Debating and Public Speaking @ Liverpool Uni

Welcome to the University of Liverpool Debating and Public Speaking Society! Resurrected in 2003/4 and now back on the Debating circuit!

WHO ARE WE?

The Liverpool Branch of "Non-Apathetics-Anonymous"!

We're basically a bunch of students who like to talk and argue in a slightly intellectual capacity; or to put it another way, "the society exists for the purpose of the exposition of ideas, the promotion of free speech and the practice of oratory." (quote nicked from the Society Constitution).

We are a politically, religiously and ethically neutral society, and our members are from a diverse range of political, religious and philosophical backgrounds or none. The Society is by its very nature open to all regardless of opinion or belief. In other words, "come on in and enjoy the free-for-all!" There may even be cake depending on whether or not Steve remembers this week!

WHAT DO WE DO?

PUBLIC SPEAKING

We hold regular Public Speaking Forums, (usually Monday nights at 7pm in the sumptuous neo-classical surroundings of the Harold Wilson Room of the Liverpool Guild of Students), on a pre-decided topic of current interest. Anyone is welcome to speak on the topic from any angle (though standing or sitting in an upright position is the usual...)

Usually the panel of speakers will be two or four in number. There are no time limits on speeches (though we request speakers don't go on for too long) and there is no formal debating protocol. The main feature of these events is the large floor debate in which members of the audience can ask questions, make points and have their say on the issues being discussed. These usually make for lively, thought provoking and entertaining viewing!

The level of audience participation has been fantastic this year and these have been well attended. Don't fancy speaking? No problem, just come and listen along if you're interested- you will be most welcome. Or if you fancy something a little more formal and competitive, why not try...

DEBATING

On an ad hoc basis (i.e. when there's a competition coming up) we practice formal British Parliamentary Style Debating of the sort used in competitions. We have entered two competitions in the academic year 2005/6, the Lancaster and Manchester IVs (Inter-Varsities). For the full British Parliamentary Debating rules go to:

http://www.britishdebate.com/universities/resources/neidle.asp

We shall be entering teams in the Manchester and Nottingham Inter-Varsities, see above announcements for details.


Left to right: Katie Murphy, James Keogh, Frances Wilmott, Louise Mallon, Emma Devereux, Craig Williams, Rob Supria, Steve Molloy at the Manchester IV 11th March 2006.

A judge's eye view of a debate about to start at the Manchester IV.

Whether you have been a keen debater since school or have never debated before in your life, it doesn't matter- if you would like to try competative debating you will be more than welcome to join us. Our highly proficient and dedicated "Gaffer" (coach) and President, James Fraser, will soon show you the ropes! (If you meet him, remember to bow deeply and respectfully- this guy rocks when it comes to debating -tack!).

WHO'S WHO?

The Society has many members spanning all departments in the University, there is no dominance of any one department or subject in the society (despite the Law students' best efforts!), we are a diverse and friendly bunch, so you should feel right at home whether you prefer to speak, debate or just listen along with a smile on your face as you munch on chocolate cake.

THE COMMITTEE 2006/7

Following the AGM of 20th March 2006, (in which the use of cake as an election pledge was banned following last year's misuse of the confection), the following members were elected to the Committee of the Debating and Public Speaking Society:

James Fraser.......... President and Gaffer (previously Gaffer 2005/6)

Anna Welsh............ Treasurer (previously Secretary 2005/6)

Craig Williams........ Secretary

Steve Molloy........... Convenor (previously President 2005/6)

(Embarrasing photos to follow soon!)

HOW DOES ONE JOIN?

Just turn up at one of our meetings! Nominally it is £3 to join for the year, but no-one is barred from meetings simply for being a non-member. (Yeah, like we're going to have a little bloke in a cap on the door checking!) You can come as often or as little as you like- whatever interests you. To sign up officially, though, you have to go to the Base (ground floor of the Guild) and sign up formally.

WHAT'S ON?

Public Speaking Forums: Every Monday at 8pm in the McAusland Room at the Liverpool Guild of Students. Average attendence- 20 t0 30 people (a decent crowd, and there's free cake!)

We encourage anyone interested to submit proposals for topics for future events of this kind via e-mail. We will endevour to have a forum based on your suggestion- whatever it is. Seriously, last year we even had one on chocolate! There are practically no holds barred (where we can get away with it) so no matter how obscure or controversial your topic, with few exceptions we should be able to debate it.

"Carpe Noctem!" (as the evening's are drawing in!)

Keywords: University Liverpool Guild Debates Debating Society Student Students Public Speaking