done so much speaking since I got to university, although I do a lot of coaching and judging. Ronan: I was bored one Friday evening because my parents said they could only pick me up at 6pm. I turned up to one session and was hooked from then on. Unfortunately, I do it far less that I used to at school. I spend more time coaching Dulwich now than actually speaking. I feel it’s less entertaining at university because I’m not being trained by a phenomenal coach like Sayeqa Islam. Ronan: The World Schools Debating Competition was my favourite. You have the opportunity to represent your nation, debate at a really high level and meet people from all over the globe. Raffy: Anything held in Durham. The people of Durham are immensely fun. Will: I always enjoyed the Oxford Schools Tournament when I was at school. The finals day is ridiculously difficult – about 80 teams take part, and only four are able to get through to the final. The Chamber at the Oxford Union is undoubtedly one of the best places to speak. What was your favourite tournament?
If you could give one piece of advice to a new debater, what would it be? What is your best debating achievement? Will: It has to be winning the World Championships with England in 2014 – nearly a year’s build-up and preparation had gone into it and the tournament itself was completely gruelling. The heat was oppressive in Thailand and most of us were ill at some point; by the time it got to the day of the final we were all pretty much dead on our feet. But the feeling when we were announced as winners was pretty unbeatable. Ronan: Being the best speaker for Team England in 2015 – ranking ninth on the overall World Schools tab. Raffy: I was really happy to be the 20th best speaker at the World Universities Debating Competition. Raffy: I’m going to be expansionist and offer two. Firstly, I would say think carefully about what you want from debating and act accordingly. It’s fine to see debating as a relaxing social pursuit, but if you want a little more, think about how you are going to get there. Secondly, combine self-belief with productive self-criticism. Will: Practise! It’s really difficult to have the confidence to speak at first, but you’ll get better every time you do it. It takes time, but there’s no better way to improve at debating than just doing lots of debates. Ronan: Read the news in your free time, and most importantly: be willing to work hard. Will, who ranked as the best schools’ debater in the world in 2014, earned that position by working diligently. Natural talent can only get you so far.
I would say think carefully about what youwant from debating and act accordingly
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