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How to tear up a tearoom at lively debating club

By William Axford (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-16 08:00

A typical Chinese tearoom usually invokes visions of relaxing conversation among gentle people. But on Thursday nights in the back room of the Runqiyuan Teahouse, one can hear fierce conversation going on between Beijingers.

It may seem like a cause for alarm until one realizes it's just a typical meeting for the Beijing Debate Society, where members learn how to be persuasive and analytical.

"Debating is a fundamental skill for careers like management," said American Charles Dirrig, one of the founders of the Beijing Debate Society.

"Debating helps build confidence. Half the time, people aren't listening to you when you talk to them. Even if you said something, they may not have been understood. In this case, you start to blame yourself."

The society isn't about changing people's opinions - it focuses more on public speaking and critical thinking, offering a chance to improve any Beijinger's social skills. Dirrig compared it to a basic logic course in college, where students are taught fallacies and what makes good arguments.

Kurt Sun is one such individual who sees potential value in these meetings.

"I thought it would be a good chance to meet people who like to debate," he said during his first session. "I've never been to a debate before, but it seems like it can be a good social skill for meeting people."

Sun also sees the society as a sound opportunity to improve his English, since he is a native Chinese.

Dirrig said that all Beijingers are welcomed to join the society, noting that perspectives from another culture makes debating more interesting.

"Perfect English isn't a prerequisite. If the idea is passed by, that's all that's needed. The debate is not focused on enunciation, just the ideas that are presented."