Students share their impression of participating in the debates

Summer is not only a time for holidays, but also for new experiences. Two students from The School of Foreign Languages, Nastya Agapova and Timofey Leonov, have been continuing the work of the department's debate club. Nastya gave a master class for students, both from Moscow and abroad, and for the second year in a row, Timofey participated as both a coach and a judge in an international debate camp organized by the Cohen-Idov Centre for Rhetoric and Debate. As senior mentor, he also works with students from grades 7 to 11.

Timofey shared his impression of participating in the debates:
- Why are you interested in participating in debates? And what topics have been the most memorable?
- Debating helps you to believe in yourself. The more you are able to convince someone of your own belief, the more confident you become. The most memorable topic was 'This House opposes the portrayal of criminal lifestyles as "cool" in popular entertainment (e.g. Narcos, Breaking Bad, Scarface)'. Coming up with relevant arguments about cinema and culture was quite easy, yet very interesting. The speech was a success, and the debates were memorable.
- And what's the hardest part of debating?
- The most difficult aspect for me is the research, both on the topic and the listeners. I try to collect the most relevant and strongest arguments while preparing a speech. This can sometimes be tough. And every audience is different. With students as judges, it is possible to give free rein to emotions, but with more experienced ones, logic and proof are of higher importance. The judges are revealed at the very last moment, so you need to be ready for any scenario.
- Could you share your impressions of coaching with us?
- I particularly enjoy helping to unlock the potential of youth. Working as a coach has enabled me to understand children and teenagers better, and find room and opportunities for their development, as well as helping us to face and overcome challenges together. The most difficult thing is to spark their motivation. It really is the hardest part of the coach’s work, and something that I need to master.
- Are there any tips for debate participants?
- My advice for beginners is to 'forget' the grammar. We often hesitate when speaking in English in public because of fear of being criticized. During the debate, make the the meaning the priority, not the grammar. Don't worry about it and just go ahead, debate!