Learn to Communicate through Debate! Summer 2022

Communication is a comprehensive set of skills and one medium that checks all boxes in communication skills is the medium of Debating. While learning to debate, one learns to build a strong case, support it with reason and evidence and present it persuasively.

Some critical skills that children learn through debating are:

• critical thinking skills: what is my opinion on this issue and how can I support it? What are other schools of thought on this subject and what framework can I use to evaluate these opposing positions? What kinds of research do I need to do? What are credible sources for research? How do I evaluate bias and how can I balance it out? Do I understand the subject well enough to argue both sides with strong arguments? Do I know what logical fallacies are and can I identify and avoid them? Have I developed the key critical skills of conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating information? Have I observed, experienced, reflected, reasoned and problem-solved to come up with some credible alternatives to augment my position? Can I resolve conflicts using my intellect in meaningful and practical manner? Do I seek out opposing views in order to understand them adequately?
• interpersonal skills: How is my body language? Does my tone match what I am saying? Am I aware of my non-verbal language and can I think on my feet to make my point effectively? Am I addressing the issue and opposing that versus personally attacking my opponent in the debate? Do I use words efficiently and effectively to communicate my point? How well do I listen? Can I use humour and other devices to illustrate my position entertainingly? How good are my presentation skills? Do I adapt my views to new information? How willing am I to change my views drastically, if appropriate?
• social skills: Can I regulate myself emotionally? Can I be passionate without losing my cool? Am I empathetic to all points of view? Can I place myself in the shoes of someone who has gone through an entirely different experience than mine? Can I be non-judgemental to positions I don’t agree with? How socially conscious am I? Can I build my confidence while staying likeable?
• background knowledge: How deep is my knowledge on social, political, economic, geographical, historical, cultural, environmental and legal areas? Am I aware of what I know and more importantly, what I need to get more informed on?

This is not just for debaters, though debaters will benefit hugely too.

We have a good selection of debating workshops for children between the ages of 11 – 18 years of age.

Build a Strong Position workshops (3 days)

Dates: April 11th to 13th, May 4th – 6th

Time: 3 pm to 4:15 pm

Fee: Rs. 2,000 per workshop

Areas covered: Building a strong argument, Logical Fallacies, Rebuttal

A bonus session is also included, with choices between these sessions: Introduction to Model UN, Story Transformation or The World of Books and Reading. Dates are in the registration form.

Learn to Debate workshops (5 days)

Debating 101

Dates: April 18th – 22nd or May 9th – 13th

Time: 3 pm to 4:15 pm

Fee: Rs. 2,500 per workshop

Areas covered: Structure of debates, debating skills, skill building activities and practice debates

A bonus session is also included, with choices between these sessions: Introduction to Model UN, Story Transformation or The World of Books and Reading. Dates are in the registration form.

Parliamentary Debating

Dates: April 25th – 29th or May 16th – 20th

Time: 3 pm to 4:15 pm

Fee: Rs. 2,500 per workshop

Areas covered: Structure of these debates, position building, debating skills, skill building activities and practice debates.

A bonus session is also included, with choices between these sessions: Introduction to Model UN, Story Transformation or The World of Books and Reading. Dates are in the registration form.

Register here.

We look forward to working with our kids!