“Speech is power: speech is persuade to convert, to compel.”
“Debate lies not in the conquest of opposing views, but in the relentless pursuit of truth and the illumination of understanding that arises from the clash of ideas.”
How I STARTED…
Debate and public speaking are valuable learning experiences for young people. Both
teach a variety of important skills that will last a lifetime. Such skills as researching and analyzing information, enhancing our critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and enhancing our confidence when speaking and presenting are just the tip of the iceberg on its importance.
Being a part of a debate team has improved my communication skills, increased my vocabulary, and expanded my ability to learn how to structure arguments and counter-arguments more effectively.
My personal journey with public speaking and debate began at Dialogy in Shanghai when I was in Grade 4. By the time I was in Grade 5, I was recognized as one of the top 10 speakers. I am most proud of this accomplishment. In Grade 6, I was a part of the school’s debate team, and we won the 1st place team in the Orange County Holiday Tournament for the Novice Division. This was a huge milestone for our team. A memory that I will not soon forget.
Ada Hu Blog 