Competitive Debating

The Society regularly competes in national and international competitions.

In 2008/2009 we debated at, amongst others, Presidents Cup (UCL), Oxford, Cambridge, KCL, Bath, Warwick, Cardiff and Manchester. If you would like to debate at any of these, or would like to create your own team to go to another competition we can sort it out.

What happens?

Most competitions (Intervarsity competitions, also known as IVs) are held over one or two days. During this time there are between 3 and 5 debates, before breaking to the semi finals or straight to the finals. Speeches are normally 5 minutes in length and you will be debating against teams from around the UK and around the world.

Going to competitions is a great way to improve your skills and make
loads of new friends.

Costs

Team registration at competitions normally costs between £25 to £60. You have to be a member of the Society to compete, and as a member your registration will be paid for. We will also subsidise travel costs, paying for half of your travel costs, up to £10 per person. Accommodation is normally provided by the host University. Increasingly, tournaments are providing food, along with copious amounts of free alcohol.