Career Girls

By Ann Wong

 

Debate. Sounds pretty simple, right? You pick a side, do some research, and then talk about why you are right. Well, not exactly. That’s what I thought two years ago when I was introduced to the debate team at my high school, but I came to find that it was much different than what I ever expected. My debate team meets every Thursday to go over arguments and rebuttals for the topic we are debating. We also have mock debates and practice our speeches in order to prepare for tournaments. Despite the initial shock of the time commitment and workload, I’ve come to love debate. It’s true: Learning to argue effectively can help you achieve your goals in school, college, and a career!

 

One of the major things that seems to turn people away from debate is the time and energy required before you are even able to go to a tournament. But I soon found that all of my hard work pays off. Although it is a time commitment, once I start to research, time flies by, especially when I am debating a topic that I am passionate about. Motivating myself to start is always the hardest part, but after the initial burden of beginning the research, it almost becomes a game for Vera (my debate partner) and me, always trying to find that one irrefutable fact.

 

With that research comes not only a wealth of knowledge that I can use in school, but increased understanding of the world issues, such as human rights, the environment, and information privacy and security. Every so often, I find myself pulling out a fact that I remember from debate to help me better explain myself in class or using a piece of information in conversations with my family about the news. Because I have to write speeches based on the research, I’ve seen immense improvements in my research and writing skills, which makes it so much easier to complete papers for my classes.

 

Along with writing and researching, participating in debate builds confidence—including in public speaking. I considered myself to be fairly comfortable with public speaking before I started debate, but standing up on the podium in front of a judge and opponents really tested what I thought I knew about myself. I was nervous, not used to stumbling and shaking when speaking in public. I talked to my coach after my first round, asking why I was feeling so unsure of myself. I remember clearly the advice she gave me: “Confidence, stand up straight, speak loud and clearly, and don’t let the older, more experienced debaters get into your head.” With that advice ringing in my ears, by the time I was in my third round, any worries I had about delivering my speeches vanished. I now find myself speaking up more easily in class, and finding my voice among others who I think know better than me. I know this will help me in whatever career I pursue, but right now as a sophomore in high school, these skills have improved my interactions with teachers, the many school projects I have to complete as a team, even my social life!

 

While debate is a time commitment, I’ve learned to overlook that and instead focus on the benefits I’m reaping from being on my high school’s debate team. So, if you’re reading this and are not currently participating your school’s debate team, give it a shot. And if your school doesn’t have a debate team, you can learn more about one starting here: https://www.speechanddebate.org/membership/. You’ll soon find that along with debate comes the opportunity to improve work habits, strengthen reading, research, writing, and speaking skills, and build self-confidence—all skills that can help you achieve your goals in high school, college, and a future career. Plus, along the way, your teammates become friends and it’s a lot of fun!