About us
Debating is decision making. Or rather, debate is the rational process with which to make a decision. Whether in a business, organisation or in your personal life, weighing up the pros and cons, then laying out why certain values need to be prioritised, are the elements that make up a reasoned decision-making process, and that is indeed what debate is all about.
Being part of a debate club or debate society like 104 London Debaters enables you to learn the skills to thrive in a debate or discussion, whether it is for a project or idea at work or making important life decisions. Debating also teaches you to identify fallacies, both in others' thinking as well as your own, and to root it out.
104 London Debaters is part of Toastmasters International, an international network of public speaking clubs, so at our debate club, not only will you increase your debating skills, you will also learn how to improve as a public speaker.
You will improve your ability to get your message across clearly and confidently in all situations like a job interview, a presentation or a board meeting, and you will meet lots of interesting and friendly people and have fun debating both serious and frivolous topics.
You don't need to be a Toastmaster already to join 104 London Debaters of course, but many who have done the basic courses that Toastmasters offer, come to us for a new or additional challenge.
The first part of the debate meeting usually consist of improvised mini-debates, or Table Topic debates, as we call them, where you get a couple of minutes to defend or oppose a given motion. Table Topics are followed by a prepared debate, where two teams debate on the main motion of the evening, one team being the Proposition and the other the Opposition. The audience get to vote before and after the debate.
Interested? Join this group to stay informed about our meetings. Attending as a guest is totally free, but by joining you get full access to participate in debates, as well as access to mentoring, coaching, feedback, support, free workshops and social events with the club, it it's only £5 per meeting! Apply HERE for membership.
Take a look at the website for more information and for the club blog and podcast.
Upcoming events
2
Debate: Personality is Primarily Shaped by Genetics, Not by Environment
The Barley Mow, 104 Horseferry Road, SW1P 2EE, London, GBFor centuries, we have debated: nature or nurture?
Biology matters. Twin studies show that around half of our temperament is inherited, with DNA shaping who we are.
But genetics is only the clay; environment is the sculptor. Our experiences, upbringing and social conditions shape our character, values and choices.Have your say, join the debate!
Join us on 13 October 2026 at the Barley Mow pub for drinks and discussion as we debate the motion: THB Personality is Primarily Shaped by Genetics, Not by Environment
First half: Improvised mini-debates – all are welcome to speak.
Second half: Prepared speeches, followed by floor contributions – an opportunity to share your views.During the first half of the meeting, there will be an improvised mini-debate session, where anyone may get called to defend or oppose a motion in 2 minutes (voluntarily, of course).
During the main debate, 3 debaters will propose the motion, 3 debaters will oppose it, and YOU may give your opinion during Floor Contributions.
The meeting will be held on the first floor of the Barley Mow pub in Westminster, a beautiful pub with great food and drinks prices. Make sure to give the code word: 104Debate Club!
2 attendees
Debate: We Have Become Too Afraid To Offend
The Barley Mow, 104 Horseferry Road, SW1P 2EE, London, GBAre we afraid to speak freely? As George Orwell said, “the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” Without the freedom to offend, honest debate suffers.
But free speech comes with responsibility. We can defend the right to speak while still recognising that words can cause real harm.
Have your say, join the debate!
Join us on 278 October 2026 at the Barley Mow pub for drinks and discussion as we debate the motion: THB We Have Become Too Afraid To Offend
First half: Improvised mini-debates – all are welcome to speak.
Second half: Prepared speeches, followed by floor contributions – an opportunity to share your views.During the first half of the meeting, there will be an improvised mini-debate session, where anyone may get called to defend or oppose a motion in 2 minutes (voluntarily, of course).
During the main debate, 3 debaters will propose the motion, 3 debaters will oppose it, and YOU may give your opinion during Floor Contributions.
The meeting will be held on the first floor of the Barley Mow pub in Westminster, a beautiful pub with great food and drinks prices. Make sure to give the code word: 104Debate Club!
2 attendees
Past events
176
