Respect

• Debate is defined as a discussion usually comprising two parties with opposite viewpoints. In a debate, tempers can flare and discussion can quickly devolve into personal attack. While some proponents of either side will encourage this, others with each group may view this tit-for-tat approach as unprofessional and immature, opting instead to stick to the issues.
  
  

Courtesy

• Allowing your opponent to complete his sentences or make an uninterrupted point is considered common courtesy in any type of discussion, but it's particularly germane to political debate. Someone cannot fully address a topic or comment without knowing that to which he is responding -- which is why you should hear the opponent out and let him state his points in the allotted time so you can formulate an intelligent and comprehensive response when it's your turn.
  
  

Concise Delivery

• Being concise and precise can influence the outcome of a debate. Listeners appreciate brevity in political debate. Expressing simple ideas that can be expounded upon at a later time makes it easier for listeners to identify key issues. Brevity also makes it easier for opponents to respond to each other and allows time for the entire subject to be addressed, if no tangents are broached and followed down meandering paths.
  
  

Simplicity

• Political debate can be rife with unintended meaning, and with underlying connotations. Often, people hear sarcasm and witticisms directed at an opponent, usually planned to garner interest in the topic or viewpoint of the speaker. Sometimes, these utterances can backfire, with the speaker appearing as a bully or mean-spirited. The outcome can cause a loss of points with supporters or an actual switching of sides among the observers.
  
  

Sources

• Having valid, accurate sources is critical. Quoting outdated or false material can cause supporters to question their loyalty and the speaker's intelligence; both of these premises can be fatal to a political career.