Tuesday, 15 May 2012

Blog 9: My First Debate


Today, May 15th, is a memorable day in my life because it is my first time to be a debater. I used to think that debates are rather boring. However, it is today when I realize that debates are instead quite interesting. It is true that sometimes you can never tell what things are like unless you take them. If you do so, there may be surprise.
In fact, debates do good to improve one’s ability to deliver his or her opinions to others. Debaters can also polish up their skill of collecting and selecting information that is used as proof.
First of all, it is always a challenge for most of the students to make themselves clear and understood. Many people will say: “I don’t know how to say” during their speeches. However, in a debate, there is no time for hesitation. One must keep talking and delivering his or her thoughts to the audience; if one hesitates or pauses, he or her may be shot down by the opposite debaters and thus, lose the debate. Time is fairly precious during the debate. As a result, a debate can urge a person to reason and rebut quickly, forcing him or her to improve unconsciously. I was surprised by my performance today: I talked quite fluently with firm tone as if I was speaking in my mother tongue Cantonese. When my classmate told me that I sounded not nervous at all, I couldn’t believe it but of course, I was also glad that I’ve achieved a lot in my oral English during the bridging course. I’ve conquered the fear in my mind.
Besides, if a debater wants to win, it is necessary to bring up enough supporting details to back up his or her stands. I think that is one of my shortcomings and also the reason why we did not win today. If there is not enough proof brought up, even if you are a native speaker who masters the language quite well cannot win. Facts make the audience believe what the debater claims. To make us convincing and persuasive, we should speak with evidences.
Today’s debate is a very good chance for me to improve. I’ve gained a lot from it, which makes me even happier than winning the debate, honestly speaking. I am not hesitated any longer; I will seize every chance that I encounter to improve myself in the future.

5 comments:

  1. i feel happy for your behaviour and your reflection about today's debate. you just said to me that you are gonna write a blog and now you have already published it. i'm impressed by your efficiency.

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  2. I think all of our debaters did very well in the debates.(Haha, probably it doesn't sound modest enough to include myself in.) I always find debates quite interesting and attractive; it completely shows the charm of a language and the critical thinking of the debaters. Actually, whether win or not is not the main point of any competition. As I consider, as long as one enjoys the fullest of one thing, he or she has already won.

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  3. Well done, Junji. I`m so proud of you and I`m sure your parents too. It`s not always about winning but the experience. You`ve really come a long way-from the shy, quiet and nervous guy, to the confident,mature young man! You`ve shown a great deal of improvement in all the language skills and also thinking skills. You`ve challenged yourself to do better, and you`ve succeeded. You`ve a great future ahead of you, Junji and I wish you the very best in all your endeavours. Keep that positive attitude! There are many more opportunities to shine.

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  4. Junji, honestly speaking, you did a good job in this debate! I am proud of you. I can remember that at the beginning of our bridging course, you were shy and did not talk much. However, now, I think you are outgoing and sunny! (^8^) Although I do not like debate, I have to admit that debate dose give us a chance to cultivate the analytical ability and force us to be confident. In this debate, I was quite happy. We won eventually, even though our topic was difficult to support. I agree with you that we should do comprehensive research before debate. I firmly believe you could do better in your next debate! (Maybe one of your opponents is me, haha)

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  5. I have never participate in such a debate whether in English or Chinese. In fact, I am eager to do it. I think it is helpful and meaningful for us. Also, it needs you to pay lots of efforts. I believe you do a lot preparation for it. Well done!

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