Have a debate | ESU

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Have a debate for the ESU Festival of Speaking!

Patrick

Joint Winner of the ESU Schools' Mace 2019

Watch my video

Take part

If you’ve ever argued with your parents about bedtimes, pocket money or why you really do need that model of phone, you’ve been having a debate. The aim is to persuade others to your point of view, without losing your temper. And the secret is that it’s easy to do if you really listen. Listening leads to smart questions which lead to productive conversations which, more often than not, lead to understanding, collaboration and sometimes, to an even better solution than you’d first imagined. Get your friends or family involved to show us your debating skills in action – just post your film on social media using the hashtag #esufestivalofspeaking.

Also take a look at the festival resources for speaking and performing.

Debating gives a deeper understanding of issues and people with different views

Damian Hinds

Member of Parliament

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Debating Resources

Sam Kusi: Agreeing to Disagree

El Stiles: Top 5 Debating Tips

Huw Jones: Top 3 tips for new debaters

Schools' Mace debating tips from the team at Dulwich College

A sample debate followed by useful teaching tips from Oundle School

Tommy Seagull: Debating transformed my life

Inspiration and entries

Sofa Debate #1

Watch the Warren family have a debate about lockdown from their sofa

WATCH THE DEBATE

RHS DEBATE

'This House would make school 100% online' - A virtual debate recorded live by the staff and students of the Royal Hospital School

WATCH THE DEBATE

SOFA DEBATE #2

Four students have a humorous debate on the motion that 'This House would continue social distancing after COVID-19'.

WATCH THE DEBATE

Watch a full debate from Round 2 of the ESU School Mace competition

Watch a short clip showing a Point of Information during a debate

'This House believes that tearing down Edward Colston's statue in Bristol was correct'

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