Are you ready to elevate your public speaking and debating skills? The Utrecht Debating Society invites you to our four-week Debate Academy, a comprehensive crash course designed for new members. Over three evenings, you’ll learn about public speaking, argumentation, and rebuttal techniques from some of the best speakers in the Netherlands and engage in practical debates under the guidance of experienced judges. On the fourth evening, you’ll compete in a friendly internal competition. This is the perfect way to familiarize yourself with debating and our society. Connect with new members and seasoned debaters while enjoying a beer, and end each session at ‘t Pandje, our favorite pub in the heart of Utrecht.
The Debate Academy 2024 will take place in the Locke building at University College Utrecht (Campusplein 17, 3584 ED Utrecht) at 19:00 on September 18th, September 25th, October 2nd, and October 9th. It’s free of charge! You can also join us for an introductory session at 19:15 on September 11th.
Previous Debate Academy experience by Elmar Schmidt:
Even though I still have a long way to go to what can be considered a good debater, I am staggered by the progress that I have made since I started just eight weeks ago. My fear of speaking in front of an audience is dramatically reduced, I am calmer and can think more clearly during the debates and my arguments are becoming more structured.
Don’t miss this opportunity to develop your debating skills and make new friends.