But candidates also use debates to embarrass attack opponents. Aware of the intensive news coverage engendered by debates, candidates strive to provide memorable soundbites and avoid fatal gaffes. The voting public looks to debates for more than candidates' views on issue. They use debates to judge the candidates' characters, communication skills, sense of humor, ability to think on their feet and knowledge of public affairs issues. Post-debate surveys show that debates do influence voters' choices, especially undecided voters.
Many more voters learn about the debate from news coverage than actually see the debate itself.
Nevertheless, news coverage does get information about the candidates to many more voters, and debate sponsors should try to encourage and facilitate such coverage. The amount of planning necessary to put on a successful debate varies greatly, depending on the size and complexity of the debate project. For even the simplest debate, a sponsoring organization needs to designate someone to set policy and someone to carry it out. Civic associations generally have policy-making boards that can take responsibility for making debate decisions. Either leaders of the organization, or a paid or volunteer debate manager should implement the policy.