Promoting Debate & Debate Meeting 28.9.10

Yesterday was really rich in debate, as we went to Aatemarkkinat, along with other student societies, to promote our hobby and to encourage people to join the Debate Society. We talked to a lot of people during the six hours we spent there and I'm sure we managed to evoke the interest of many of them. Quite a few people said they would join next week, so I'm pretty sure it's going to be an interesting meeting! A big thanks to Pyry, Olli and Tapani who spent time on our stand along with me and Pekka.

Almost right after Aatemarkkinat we had our third debate meeting for this semester. We kicked off the meeting with a drama drill, where everyone spoke for a minute and a half with as much emotion in their speech as they possibly could. According to the general feedback, the drill was much enjoyed, and I personally think it's very good practice for the actual debate. We will probably try the exercise again some time in the meetings to come. I could actually see the effects of the exercise right after it when we had our debate with the motion This House Would Make All Middle Schools and High Schools Single Gender. It was an interesting debate and I can see people getting better, speaking longer and in general embracing the debate principles more and more with every debate they attend. Good job!

If you're a newcomer, feel free to join us on any meeting! (Tuesdays on 17.00, Language Center's room E301)

See you all next week!

The Debate Workshop is Over - But Debating Goes On!

The workshop is wrapped up! A big thanks to everyone who participated and particularly to prof. Snider who provided the excellent coaching! And debate goes on... We're hoping to see everyone in the Society meeting this Tuesday - or indeed any Tuesday! (5 pm sharp in Language Centre room E301)

P.S. If you've never debated, you're still more than welcome to join us!

Debate Meeting on September 14th

Just a reminder that the weekly debate meetings are starting again on September 14th. Hope to see many old and new debaters there!

Workshop Registration Closed

We have reached our full capacity and the registration is now closed. Thank you all for your interest and see you at the workshop!

If you didn't get in, send me message and I'll inform you if there are any cancellations.

Debate Workshop on September 26th - 27th

Great news people! We have a new workshop coming up on September! This is something you don't want to miss if you're at all interested in debate.

Here's a link to the flier, feel free to pass it out and don't forget to register!

(The below text is from the flier)

This September you have a great opportunity to get an introduction to formal debate in a workshop brought to you by UTA Debate Society and the Language Center. Skills learned in debate, such as argumentation, persuasion and public speaking, are useful in a range of situations across career, studies and everyday life

The workshop will be hosted by Professor Alfred Snider from University of Vermont, an award-winning debate coach, who has over 30 years of experience teaching argumentation, persuasion and debate across the globe.

The workshop is open for everyone, both Finnish and foreign students, and the program is useful no matter if you’ve never debated before or if you already have some experience. You benefit the most if you attend the workshop on both days, but registration for only Sunday or Monday is also possible.

The registration fee is 3 € which is to be paid on arrival at the workshop. The fee includes lunch on Sunday at the Language Center kitchen.

The registration for the workshop will open on August 30th.
To register, fill out the form at:
http://www.utadebatesociety.org/p/debate-workshop-registration.html
The number of participants is limited and the spots will be filled in registration order.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Program

September 26th, Sunday

9.15-10.00 Introduction to debate and format

10.00-12.00 Exercises and mini debates

12.00-13.00 Lunch (at the LC kitchen)

14.00-15.00 Exercises with motions

September 27th, Monday

9.15-10.15 Creating your own training program

10.15-11.30 Points of Information drill demonstration

11.30-12.30 Speaking exercises

12.30-13.30 Lunch (at your own expense)

13.30-16.00 Final debate

Weekly Meetings Starting Again on September

The summer is nearing its end, and it's soon time to start debating again.
First meeting will be on Tuesday 14.9.2010. Hope to see many old and new faces there!

If you can't make it to the first meeting it's ok. You are free to start showing up throughout the year.

New Domain

As you've probably noticed, we have a new domain for the society. I was planning on changing the blog software too, but decided to stay with Blogger for now. So, the new home of UTA Debate Society is http://www.utadebatesociety.org/. Update your bookmarks and links. :)

There's also About page now that has information about the society and debate in general.