Do you think that you have quite a settled opinion on a matter and nevertheless happen to run into dead-ends during a discussion at times? Do you often find yourself playing the devil’s advocate to reach the bedrock reasons for defending a certain position? Are you interested in a broad range of topics and yet a friend of solid argumentation and sound logic? If you answered one or more of these questions in the affirmative, the upcoming event on debating will surely be right up your alley.
In this specific form of debate emphasis is put on content and arguments. As such, the primary focus does not lie on rhetoric or form of presentation, although – as a desirable side effect– these skills will improve automatically the more training you receive.
In this competitive form of debating, you are assigned either to defend or to oppose a given (controversial) motion together with a team-partner. Such debates are competitive because you are given only 15 minutes to prepare your short speeches and because they are usually organised in the form of tournaments. Being playful, this form of debating offers an excellent platform to test and practise your debating skills. You are given the opportunity to debate interesting topics of political, societal or economic order and sharpen your views and arguments in those matters.
The art of debating will be taught by three internationally renowned trainers, among them former European and national champions. They will introduce this specific form of debating to you in a practical, step-by-step manner. Their valuable feedback and experience will provide you with the tools to structure your argumentation better, be more convincing in debates and, eventually, make you a better speaker.
Working language is English. The event will be held by proficient yet non-native speakers. A basic working knowledge in English is hence absolutely sufficient and no hindrance to participation.
Participants: maximum 24 students from different scientific backgrounds.
Location: Solothurn
Deadline: Thursday, september 25th 2014
This event is organised by Darian Heim and Joel O’Neill.