Course Title: Bo Seo on What Debate Teaches Us About Listening to Each Other
Course Overview Most of us try to avoid disputes to keep the peace, choosing to smile, nod, and keep our thoughts to ourselves rather than risk alienating friends or ruining relationships. But what if there is a better way to disagree?
Taught by Bo Seo—a two-time world champion debater, former coach of the Australian and Harvard debate teams, and author of Good Arguments—this course reveals how applying the rules of formal competitive debate to our informal, everyday disagreements can significantly improve our lives. You will discover that when we choose our battles wisely and participate well, disagreements can actually unite us rather than divide us.
What You Will Learn This course breaks down the core elements of debate and teaches you practical strategies for navigating conflict at home, in the workplace, and in the public square. Key modules include:
Identifying the Real Disagreement: Learn to separate arguments into factual, normative, and prescriptive categories so you can establish ground rules and agree on the actual topic you are trying to resolve.
Structuring a Good Argument: Master the "4 W's" (What is the argument, Why is it true, When has it happened before, and Who cares) to effectively organize your thoughts and prove that your point is both true and important.
The Art of Rebuttal: Discover why the best rebuttals begin with holding your tongue and listening, rather than resorting to defensiveness and interruption.
The Power of Rhetoric: Uncover the "Three Ps" of persuasive communication—Proportionality, Personality, and Panache—to match your tone to your point, share the personal story behind your beliefs, and move your listeners.
Choosing Your Battles (Quiet): Use the RISA checklist (Real, Important, Specific, Aligned) to determine if an argument is actually worth your energy, and learn when staying quiet is a sign of wisdom.
Handling Debate Bullies: Learn targeted strategies to identify and outmaneuver unscrupulous arguers, including Dodgers who pivot topics, Twisters who rely on straw-man attacks, Wranglers who only attack without offering solutions, and Liars.
Practicing Empathy as a Verb: Use the debate technique of "Side Switching" to explore your opponent's perspective, predict their strongest claims, and get unstuck in heated conflicts.
Navigating Online Conflict: Understand how Audience, Algorithms, and Anonymity degrade digital discourse, and why regaining the humanity of face-to-face debate is crucial.
Who Is This Course For? This course is ideal for anyone seeking to improve their communication and relationship skills. It provides a blueprint for disagreements that are candid but respectful, demanding but revelatory, and spirited but loving. Whether you are a conflict-averse individual looking to finally find your voice, or someone who wants to turn toxic disputes into productive progress, this course will help you achieve meaningful persuasion.
Skill Level: Beginner