Improves self confidence: standing up in front of others and trying to persuade them takes a lot of confidence. You could be making a speech on a Thursday night, or it could be in a competitive debate against amazing people from across the country. Either way, you have to think quickly on your feet being aware of your style, content and where you’re going with the argument. It is a great feeling when you can stand up in front of loads of people, speaking about something for five or even seven minutes and it all goes well.
Helps essay writing skills: when trying to present an argument in a debate it is very similar to trying to present an argument in an essay. It makes you think which are the best angles with which to tackle a question, how to make each bit different and how to link one into the other to keep a flow. Regular practice improves you considerably.
Question your beliefs: by being made to argue a point of view you may not hold it makes you appreciate the many qualities each side of the argument has and maybe even appreciate something in a whole new way. For example, has integration of communities really worked?
Improves general knowledge: debates can be on a wide range of topics and by watching others speak about topics will give you insights into subjects you might otherwise not find out about. For example, do you know how the UN works, or the many things around the world it does?
Lawyers: practice makes perfect and when it comes to mooting then all the practice with public speaking will help. Debating will also give you a wider knowledge, focussing less on precise legal matters and helping develop a wider philosophical understanding of a more diverse range of matters. Alternatively, if you are not into mooting then debating is the great alternative where you can still develop the skills that employers are looking for.
Debating helps you land a top job
Joining a debating society gives you many skills. Your ability to speak in front of others and persuade them using a well constructed argument along with your quick thinking make you a great candidate for many jobs. Even if you don’t know what you intend to do when you’re older, the skills you acquire from debating can really make you stand out.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2006/sep/09/careers.graduates5
The University of Birmingham Debating Society 