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 affermative, the upcoming event on debating will surely be right up your alley.
After the success of the first two editions in March this last year, another workshop in debating – now as an Intellectual Tool (IT) – is offered in 2015. It introduces you to the English speaking university debating tradition, brought to you by experienced debaters. In this specifc 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 debate will be taught by three internationally renowned trainers, among them former European and national champions. They will introduce this specifc 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. However, the event will be held by non-native speakers. A basic working knowledge is hence absolutely suffcient and no hindrance to participation.
For some impressions and pictures of the last workshop, have a look at the following website: → Link…
This event is organised by Darian Heim and Joel O’Neill, students of the Swiss Study Foundation.
Location: Hotel/Restaurant Roter Turm, Solothurn
Note: In the aftermath of this workshop, on Saturday, 25th of April, a related event is
scheduled by the organisers. It will take the form of a debating tournament where all
participants of earlier editions of this workshop are invited. You are encouraged to
appoint the date and take part in this follow-up event (details to follow).
Closing date: Sunday, Februar 8th 2015
