Want to start debating? Want to find out what it’s like? Want to know more? Here’s how you can:
Workshops – We have workshops every Wednesday at 2pm. Here you can get involved with a debate or just watch, chat to us and find out more about the society and how you can get involved.
Public Debates – The Society holds regular public debates. Here you can watch guest speakers debate, see what it’s like and then chat to us about forthcoming events and what the Society is like.
E-mail – you can contact us at debating@guild.bham.ac.uk– ask us anything.
There are also loads of other things you can do with the society once you’ve joined:
Bryn Gough Memorial Cup: Get debating! The Bryn Gough Memorial Cup will run during the first term where novice debaters can start debating with the best going through to the grand final and the winners winning some great prizes!
Competitive debating: Nearly every week members of the society travel around the country and indeed the world to compete at debating tournaments. It’s a great way to improve your skills, meet loads of new friends, see the country and represent your university! If you’d prefer not debate and want to just watch you can still come along. We also send judges to competitions, which is a great way of seeing how debates work, improving your understanding of what’s expected and also seeing what the debating circuit is like.
Birmingham Schools: We are starting an annual schools competition where children from around the Midlands and beyond will come to compete. You can help out by judging, not only improving your skills as a judge but also helping kids with their debating and confidence.
ESL Novice Competition: In November we will be hosting a competition for those that speak English as a second language. If you are an ESL novice then this is an opportunity to take part in a fun and exciting competition. However, if you are not an ESL novice then this is an opportunity for you to improve your skills as a judge.
Birmingham IV: In December, some of the best debaters in the World will be coming to Birmingham. You can help the event run smoothly, see the best debaters in the grand final, or help by judging in each round.
Socials: The society will be holding regular socials this year, with trips into Selly Oak for meals and drinks, along with trips further away to go bowling and to the cinema.
Get on the committee!: Every February we elect a new committee to take the society forward. By being on the committee it’s a great chance to be part of a well established, dynamic and important society and will give you so many skills and memories too!
Joining
Joining allows you to compete at national competitions without having to pay registration costs. Membership also allows you to enter the Bryn Gough Memorial Cup. At some public debates there will be free food and drink for members.
To join only costs £5 and can be done at the fresher’s fair and on The University of Birmingham Guild website.
The University of Birmingham Debating Society 