The personas displayed in the debate are usually already familiar to the public. The behavior of the participants tends to conform to stereotypes. Those chosen to participate are not necessarily outspoken leaders. Whoever they are, they speak as individuals whose own unique experiences differ in some respect from others on their side. Their behavior is likely to vary in some degree and along some dimensions from stereotypical images others may hold of them.
Participants speak as representatives of groups.
Participants speak as individuals, from their own unique experience. Participants speak to their own constituents and, perhaps, to the undecided middle. Participants speak to one another. Differences among participants on the same side are revealed, as individual and personal foundations of beliefs and values are explored. Participants express unswerving commitment to a point of view, approach, or idea.