Why debate?
Debating, and the principles that it teaches, such as logical thought construction, the selection and presentation of key arguments, and the appropriate use of data and statistics to support a hypothesis, are becoming increasingly important in the modern world.If we face more challenges than ever before, we also see more opportunities – to overcome the challenge and seize the opportunity, we need the right tools to help us. So how do we decide what is important, and what is just noise? How do we know when to question an argument, a report, or a policy? Many people will try to tell us what to think; debating teaches us how to think, in a critical context, how to analyse information properly, and how to form, present and defend our views or opinions based on the evidence. In short, debating provides the handbook for empowerment, autonomy and success. It is little wonder that the most successful companies, with the most competitive recruitment programmes attract top student debaters from across the world after graduation.
As a company, you may wish for a more dynamic, engaged workforce, one that feels valued, that recognises the opportunity for growth within your organisation, that contributes at every level to overcoming the challenges and grasping and making the most of every opportunity. Debate training with Stylus can help you achieve this – contact us now to find out how.
As an educational institution, you may recognise the importance of your students having the opportunity to exercise their critical thinking faculties, to engage with new ideas from political life and the international arena, to discuss the pros and cons of military intervention, international aid and development, the role of supra-national organisations like the UN. You will know equally the value of clear structured argument in academic essays, supported by carefully selected evidence. You may not yet have a debating programme established for your students; ask us, and we can help. It doesn’t stop once a programme is established, either; courses in Critical Thinking, IB Theory of Knowledge, Politics and Philosophy are also available, as is assistance with setting up and running debating competitions, leagues and residential academies. Get in touch to find out more.
As an individual, you might recognise the need to continue your personal development, and the importance of developing your personal communication skills. Whether you want to be able to negotiate a better deal for yourself as a customer, argue successfully for a pay rise, or simply defend your point of view, communication skills and the principles of debate come to the fore. Company presentations could be enhanced, putting you in line for that next promotion; key people within your organisation could be seeking your opinions on crucial matters - and it doesn't end there. Confident, successful people in every walk of life have one thing in common – they know what they want, and how to get it, because they are focused, and can communicate. Debate can teach us all this, and Stylus can teach debate. More information is just a click away.
Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels;
it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled.
Michael Crichton
it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled.
Michael Crichton
