LASU DEBATE SOCIETY

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 ...