CANCELLED ABCs of Successful Debate

Do many of your discussions fail to reach a useful consensus? Do you end discussions without understanding why other people do not accept your perspective? This study group will introduce the concepts and methods of formalized competitive debate. We will use these concepts as a framework to formulate discussion points with impact and to resolve differences in various situations. This group will study and experience several styles of debate. Then we will apply aspects of these styles, as appropriate, in discussions of everyday issues, public speaking, conflict mediation, and more. In this study group, we will explore how to change opinion using factual information and effective delivery, and how to better understand the opinions and facts on all sides of an issue. Discussion topics will be interesting but will not include highly sensitive issues such as politics and faith. We will use short articles and live participation to develop a hands-on experience with various forms of structured debates and discussions. No one will be required to debate individually in front of the study group if they choose not to. Participants are expected to use Canvas and do individual online research on debate topics.