A definite first for me, this debate was difficult and certainly a mind twister. What the entire PLP 11 group did for the exhibition at the end of the year was have a debate battle between groups made by the teachers. Prior to doing this debate, we had a lot of practice debating on topics like, do leaders with power become corrupt? To the reflection!
On the night of the debate, I did not worry much because I thought my group was very prepared to win or at least not get wiped out in first bracket. This was very on the contrary as my group was absolutely destroyed in the topics we debated in. Our groups points seemed strong but we could never get the audience’s support. The groups that were expected to be strong were very strong. It was to say that we got swept off the floor because we lost every single debate we did. The night went very well for the rest of the teams. One of the highlights was when I was referenced directly by Alanah which destroyed me but I must admit was an excellent idea.
In the end, our failures probably came from not being able to think in the spot and effectively convey our message in the short time that we had. Our points were rebutted and sometimes, we could not counter it effectively and launch attacks. I admit I was not the most helpful in the group but I am willing to strive and correct the lack of skill in this area.
Some things that I would want changed if we do this debate again is to have less of the audience be the decision makers. I felt that if we appease the audience with what they want like one liners that have no correlation to the subject, the results would be very skewed. Not to mention that the audience sometimes does not know what we have been studying to make connections to a deep thought that the students put out. Also, the class expressed their concern on how the audience could have let their own beliefs and emotions bias their judging of the debate which would have decided who won even before the debate began.
Overall, I would like to do is again if we get to do a more formal style of debate which is full of structure and the changes are made in regards to who has power in the vote.