Why Debate?Why not ask these guys? 
Above: Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama all debated at either school or university Quite simply, you should debate because it gives you the opportunity to express your opinions in a competition format whilst picking up some extremely useful skills which will remain with you throughout your academic and professional life. Debating requires little prior knowledge and no prior experience – it just relies on common sense, and a willingness to engage in contentious issues. You can travel the country, if not the world, and meet young people from incredibly diverse backgrounds. Debating not only helps make students more confident and persuasive public speakers, it also increases their capacity to think analytically and formulate convincing arguments - helping with pretty much every school subject that exists. Being involved looks fantastic on CVs and personal statements - it's seen as an indicator of intellect, communication skills and the ability to undertake responsibility for self-motivated learning. In preparing you to speak effectively to different audiences, debating forms a training-ground for any public presentation you'll ever have to make - ranging from classroom Powerpoints to birthday toasts. By definition, it requires close consideration of the viewpoints of others, helping students evaluate information critically, combating narrow-mindedness and developing awareness and understanding of many of society's most pressing issues. And if you get really good at it, you'll never lose an argument again in your life... |
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The Cambridge Union Schools Debating Competition 2010/11Registration opens 6th September 2010 |