Our Interview With Abigail Smith, Director of Debate, Pepperdine University

By Juris Education Interview Team

Abigail Smith is the Director of Debate and Associate Instructor of Teaching of Argumentation & Debate at Pepperdine University.

1. What types of debates or formats does your union participate in?

YODL (Yaatly Online Debate League)

Civic Debate Consortium‍

2. What are some of the biggest takeaways or real-world benefits that students gain from participating in your debate union?

The most important takeaway, in terms of their relationships and their future careers, is the importance of listening. To excel in debate, students have to listen carefully, with an open mind, and with the goal of understanding their opponents. They quickly come to realize that the most persuasive person in the room isn’t the loudest or the one who talks the most, but the best listener.

3. What’s the most challenging and the most rewarding aspect of joining a debate union?

Joining a debate program can initially feel intimidating, particularly for students who don’t have high school speech or debate experience. However, the most rewarding aspect is their confidence once they overcome that initial barrier. 

4. How does debating help students become more confident speakers?

Students become more confident speakers through debate participation because they learn that many different styles can be persuasive. For example, someone who is more monotone may get marked off in a public speaking class but will likely find their footing in debate as their delivery may rely upon things like wit or sarcasm that audiences connect with but aren’t typically seen as “strong speakers.” 

5. Do you think aspiring law school applicants can benefit from joining a debate union? How so?

Absolutely! Debate is an excellent training ground in that, in addition to critical thinking, organizational, and rhetorical skill-building, it is an opportunity for students to try out different speaking styles to figure out what suits them before they head into a legal career.

6. Do you know of any former members of your debate union who have successfully gone on to law school? If so, how did their debate experience contribute to their success?

Several of our previous members are in law school or practicing law. They’ve all expressed that debate made them feel more prepared than their non-debate peers. They go into law school already understanding how to balance the intense time demands and respond quickly and relevantly even when they may not be as well-versed as they’d prefer. They also have a layer of confidence that only comes with consistent practice speaking in front of others and adapting to different audiences. 

7. What advice would you give to aspiring law students who are considering joining a debate union in college but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for them?

I advise aspiring law students to focus on all the elements that make someone a good lawyer. They may have excellent grades and a quick mind, but knowing how to articulate an idea clearly with little preparation takes practice. Having that skill will set them apart from their law school peers.

Juris Education is proud to interview experts like Abigail Smith to help future lawyers understand the benefits of extracurricular involvement in college. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into law school today.