Debating issues.

[Angrboda]

I don't have any experience debating, but it reminds me of what was called "Table Topics" at Toastmasters meetings. The moderator would have a list of questions, and the person called upon for each question had to speak extemporaneously for two minutes in reply to the question.

In response to your request, I'd suggest three things. First and foremost, that what you are doing is intended to be a learning experience. Like any skill, you will likely start out horrible, and only get better with practice, so I would suggest lightening up a bit and just accepting your missteps as a learning experience.

Second, one thing I learned a lot from Table Topics is you can learn a lot by paying attention to what and how those who are good at it do what they do. I learned a lot just by doing that.

Third, Toastmasters emphasizes many of the same skills and is a great experience. If you have a Toastmasters that you can attend in your area, that might help you get a leg up as well.

I found this advice on Table Topics. It's rather short, but maybe you can spend some time with google searching the web for tips on extemporaneous speaking.
http://www.toastmasters46.org/ideas/tabl...opics.html