LASU DEBATE SOCIETY

HITLER! War. Mass murderer. Racist. Demagogue. That’s what people perceive him to be. But in my view, he was also a leader and one of the greatest public speakers in history. Now, hold up! I promise I’m not crazy, nor am I a fan of his actions. But we can—and should—learn from his techniques as a speaker. Again, just to be clear, I’m talking about his abilities, not the atrocities he committed. So, let’s take a quick visit to the past.   Adolf Hitler, the world's most hated and destructive leader, got millions of people to follow him and commit horrific acts. Was it voodoo? Bribes? Threats? No! It was his ability to convince people, using powerful, emotionally charged speeches. His storytelling skills incited violence against minorities, particularly the Jewish people, and fueled the war effort. Now, I’m not praising the violence he incited, but his speeches demonstrated just how powerful words can be. Humans are often more driven by sentiment than logic. We’re drawn to things that...

Humans have been debating since time immemorial. In ancient Greece, public forums were held where men and women discussed issues of social importance. Debates have always served as a means for societal cohesion, allowing individuals to express their views and defend their beliefs. Today, debates continue on the floors of national assemblies and during electoral campaigns, helping leaders challenge and refine each other’s ideas. While the broader role of debating is well recognised, its benefits are often understated. Excellent debating skills don’t just win arguments or competitions—they elevate personal growth and well-being. Here, we explore nine ways debating can enrich your everyday life. 1. Enhanced Critical Thinking Debating requires critical thinking and the ability to make unique connections between ideas. Regular participation hones this skill, enhancing cognitive abilities such as memory, logic, and visualisation. Through debating, you train your mind to assess complex inform...

Just the thought of public speaking can send waves of dread crashing through your system—shaky hands, dry mouth, heart racing like you’re about to do a marathon... We've all been there, standing in front of a group, trying to fake confidence while our mind screams, “What if I mess up?”   But hey! Public speaking doesn’t have to be terrifying. With the right mindset and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can go from fearful to fearless, commanding the room like a total boss. Here’s how you do it: Start with Self-Awareness Before you can squash the fear, you need to understand it. What exactly about public speaking makes you break out in a cold sweat? Is it the fear of being judged? Are you worried you’ll forget your words? Or maybe it’s that feeling of sounding like you’ve never spoken before? Once you figure out the root of your fear, you can tackle it head-on like a gladiator (but with less blood, and more wisdom). Master Your Material One of the quickest ways to fuel those jitters ...

The ability to tell great stories is a superpower that transforms words into memorable experiences, forging connections that last a lifetime. It's a transformative hat worn on the hearts of humanity, allowing us to travel through time, shaping and evolving our backgrounds and what defines us as humans. The "LISTEN" event, the Biggest Storytelling Event in Africa, exemplifies this power. Organised by the Lagos State University Debate Society (LSUDS), this event has become a cornerstone for the LASU community and beyond. It has influenced and inspired thousands, enabling listeners to embark on emotional journeys, discover new values and cultures, and continuously learn. LISTEN is not just an exhilarating storytelling experience designed to draw audiences, but a captivating one where speakers tell their personal stories that reforms, transforms, and inform the minds of a larger audience. It’s unmatched in scale among storytelling events on Nigerian institution campuses. Eac...

I n the symphony of human expression, language emerges as the virtuoso conductor, orchestrating communication through the melodic dance of words, whether spoken, written, or gestured. It is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as the principal method of human connection, consisting of words used in a structured, conventional way conveyed by speech, writing, or gesture. Language weaves a tapestry of structured dialogue within communities and across nations. Within this intricate framework, the trio of reading, writing, and speaking stands as the eloquent performers, each note playing a vital role in the grand composition of human interaction. At the genesis of learning, oral language — spoken and listened to — feeds reading and writing. Before you can read and write, you learn first to speak and listen. However, as you grow older, reading starts to feed the other components of your language. This means that the more you read, the more eloquent you are at speaking, and the better you get at ...

Leadership is the fine balance of skills and qualities that transform an individual into an effective leader. It involves inspiring and guiding others towards a shared vision, making tough decisions, and fostering a positive and productive environment. It's about being able to motivate and empower others to achieve their full potential.  Leadership is both an art and a science, combining strategy, empathy, communication, and adaptability. Leadership is like conducting an orchestra. A great leader brings together different talents and guides them harmoniously towards a common goal.  To master the arts of leadership, here are a few tips to hold on: LEAD BY EXAMPLE AND PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH: As a leader, you should demonstrate the behaviours and qualities that you expect from your team. It's about being a role model and living up to the standards you set. For example, if you expect your team to be punctual, you should also be punctual. By leading by example, you inspire and mo...