Why your child should join the debating team

Excel in argument

In debating, students learn how to structure an argument, and the importance of backing up their points with sufficient reasons and examples. Through rigorous preparation, debaters learn how to structure the argument to build to the main point and win over an audience. They learn the importance of examples to support the information and maintain relevance. The ability to develop and present an argument is essential to written expression and essay writing – so the debating skills quickly become relevant in the classroom.

Develop crucial communication skills

Regardless of the career path any of us take, the ability to communicate effectively and think critically is instrumental to social, professional and academic success. Debaters learn to use their voice to present their argument with clarity, confidence and conviction. Debaters are taught language techniques such as anecdote and repetition to build rapport with the audience and communicate their argument with strength.

Grow your social network

Each school participates in different debating competitions, but almost all of them are inter-school competitions. Students debate against students from other schools, often visiting other schools for debates, and have the chance to talk after the debate. It’s a great way to meet other people with similar interests from outside an immediate network. The friends made through debating could end up being future peers at university or even colleagues. Chances are, they are also interested in speaking out about important issues.