Debating at the Union
We do a lot in Competitive Debating at the Cambridge Union. Have a
look at some of the things we do below to see if there's
something for you:
Workshops
We run debating workshops every Tuesday night at 7pm in Michaelmas
and Lent term at the Cambridge Union. These are free to Union
members and you do not need any previous debating experience to
take part. Every workshop has two parts: an interactive seminar on
an aspect of debating and a live debate where you can speak or
judge to improve your experience. Through taking part in them, you
can learn the skills to become a formidable debater and public
speaker. Each workshop is run by a trained Cambridge debater and
take roughly two hours. Students who successfully attend the
workshop course are also awarded the 'Citi Cambridge Union
Diploma in Debating' at the end of the year.
Domestic Competitions
We send teams to represent the Cambridge Union at domestic
competitions nearly every weekend. These are excellent
opportunities to improve your debating either by competing against
other university teams or by judging debates. We heavily subsidise
travel to competitions and more details can be found on the
'Guide to Debating Competitions' section.
International Tours
We regularly send debating teams to international competitions and
tours. In the last two years, debaters have gone to Bangkok,
Amsterdam, Kuala Lumpur & Istanbul. We also have an annual
America Tour where a squad is sent to participate in show debates
in American schools and universities. We also send debating teams
to the European and World Debating Championships.
Socials
Debating at Cambridge allows you to meet many new people from
Cambridge, Britain and around the world. We hold regular socials
for our members including our annual dinner, Christmas party and
garden party. At competitions, there are also many chances to get
to know debaters from other universities.
Schools Competition
Our schools competition is one of the largest in the world with
roughly 800 British and Irish teams taking part. This year, it will
be better than ever before with a dedicated Schools team running
workshops for schools and managing debates in schools across the
country. There are many opportunities to help out by running
workshops or judging debates and, as a result, spread debating to
young people.
The Cambridge IV
The Cambridge IV is the international competition we hold annually
in November. Teams from across the world come to take part in one
the most prestigious debating competitions in the world. This is an
exciting opportunity to watch and get to know some of the best
teams as they battle to win our coveted title.
Internal Competitions
We run several competitions throughout the year for Cambridge
debaters. One of the most important is the Novice Debating
Competition held towards the end of Michaelmas term and is only
open to new Cambridge debaters. Through taking part, you can meet
other Cambridge debaters and even win a cash prize!
Thursday Night Debates
We often send Union debaters to take part in both the emergency and
main debates held on Thursday nights at the Cambridge Union.
It's a great way to learn how to engage an audience whilst
talking about a subject that's important to you.
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