Intro To Debating - Workshop

In Partnership with Debate London we bring you a dedicated workshop exploring how debates work, when they're most appropriate, and where to start if you are preparing to speak in one for the first time.

Early bird booking available in the comments.

This workshop will provide an overview of the ISPEAC method of debate prep and some basic techniques to build a case in defence of your position.

The afternoon will begin with a masterclass, in which you will be broken up into small groups to work on a series of exercises, so you can get comfortable speaking in front of each other before you are asked to speak in front of the rest of the room. No one will be required to speak in front of the room until they feel ready to do so.

The final section after lunch will be dedicated to a mock debate, which will serve as a rehearsal for the upcoming public debate on the same topic. Members can volunteer to be on the panel for these debates a week in advance when the topic is announced, but everyone can take part by questioning the speakers, making speeches of their own, and offering feedback.

All participants will receive a paper handout on arrival. All you will need to bring with you is something to write with.

Venue
Food and drink is available for order at the venue and a lunch break is included in running time.

Please don't bring external food and drink into the venue you may be asked to throw it away

Meet Your Coach
Shaughan's career has focused on political campaigning. Across his career, he has won Parliamentary elections, has had bills debated in Parliament and secured £750 million in spending on non-violent conflict resolution at a time of government cutbacks. Shaughan is a trainer for Idebate Rwanda. Rwanda’s first-ever debate training programme for young people. The programme has grown significantly since 2013 and has educated over 1,000 students across 5 countries in the art of debate, and trained over 100 coaches that continue year-round training at local schools throughout Rwanda. He has debated at the Oxford Union and is also the Debate Coach at Harrow School – one of the UK’s most prestigious public schools.