Senate Debate

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Assignment/Activity Title— Senate Debate

Year— Freshman

Skill— Group Dynamics

Portfolio Category— Critical Reasoning

           This was a simple assignment, read up on a topic from one person’s perspective and argue his or her view in a debate conducted like a senate debate. But you couldn’t pick your person, you had to take the perspective. I got stuck arguing against something I agreed with…and I got a little worried. But I saved the project.

            I realized the only way to really win a debate in school is to care about something, to have some sort of passion. I convinced myself that it was an important issue, and I got fired up. So fired up that I went and worked on it as soon as I got home.

            Now, since it was not the side I agreed with, I was somewhat hard pressed to find viable arguments for it that could withstand attacks. The way I prepare for debates, I should add, is that I create a list of points I want to address. When I speak, I make sure to hit all of them. Then I sit down and cross them out. When someone retaliates, and I see a flaw or weakness in their position, I write their name and the weakness down on the list. This way, when the room gets back around to me, I am well prepared to launch a strong attack on a number of people – being organized by my list.

            I never, however, prepare a rebuttal in advance.

            When we got to the debate, we were each allowed to speak once (sorry, required to speak once) in interests of everyone being able to speak. And although I never got to publicly voice my frustrations with the opposition, I made do with quiet conversation with the people on my team. Some of whom used my ideas.

            But what I found, in the debate, was the raw emotion I felt. I felt frustrated when someone would make a statement that had even a minor flaw. And I know a few people, at least one who told me after, were waiting for me to speak before they did themselves, in fear of having their argument taken apart by me (mostly people who knew me from eighth grade at the Eastern magnet). And that made me feel good.

            I think about joining debate club, but I don’t know. I couldn’t at the beginning of the year because of Blair soccer, and I feel as if joining as a freshman in third quarter would just be harsh. It’s definintely interesting to me, though. I think I’ll wait and figure out the workload next year, and if I can manage it I’ll pick it up. Otherwise, I can always do it junior year.