What is Warwick debating society?

We are a society that meets twice a week in order to take part in structured debates about a variety of topics. We offer training in all things debate related, regular socials and the chance to compete at both national and international level.

What does it mean "to debate"?

When we refer to debating, we are talking about a style of debating known as British Parliamentary. There are eight people who are split into four teams within a debate, with each person taking it in turn to deliver a 5 minute speech in order to persuade the judge that their side of the argument is the best.

What does Warwick Debating Society Debate?

Everything and Anything. Each session there will be a different topic to discuss, with one side always advocating a change (such as the legalisation of drugs, or the invasion of a misbehaving third world country), whilst the other side is tasked with opposing the change.

Well, alright, why should I Debate?

Well, aside from enjoying our excellent company:

• To improve your public speaking and confidence
• To develop the ability to think quickly and improvise
• To be able to structure complex ideas in an easily accessible way
• To learn to express yourself in a way which persuades and influences others
• To improve your performance in seminars, essays and presentations
• (It looks good on a CV)
• It's fun!

Ok, sounds good so far, but how does it actually work?

You turn up to one of the sessions, we give you some debate related training to help you along your way, then we allocate each of the teams a "position" on the table, two teams will be advocating change, and the other two opposing it. Each speaker has five minutes to deliver a speech supporting their side, during which the other side may offer points in an attempt to bring down their arguments. Moreover, each individual speaker has a specific role on the table which they must fulfil.

Right, I'm in, how do I get started? How do I join?

Just head down to one of our sessions, we meet on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4pm-6pm in Social Studies.