Debate Club welcomes all voices

When someone hears the word “debate,” they may think of two people arguing on podiums, taking a stance on a heavy topic as they both tear down the opposing arguments, all while on stage and in front of a large audience.

Sounds quite daunting, maybe even inaccessible to some degree with how challenging it may seem to both create and defend an argument through proper research and facts. 

However, our very own Debate Club would say otherwise. Taking place in Room 757 during Tuesday lunch every week, club meetings give students the opportunity to participate in the art of debate through discussions and games in an inclusive, welcoming environment.

“I think everyone can do debate,” said Debate Club President Nominjin Batbold. “I think that everyone at some capacity has the ability to share their opinions and what they think about the world.”

Activities are organized for club members to showcase their debating skills against one another. Members are often presented with a trending topic such as school policy for example, before splitting off to discuss potential arguments, defenses, and strategy. 

One such activity is the game “Tap Out” where the club is split into two opposing sides of a given topic and are pitted to debate each other across a table. Whenever someone is out of ideas, they could choose to tap out and call someone else to take their place.

Ultimately, the winners are decided by the various club officers who will gauge each person’s or team’s persuasiveness, factoring in not just the arguments themselves but also body language and attentiveness. 

Those who dominate the argumentative arena and are successful in swaying the judges to their side are awarded with bragging rights and a fun prize such as a small bag of chips.

“It’s a great opportunity to be able to express myself and have a little bit of fun,” commented club member Mihir Nanisetti. “I come here every Tuesday and I look forward to it.”

Do note that Debate Club is separate from our school’s debate team, serving as more of a casual look into what debate is all about.

“People can join our team through Debate Club,” explained Batbold. “However our team isn’t really connected directly to the club as our team is competitive and we compete in actual tournaments.”

Debate Club currently has around 15 members with further hopes for expansion. Plans for improvements to their marketing and outreach are in the works with hopes for more frequent posts on the club’s Instagram page and potential fundraiser events.