Open to Debate INSIDE THE DEBATE with John Donvan, Nayeema Raza, and Nick Gillespie
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Dec 5, 2025 
Join John Donvan with guests Nayeema Raza and Nick Gillespie as they dive into the art of moderating debates. Nayeema shares insights on keeping discussions civil in a polarized world, while Nick emphasizes the importance of vetting participants. They discuss what differentiates moderating from interviewing and explore strategies to manage heated exchanges without losing focus. The conversation highlights how effective moderation can foster genuine dialogue and how debates can shift perspectives, creating a more engaged community.
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Ask Permission To Interrupt
- Ask permission to interrupt before the conversation begins so interruptions are expected and accepted.
- Use the audience's tacit approval to enforce time and decorum during live events.
Good-Faith Debate Trumps Clickbait Humiliation
- Bad-faith arguers who aim to humiliate break productive debate and create click-driven content.
- Open to Debate prioritizes testing ideas in good faith rather than producing humiliating viral moments.
Interrupt Personal Attacks Early
- Intervene quickly when debates devolve into personal attacks to protect time and keep discussion on the proposition.
- Enforce ground rules neutrally, even if some audience members disagree with the intervention.