Our Interview with Joshua B. Wales, Debate Club President at Covenant College

By the Juris Education Interview Team

Joshua B. Wales is the Debate Club President at Covenant College.

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

Currently, we participate exclusively in NPDL-style debates. We also have done some training in Lincoln-Douglas and are looking into Moot Court. 

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

Debate is an extremely beneficial skill. By training students how to think critically, analyze information quickly, and articulate ideas eloquently, it prepares them for future job interviews, crafting legal arguments, or even simply having a conversation with people with whom they might disagree in a respectful and discerning manner. 

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

The most challenging part is taking the first steps. Speaking in front of one’s peers and professors appears daunting and sometimes unforgiving. Consequently, many people are deterred from even giving it a try. However, many students I know have fallen in love with it once they get over that initial hump. The thrill of constructing arguments and knowing how to present them effectively is deeply satisfying and pushes students to see just how far they can go. 

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

In debate, students are required to look at the merits and demerits of both sides of any given topic. As a result, they tend to be more comfortable when facing opposition. You get used to seeing people disagree with you and communicating your point of view. Moreover, by practicing the art of rhetoric in front of an audience of their peers and professors, students become more relaxed when speaking in public.

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

Debate is one of the best extracurricular preparations for law school applicants that I’ve encountered. An enormous amount of legal work involves constructing and responding to arguments, knowing how to research complex topics, and presenting defenses in a persuasive manner. By encouraging critical thinking and concise oration, debate teaches potential law school applicants how to sift through legal jargon and strike at the heart of an argument effectively and eloquently. 

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? 

While debate is open to and beneficial for students of all stripes, future law school students tend to gravitate to it more than most. At Covenant, we have many former debate students who have gone on to top law schools, corporations, and government positions. Their practice at effective communication and research has been critical to their successes in these fields. 

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? 

Try it out! It is always better to attend the first few meetings to see what it offers than to never show up and miss out on a great opportunity to build your resume, your skill set, and your confidence. Who knows? You might even have a good time.

‍Juris Education is proud to interview experts like Joshua B. Wales 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.