We did our second practice debate today, after running a prep session last Sunday. The topic for Round 2 was "That the US Should Leave Iraq Immediately", and the debates were vigorous and enjoyable.
It's gratifying to see that the participants have made substantial improvement in such a short time. In the first round speakers were taking up a lot of time without saying much, and so the focus of our feedback was on bulking out their speeches with more arguments and details. They obviously learned the lesson because this week the debate featured a wide variety of arguments. Well done!
Our feedback this time was centred on structure - making sure the participants develop arguments and properly differentiate the key components of their speeches. The standard of their skills is improving fast, and I look forward to hearing about how their third and final round goes.
Unfortunately for me, this was my last week with this pilot program. I have other commitments over the next two Sundays, but Kim is taking over and Lucia will do one more week so the guys are in good hands.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Lucia, Duncan, Tom and Matty K for helping with this programme. I think this is the start of a long and productive relationship with Bahr El Ghazal, and it's been a lot of fun!
