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What do you debate about?

Debaters are given a new resolution shortly before each round. The topics range from the serious to the slightly silly, from whether the European Union should lift sanctions on Austria, to whether Luke Skywalker should have joined the Dark Side of the Force. In general, any contentious topic can be brought to the table.

What is the purpose of debating?

Debating is the art of expressing a view to an opposition and the convince them and any onlookers that your view is more worthy. It may require some persuasion and it may require some gentle coaxing, but it is the art of getting people to understand and support you.

Who can debate?

CUDS primarily uses a parliamentary style of debating. However, you don't have to be involved in politics to give it a go. Our members come from a diverse array of faculties, everything from Journalism to Computer Science.

What if I don't believe what I'm saying?

To debate on a subject, you don't necessarily have to believe in what you say. It does help if you do, but one of the great skills involved in debating is to be able to form a convincing argument for something you really don't believe in. In a way, it is a type of acting to be able to take on someone else's role and viewpoint.

Are there competitions for debaters?

There are many competitions for debaters that are held worldwide. On the Canadian circuit, during the school year, there is at least one competition held every week. CUDS attends tournaments across Canada (from Vancouver to Halifax), into America (North American Championships) and across the world (World Debating Championships).

Isn't it all a little bit daunting?

The first time you make a speech, it can seem like stepping off the edge of a very high building. For seven minutes, everyone else is looking at you and listening to what you say. But everyone knows what it's like; we've all done it before. It seems hard to understand, but you soon learn to take it all in your stride. It's all just a bit of fun and everyone is there to have a good argument, not to try and intimidate the speakers. As has been said before, no-one necessarily believes what they say in debates. Once it's all over, everyone becomes good friends again.

What's the point of debating?

At the end of the day, whatever you have learned from debating is guaranteed to be useful. Making yourself heard, making yourself understood and convincing people to agree with you are all very useful social skills. Whether you follow a career in politics or not, what you learn in debating will never be far away from your everyday life.

What about the social side?

The social side is, of course, very important. Many people go to competitions as much to meet others as to debate. Whatever happens during a debate, everyone normally takes a trip down to the pub and completely forgets about the debate. Everyone on the CUSID circuit knows everyone else and has a good time wherever they are. And those new to the fun are always very welcome.

Do I need to have prior debating experience?

Prior experience is not a necessary condition to joining CUDS. All levels of experience are welcome. Anyone can come out and debate; the best way to learn and get better is to practice.

Where's debate ever gotten anyone?

Well-known people who were debaters:

• Benazir Bhutto (former Prime Minister of Pakistan)
• Bill Cinton (former US President, former Lincoln-Douglas debater)
• Robin Day, William Rees-Mogg and Brian Walden (broadcasters, all went on American Debate Tour)
• Ian Hanomansing (CBC Anchor of Canada Now, former CUSID "Triple Crown" winner)
• Edward Heath (former British Prime Minister, American Debate Tour 1939)
• Lyndon Johnson (former US President, former debate coach)
• John F. Kennedy (former US President)
• Stephen Lewis (former Ontario NDP leader)
• Richard Nixon, Jonathan Aitken, Stephen Milligan, Jeffrey Archer (all former university debaters, now disgraced)
• Brad Pitt (Hollywood actor, high school debater)
• Michael Stipe (lead singer of REM, former NYU debater)
• Ted Turner (media mogul, former debater)
• John Wayne (actor, former debater)
• Woodrow Wilson (former US President, former debate coach)
• Oprah Winfrey (talk show host, former debater)

Thanks to BritishDebate.com for assistance with this list.