Debating style

Regardless of the rich points incorporated in the debates, all debaters hurry, and try to say more than possible within the allotted time, disturbing the poise of the speaker.

They must learn the art of editing, and summarizing their themes within the time available (five or ten minutes). The delivery is too fast, and there is lack of modulation and pauses (watch Vajpayee, the ex Indian PM). What is practised is additive speeches- cram the audience with a gluttony of words. The question of quantity Vs quality comes in. In art also, we are behind in subtractive art (like Zen painting). In the latter, there is interactive reaction between the artist and the viewer, as the latter tries to fill in the gaps with his own imagination. That is why the viewer enjoys it more (but all viewers cannot explain it). Dropping a hint and elaborating on a point are different types of art. Eloquence has hidden traps, which a subjective mood cannot detect.

These undesirable habits go later into the public speeches, as we watch our politicians go wild with all sorts of gestures and postures. Why convey language through body language, as in dancing or pantomime? Our language is developed enough to convey complex thoughts without getting passionate.

There are many other points, but this column is not for tutorials.