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Q&A
So, who are you guys?The Smith College Debate Society is an entirely student-run organization that provides a forum for Smithies like you to gain valuable skills such as public speaking and in-depth analytical skills while having a great time. We are a group of intelligent and outgoing individuals who study everything from philosophy to biology to international relations.
What do you do?
We meet twice a week, once to talk about proceedings within the society and once to have practice rounds to prepare for tournaments. Every weekend, there is an opportunity to compete at tournaments within the American Parliamentary Debate Association.
Wait a minute; what’s the American Parli-yeah…?
There are two major parliamentary debate circuits with the United States. The American Parliamentary Debate Association (APDA), of which Smith is a member, is made up of mostly East Coast colleges and universities. These colleges and universities have debate organizations similar to ours, all of whom we compete against in weekly tournaments, hosted by various schools on the circuit.
Well that’s special.Anyway, what style of debate do you do?
Parliamentary debate (affectionately referred to as “Parli”) is an off-topic, extemporaneous form of competitive debate that stresses rigorous argumentation, logical analysis, quick thinking, breadth of knowledge, and rhetorical ability. In each debate round there are two teams each composed of two members from the same school: the Government team, who presents a case, and the Opposition team, who present arguments that deconstruct those of the Government team. The format of a round roughly simulates debate in a House of Parliament in Britain (without the haughtiness, of course (or the ugly wigs). For more information about the format of parliamentary debate, visit the APDA website.
What’s the best part about Parliamentary debate?
You can debate about ANYTHING you want. And yes, we do mean anything. In the past Smith teams have debated about things covering history, government, philosophy, religion, medical ethics, literature, film, superheroes, Santa Clause and everyday life choices. As part of the team we will help you to write up cases about whatever topics interest you.
Ooooh, what are the tournaments like?
There is at least one tournament almost every weekend during both semesters. Tournaments run from mid-afternoon on Friday until Saturday night (we promise to have you home by midnight if not earlier). The hosting school provides us with food, judges, a party, and a place to stay. Schools from all over the circuit, convene each weekend, so there are always friends and familiar faces. There are three rounds on Friday night, followed usually, by a party or other get-together, and Saturday morning we attend rounds four and five bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, starting at about 9am. Lunch is after round five. After lunch are quarterfinals, semifinals, and final round, and then we FINALLY get to the awards ceremony. Above all, though, the tournaments are fun, relaxed, friendly environments with some the brightest and most interesting students from all over the country.
Sounds like fun, but I’ve never debated before!! Does that matter? What kind of experience is necessary?
Absolutely no experience is required to participate on Smith’s debate team. While Parli uses many of the same skills as Policy and Lincoln-Douglas debate, Mock Trial, Model UN, Extemp, and Student Congress, many of the most successful debaters both on the circuit and at Smith have come to it cold. All was ask is that you bring your willingness to participate and your enthusiasm, and that you learn the format. At the beginning of each year, we hold training sessions for Novice debaters (that’s you), where we go over format, techniques, and style. Even if you join us later in the year, we’re willing to work with you to get you to your debate prime. Of course the best way to learn the skill (some call it an art) of debate is to just get out there and do it: as a novice, we’ll be sending you out to debate, so that you can put your ass-whooping into practice.
That’s good to know. So why should I join debate at Smith?
First and foremost, debate is fun. Damn fun. Beyond just pleasure, the benefits to debating are astounding. Here are a few:
Public Speaking: We’re sure you’ve heard time and time again how valuable a skill this is, how you’ll need it in the “real world”. But seriously, what better way to gain confidence in yourself and your ideas then by practicing all the time?
Heightened ability to clearly articulate ideas: A first impression is undoubtedly shaped not only by what you say, but also by how you say it. Debate allows you to thoroughly analyze an idea, and then present your opinion in an intelligent manner. Improved organizational skills: To be a good debater, you have to be able to organize your thoughts quickly and coherently. This helps both your argument and its presentation. This skill really proves its value when presenting arguments in essays and papers for class.
Cooperation: Working in teams is something you are going to have to do not only throughout your time at college, but also in whatever career you eventually choose. Debate teaches you the value of contributing ideas and listening to others’. It’s impossible to win a tournament (or even be a successful debater) if you rely only on yourself. Debate shows what you can learn (and how you can win!) when you work with others to create ideas greater than what any one of you could have come up with alone.
Listening and analytical skills: Debate teaches you to pay attention to even the slightest detail, and to thoroughly analyze arguments that might sound convincing on the surface, but prove to be fallacious upon further inspection.
Debate causes you to think on your feet, a skill that will help you not only in class, but also in everyday conversation. Smithies love to sound intelligent, right? Debate will affect areas of your life you don’t even realize; you'll start organizing arguments with your parents by saying “and my second point is…”
All right. So maybe I’m kind of interested, but give me a few more reasons why I should debate at Smith.
Aside from the invaluable aforementioned benefits, there are a few great side-benefits to debate. You get to hang out with a really fun group or people, and there’s always the added benefit of getting off campus on the weekends (we all love Smith, but change can be welcome sometimes!). We travel regularly to nearly every state on the eastern seaboard, and we've taken trips to places like California, Chicago, Canada, and Morocco.
Ok, I think I might be interested. How do I get involved?
Find us on the Smith Social Network and request membership and we will add you to our email list so that you receive updates about meeting times and practice rounds.
If I still have question, whom do I contact?
If you have any more questions you can email us and one of our board members would be more than happy to help you out.