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.
After the success of the previous editions, we will offer another workshop in debating in 2021. 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.
In the competitive form of British parliamentary 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. 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 in political, social or economic contexts and 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 to structure your argumentation better, be more convincing in debates and, eventually, make you a better speaker.
Language: Working language is English. However, the event will be held by non-native speakers. A basic working knowledge is therefore absolutely sufficient for participation. No advanced language skills are needed.
Organisation: This event is organised by the Debating Society, which consists of a group of students of the Swiss Study Foundation (Jessica Fenger, Jan Flückiger, Darryl Ackermann, Franca Fellmann and Sandro Pirovino). If you have any questions contact us at: debating@studienstiftung.ch
Koordination: Dr. Lydia Tchambaz
Administration: Nathalie Ellington
Location: Hotel/Restaurant Roter Turm, Solothurn (1 May – 2 May 2021) / Follow up Day 22 May 2021 in Lucerne.
Information on the impact of the COVID-19 situation: This IT was originally planned in 2020 but has been rescheduled to 2021 due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Please indicate in your current registration if you have already registered for the IT in 2020 as we aim to take that into consideration.
