives students the framework and tools to become great debaters and use those skills to further civil and respectful responses on contentious topics. Focusing on core concepts and skills of research, reasoning, and argumentation with a special focus on debate rhythms, the book builds students’ ability to express ideas and respectfully dissent, ultimately improving their individual resilience in adverse circumstances and encouraging the emergence of communal values in society.

An Invitation to Debate takes students on a step-by-step preparation of case research, speech composition, rebuttals, and resolutions. It is not specific to a particular debate style, allowing professors to use the book across a variety of procedural types, including policy, British Parliamentary, Lincoln-Douglas, International Public Debate Association, world schools, and Coolidge.

As the most up-to-date debate textbook, An Invitation to Debate will show students how to use AI technologies to aid (but never replace) their own case preparation. Throughout the book, students will be challenged to consider opportunities for debate to create more civil and fruitful discussion in their daily lives and on the world stage—where respectful debate can break through political barriers and counteract social injustices.

By: Ben Voth (Southern Methodist University USA)
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 25mm
Weight: 454g
ISBN: 9781538196700
ISBN 10: 1538196700
Pages: 304
Publication Date: 13 November 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction Chapter 1. Understanding Reasoning and Logic as the Foundations of Debate Chapter 2. Giving a Speech Chapter 3. Components of Debate Chapter 4. Doing Research for Debate Chapter 5. How to Write a Case Chapter 6. How to Refute Chapter 7: Understanding Debate Theory Chapter 8. Debate Formats Chapter 9. Conclusion Appendix: Debate Class Syllabus Bibliography Index

Ben Voth is professor of rhetoric and director of debate and speech programs at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He has written five academic books since 2014 detailing how rhetoric, argumentation, and debate instruction make the critical difference in improving human society. His instructional speech and debate clients include the U.S. State department, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., and the George W. Bush Institute. As a collegiate speech and debate director he has coached more than five world champions, more than thirty national champions, and more than fifty state champions in speech and debate competitions over the past thirty years.

Reviews for An Invitation to Debate: Reasoning and Argument as a Framework for Civil Society

""An Invitation to Debate offers education on effective debate practice but also represents an urgent call for something more significant. In the current context of tribalism where discourse is affected by invectives on social media, Voth's work is a roadmap for authentic engagement with others... even those with whom we may disagree."" --Bond Benton, Professor of Communication, Montclair State University, USA ""An Invitation to Debate outlines the technique of debating with conversant, usable techniques. This book adds a fresh perspective grounded in the transformative power of debate, informed by the author's sweeping experience with the society-changing power of debate in post-genocide Rwanda. Voth handily explores the rhetorical traditions that underpin his argument for embracing debating, all the while grounded in practical application. Given our uncertain times, this volume helps facilitate fair-minded argument."" --Allan Louden, Emeritus Professor and former Director of Debate at Wake Forest University, USA