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Public DebatesDebaters are entertainers; they like to use their wit, humour and all too often sarcasm to make their argument. At the MDU we like to give our debaters a platform to perform to the Manchester student public. Public debates are held every Tuesday at 5pm and they normally last for around an hour and a half. Please check our facebook group or our calendar for details on location and topics of upcoming debates. To help explain it all here is a quick guide to our public debates... Who debates?It is the duty of the Chairperson of the MDU to provide thought provoking and controversial motions. Debaters who participate in the public debates come in all levels, from novice debaters, experienced circuit trained debaters to guests invited from societies and departments with little if no debating experience but armed with specialist knowledge of the motion. This year the MDU has welcomed, amongst others, renowned political philosopher Professor Hillel Steiner, international marketing economist Peter Griffiths, and the Romanian Ambassador to the UK. What do we debate about?Our motions cover a wide range of topics, from matters of politics and current affairs to issues in medicine or personal ethical dilemmas. Some are real current issues, others are simply controversial statements which hopefully allow us to showcase persuasive public speaking.
The role of devil’s advocateDebaters often have to play the role of "devil’s advocate", they have to discard their personal views and make an argument. MDU speakers participating in a debate will be assigned their positions in debates at random and so will often have to debate in favor of a motion which conflicts with their personal viewpoint. Part of the purpose of debating is to teach the ability to put yourself in other people's shoes and perceive arguments from angles that you may not have previously considered. Audience InteractivityOf course we don't just want our public debates to be about the speakers. If you're brave enough you can raise points to the speakers while they're in the full flow of their arguments. We also have an audience question time in every debate where you can get responses to any burning questions you've got and hopefully move the debate in unexpected directions. The audience always have the last word with a vote on the motion; for, against or if neither side have impressed, abstain. Post-debate activities!After the vote it is up to the chairman to choose the best speaker from the audience. The winner receives a bottle of wine. So, if you wish to come and listen to intellectual and entertaining argument; to make the debaters sweat with your stinging comments or to win a bottle of wine, please join us every Tuesday 5.00pm in the Steve Biko building. After the public debate, we like to go for a drink in the Oxford, so that our members can get to know each other better. Keep your eyes open for posters advertising upcoming debates. Motions Debated in 2010/2011
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