By Juris Education Interview Team
Abigail Smith is the Director of Debate and Associate Instructor of Teaching of Argumentation & Debate at Pepperdine University.
YODL (Yaatly Online Debate League)
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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