Facing your Fears
The Debating Kickoff
I registered for the Debating society and had
forgotten about it, as I wasn’t really keen about the whole thing. The lack of
interest wasn't because I didn’t know anything or wasn’t sure of making a good
argument, as I am very good at that. I was apprehensive about the whole thing
because I prefer to sit in a group and comment from there rather than be on
stage. I had tried it in school and discovered I was very bad at it; in the
sense that I had a phobia of public speaking - speaking in front of an
audience. It was because of this fear, that whenever I was on stage, I said
everything very fast which resulted in me forgetting some of the things that I
needed to say! It was because of this that I never could got the confidence and
just started ignoring it. I felt I got better at it after studying for the UPSC
and having discussions on various topics and stuff, but I had not really tested
my skills. That went on for years and then I registered for the debating
society at the University of Westminster, London. I am not sure why I did it,
as I had forgotten until I received an email about the 1st session.
I was trying to find reasons not to go, but finally went. I was like let’s go
and see what it is. I don’t have to speak as who makes one speak on the 1st
day! Well! I was just working on my own confidence and consoling myself!
So there I was sitting in the last row. The hall
filled up very fast, and this was something I had not expected. I watched the
scenario while talking to the girl besides me. She was from Zimbabwe, studying
Property development or something related to that. The session started with Jim
- the president of the debating society of the University of Westminster
introducing himself, his colleagues and the society and what all we would be
doing in general. He had taken part in the World Advocacy Debate in Germany,
the world’s most prestigious competition. That was impressive; and he spoke
with that experience, displaying immense that confidence. They started by
showing us a clip from ‘The Kings Speech’, to try and lessen our fears and to
boost the confidence of people like me. I guess that everyone can speak and
will get better with time and practice!
Then they explained how debates are conducted.. It
was fascinating for me, something I had not at all expected. The debate was
going to be in the British parliamentary style, the way it actually happens in
the Parliament. Four groups, 2 on the government side and 2 on opposition side
with 2 people in each group. The sequence of debating goes as follows -
So it was pretty clear who will speak when. There
was a dummy debate to set the mood in the hall. The audience was divided into
two groups and we just had open arguments which made the energy flow. Then the
call for people who wanted to volunteer to speak came and everyone was not
really enthusiastic. This made me relax a bit as I guess I felt it’s ok as no one really seems to have
any experience; except for a few. Jim emphasized on how important it is to
start and it doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to speak and if you have
never spoken before. So then there were
a few volunteers. We were paired-up for the debate and given 15 minutes to
prepare for the motion. It started and we were well prepared, or that’s what I
thought. The real fun was when I spoke. I had good points to speak about and 5
minutes to talk and make counter arguments (rebuttals) and take question. I
finished everything in like two and half minutes. We were given 10 minutes
after which the results were announced. We got our feedback and mine was not so
good as I had already presumed. The points I know were pretty good, but my
apprehensions and fears had dominated the whole scenario. The thorough feedback
about teams, how to develop your argument and why and who stood 1st
2nd and all was good. The best part being the personal feedback
which Jim gave, it showed his dedication and how seriously he took his
work. This was very motivating and it
was the push required for me to take debating seriously.
He announced that the years 1st
competition in UK was to be held at UCL during the weekend and urged us to take
part in it. He reiterated the fact that it was for novices, that is people who
do not have a prior experience of UK parliamentary debating over a year. I was wondering
whether to take part or not and then he mentioned that the earlier you speak
the earlier you learn and get better. So I was like what better event to start
than the UK educational years 1st competition!
I was paired with a guy for the UK, who was good,
calmer and more precise than I was so I guess it was a good balance. We went to
the competition on Saturday, both new to debating. The competition was a great
learning experience. We did not do well at all, but learned so much. Every
round was a new learning experience. The 4 rounds were designed in such a way
that we got to be at all four positions shown in the above diagram. So
literally we were learning round after round, and trying to use it in the next
round which was again wrong, as every position had its specific job, as in what
to speak and how to speak. This was amazing as students from almost 30 universities
had taken part in it with around 80 teams. So I got to learn from everyone. I also met new people,
made some friends, that also being the main aim of the social get-together after
the event.
It was an amazing experience. I learned so much,
and finally got rid of my fear of Public speaking. Yes, maybe not altogether,
but I am now on the road to improvement. Every debate I take part, I got
better, which was visible to me as well as those around me. My confidence got a
boost when I was voted the best speaker in the group by people in the audience,
other students who did not take part and were spectators, during our next
practice session. Not by Jim and I knew why. Even though I was voted for, I
knew where I had messed up and where I had to improve.
I got over the fear and anxiety of public speaking
and that‘s going to be one of the biggest boosts of my life over the years.
These things like facing your fears, tackling them and rising above it give me immense
pleasure and confidence. So as far as I am concerned I will be taking part in
all the debating competitions possible hereafter.
I now get
the true meaning of what Eleanor Roosevelt has said,-
“You gain
strength courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop
and look fear in the face. You must do the things which you think you cannot
do.”
One might think it was just debating, public
speaking what’s the big deal. It was for me, it was one of my biggest fears,
phobias just like darkness. Darkness now, well I am in love with it, and I am
getting the same feeling about this. I know that as time passes by, I am going
to get better and better and that’s a great feeling.!.
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