Charles Dirrig, organizer of the Beijing Debate Society, expresses his summary of the night's entertainment. Photos provided to China Daily

The Beijing Debate Society is structured around the parliamentary style of debating, which involves splitting members into two parties where one side defends the topic of the night and the other attacks it. Each side is given a chance to present their arguments and attack the other side's ideas. The debate ends with a rebuttal from each team, after which a judge decides which team was more effective.

"Debating involves a set of 'soft skills,'" said Preston Rhea, another founding member of the society. "It's very hard to speak in front of 100 or more people. Speaking in front of six to eight people is much easier. Debating is one of the best things one can do to improve public speaking."

One of the most challenging things for members of the society is developing their arguments within 15 minutes. For added measure, topics are decided right before the 15 minutes, which doesn't allow people to research the subject before brainstorming their speeches.

"It makes you think on your feet," said Dirrig. "You can't Google or Wikipedia everything you say. The time limit forces you to framework, weaving around ideas. You create sentences on the fly around a limited time."

All members are judged during the debate as if they were in a tournament. Dirrig usually acts as the judge, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of every member. From the arguments presented to the body language used by the speaker, criticisms are given in an objective manner so that every participant can improve. A team is then chosen as the winner, concluding the night's activities.

Sun found the encounter enjoyable and said he would be back next week, where he hopes that his skills will improve with each meeting.

"It was fascinating and spectacular. The speeches were very striking. Debating exposed my weak points, which taught me that I should practice my thinking during a speech."

Any Beijinger who is looking to meet new friends and improve their social skills is encouraged by the society to come out to at least one meeting - chances are it'll be the one of the most interesting conversations heard in a usually quiet teahouse.

China Daily

(China Daily 08/16/2010)