Do you sometimes run into dead-ends during discussions even though you thought your opinion was quite settled? Do you often find yourself playing the devil’s advocate to reach the bedrock reason for defending a certain position? Are you interested in a broad range of topics and a friend of solid argumentation and sound logic? If you answered one or more of these questions in the affirmative, this upcoming event will surely be right up your alley.
After the success of the first three editions of the IT Art of Debating, another workshop in debating will be offered in 2016. The IT introduces you to the English speaking university debating tradition, brought to you by experienced debaters. In this specific form of debate emphasis is put on content and arguments. Consequently, the primary focus does not lie on rhetoric or presentation. However – as a desirable side effect– these skills will improve automatically the more training you receive.
This is a competitive form of debating and you will be 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 short speeches and because they are usually organised in the form of tournaments. During the IT we will hold our own tournament, giving you an excellent opportunity to practise and test your debating skills, while competing against fellow members of the Swiss Study Foundation. You are given the opportunity to debate interesting topics relating to politics, society or economics and to sharpen your views and arguments regarding these matters.
The art of debating will be taught by three internationally renowned trainers, among them former European and Dutch national champions. They will introduce you to this specific form of debating using a hands-on, step-by-step approach. Their valuable feedback and experience will provide you with the tools you need to structure your argumentation, be more convincing in debates and will, eventually, make you a better speaker.
The working language of this event is English. However, the event will be held by non-native speakers. A basic working knowledge of English is therefore absolutely sufficient for participation. No advanced language skills are needed.
Additionally, on the 30th of April there will be a tournament at the University of Basel involving participants of previous editions of the IT, interested members of the Swiss Study Foundation as well as members of university debating clubs. This tournament is an ideal opportunity to test your debate skills against a wider range of debaters.
Click on the link for some impressions and pictures of the last workshop: → Link…
Organizer: This event is organised by a group of students of the Swiss Study Foundation (Andrin Flütsch, Eva Altmann, Jan Serwart, Julia Biller, Philippe Valmaggia and Simon Wüthrich).
If you have any questions you can reach us under: debating@studienstiftung.ch
Number of participants: max. 26
Location: Hotel/Restaurant “Roter Turm” and Youth Hostel, Solothurn
