Casual Debates
At the heart of the Political Discourse Society are our Casual Debates, designed to give everyone, from passionate debaters to complete beginners, a space to explore ideas, practice speaking, and sharpen their reasoning skills. These sessions aren’t about “winning” an argument; they’re about engaging with different perspectives, thinking critically on your feet, and learning how to express yourself clearly in front of others.
Debate Formats
- Casual Debate (Roundtable): A relaxed, turn-by-turn discussion where everyone shares their thoughts on the chosen topic.
- Casual Debate Split: The room is divided into proposition and opposition, with each side taking turns to speak for or against a motion.
- British Parliamentary Hybrid: A shorter version of the classic BP style, where speakers are assigned roles but the time limits and structure are simplified to make it accessible for everyone.
What We Talk About
The topics we cover are deliberately broad and varied, so there’s something for everyone. Sometimes we’ll focus on current affairs, such as “Should governments regulate artificial intelligence more strictly?” or “Was the UK right to rejoin the Horizon science programme?” At other times, we’ll dig into political ideologies, debating motions like “Capitalism is the best system for innovation” or “Democratic socialism is the future of governance.” We also explore lighter but still thought-provoking ideas, like “Should voting be compulsory?” or “Is social media killing genuine political discourse?”
Why Join?
Casual Debates help you build confidence in public speaking, improve your ability to think under pressure, and expose you to viewpoints you might never have considered before. Whether you’re looking to develop skills for your degree, prepare for future careers, or simply enjoy a lively discussion with friends, these debates are the perfect place to start. And don’t worry, beginners are always welcome, and we’ll guide you through the process.
In short, Casual Debates are about practicing your voice, challenging your thinking, and having fun while doing it.
