Debating: intensive
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: DVB045
Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Debating requires the ability to speak English persuasively in public and, crucially, to respond rapidly to other people’s objections to what you say. In this shorter, intensive version of our highly popular course, we will cover the theory and practice of debating, and you will progress quickly in areas of content, strategy and style. A great mental workout.You will cover the theory and practice of debating, employing communication skills that can be used in a range of circumstances from informal discussion to the multi-national board-room.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
You will look at constructing effective arguments: developing a point logically with persuasive argument while anticipating possible objections.
There will be opportunities to play games and exercises in order to learn some theory of communication and practise given to you for extended speaking in a more formal context.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Better develop your own argument
Speak more fluently in different contexts
Listen, understand and respond critically to others
Participate effectively as a member of any team
Present yourself more confidently.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a beginners' course. In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Speak English fluently
• Communicate in group situations
• Give and receive constructive feedback
• Read and respond to a range of texts
• Take course notes for your own use
If you are new to voice classes please take a moment to read our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) before choosing.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will learn through group and individual work.
A balance will be struck between the informal and the formal, the debating rules once introduced facilitating and encouraging the fair and balanced free flow of interrelating speeches. Some preparation will be required.
As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please have a notebook and pen.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Debating: Improvers, The Art of Negotiating or one of our courses in Communication skills for business.
Gavin Illsley has taught Debating, Art of Negotiation, Public Speaking and Presenting at City Lit since 2011. While at the High School of Dundee in 2003, he won the Cambridge Union Debating prize, and he was a champion debater at the Cambridge Union and European championships. Since graduation he has served as a judge of debating competitions, notably for the Oxford Union, European Debating Championships. Gavin is also Head of Programmes at the English Speaking Union.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.