Debating Society: Vice President

UCL Debating Society has been such an amazing and key part of my University Life, and I believe I have so much more to give in the next academic year.

People often say I write exactly like how I debate 🫤, so in that spirit I will provide three structural reasons for why I wish to run for Vice President.

• Firstly, I sincerely believe in the mission and purpose of public debates - to inform the public on important issues in our world today, and to facilitate dialogue on these issues. I have connections with committee members from various academic societies in UCL, and I promise to work with them to organise more public debates in the coming academic year.
• Secondly, I believe that much can be done to improve the equitability of training and development of our newer debaters. I wish to work with the President to find a dedicated coach for our society, as well as with the TOs to ensure training sessions engage everyone and training material is accessible to all.
• Lastly, I wish to share my knowledge and experience as a convenor and senior member of the society. I believe this would be very useful to next year's junior committee members, and as VP I will be able to work with them more closely and provide advice and assistance where necessary.

I hope to receive your support, and even if I am not on committee next year, I will continue to be a part of the society and her wonderful network of people :)

My priorities are restoring public speaking, establishing alumni relations, and organising a foundation dinner with the required debate. As a former officer of the mace, I understand the responsibilities of the role and the challenges it presents. During my tenure, with the withdrawal of another officer and the vice-president's sudden ascension to president, I was left to organise the remaining public debates, including their transition to Zoom during COVID.

The foundation dinner is not just about a meal, it is equally (if no more so) important to host a debate. It is also key that ticket sales can cover the cost, offering an option for members who wish to participate.

For alumni relations , I see events such as a competition allowing former society members to engage with current members. 

When considering the society’s budget, it is worth noting that this could cost under £10 per week (for a  bottle of port or a box of chocolates for the best floor speech), making it a feasible expense. Particularly as the committee has been able to purchase multiple spots at the Oxford and Cambridge IVs, with the latter costing £100 per team and £50 per judge, respectively. Public debates not only benefit the entire society but UCL as a whole, outweighing the benefits of funding a few individuals' enjoyable weekend at the society's expense.

Debate is probably the extra-curricular activity that I enjoy most. I never find debate, whether it be training or judging or imparting advice, tiring or work-like. I understand that debate can be a very daunting thing, when I started I usually placed in the bottom 1/4 of tournaments I attended. No natural talent existed. And that's what is key, debate can be taught and improved on. You don't need to be the greatest public speaker the world has ever seen. All you need is a voice and ideally the ability to think.

This year it is clear, societies want to work with us. Why wouldn't they, every other university Debating Union is one of the most prestigious societies they have, they invite impressive and accomplished speakers, and they host paneled debates with experts and other thinkers. UCL Debating needs to improve its outreach. 

I have a year and half of coaching experience along with other teaching positions at various summer schools and individual tuting. I have taken some of the shyest kids you'll have met and proved to them they have the ability to break and progress at tournaments. I also have broken to various finals including Manchester, Oxford, Imperial, UCL and LSE. I believe myself to be in good standing as a debater and this to be important to the role.

I've also spent 2 summers working with various professors at Georgetown, Princeton, and Oxford Universities. I've planned and executed large events, speaker panels, and outreach days.

I can do the job.