Tim Lussier

The HPU Debate Society: the art of argumentation

by Ethan Perry, student writer

“Thank you, madam speaker. We of the proposition are proud to propose…” Thus began one of the many practice debates held by HPU’s Debate Society.

Debate is basically the art of argumentation and persuasion. But winning a debate is not simply a matter of proving your point. To win, you have to prove that your side stands for something that is important.

You also have to prove that what your side is proposing will lead to that important something, whether it is human rights, a greener planet, or improving education. And you have to do all that better than the other side.

“I think debate is an incredible opportunity for any person wishing to challenge themselves to become better thinkers and speakers,” said Tim Lussier, an HPU senior majoring in entrepreneurial studies.

“Debating in high school and college changed my life,” said Professor Rose Helens-Hart, Director of Debate here at HPU. “I learned a tremendous amount about the world around me (and how policies are created and influenced), persuasion and public presentation from our weekly research and debates. I became a much more critical thinker and consumer of information,” she said.

Dr. Steven Combs, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, said: “I debated in high school and college and I believe that my experiences in debate provided outstanding preparation for my professional life. I and most of my friends from debate have become very successful lawyers, educators, and business leaders, and we all believe that debate was a vital part of our success.” For some though, debating is just plain fun.

For those who are thinking about debate, try it,” urged Cody Corcelius, a junior and political science major. “It is a lot of fun. You become well-educated in a wide array of topics and you develop skills that you will use in your professional life and…[the] rest of your life.”

The Debate Society is open to undergraduate and graduate students of any major. Students do not need to have experience in debate or public speaking, but should come in with an open mind and a desire to improve their public speaking and critical thinking skills.

To learn more, go to www.hpu.edu/debate, or consider joining in on a practice this semester at 3 p.m., Monday and Wednesdays in MP 240.

From HPU’s “Student run paper”