A Special Debate Reflection

Using a current topic relevant to both young people and current events, our Sophomore English seminar learned the process of how to research, prepare, and participate in a formal debate. The resolution: Should social media companies control what users post on the platforms they own.  After the debate the members were asked to write a reflection. Enjoy!
 

Debate Reflection

It was a cold windy afternoon sitting in our green, creaky makeshift tent waiting for Madam Moderator to arrive. The debate was over as quickly as it began. With no time left to reflect, I must do so now. Formal debating is new to all of us in Toast’s English Seminar. As a wise man once said “It’s okay to lose to opponent. Never okay to lose to fear.” — Mr. Miyagi.

 In general, the debate proceeded as I had expected it to, in good order. I had expected that our points would be well written and concise; I also predicted a few slips of the tongue when presenting. I also expected that some bickering would transpire. Considering our experience level, I think that stating that we had done an exceptional job would be an apt analysis.

 If I were to build the perfect debate team with the people in my group, I would assign roles based on their strengths given this debate. I consider the role of speaker to best suit me. I am of the opinion that my speaking voice is strong and clear, that I demonstrated proper eye contact, and that I had an understanding of my material that some would say is on the up and up. I believe that this allowed my explanation of our material to be accurate and breviloquent. I believe that my teammate known as Captain K would excel most in the researcher position. Captain K was able to dig and find many useful points, counterpoints, and rebuttal points through his research. Captain Kirk seemed quite excited and enthusiastic about delivering his points but, Captain K’s presentation was cut short due to the length of his points and the manner in which they were presented. As wonderful as the points were, I believe that his skills more align with the researcher role. I believe that with practice, The Banana could become a wonderful presenter. I say this because she speaks in a manner which is non-threatening but also is able to effectively state her points. I noticed that it was hard for her to find lots of accurate research and for that reason I believe the speaker role best suits her. “First learn to stand, then learn fly. Nature rule Daniel-san, not mine.” — Mr. Miyagi

 Last but not least E.B. was able to find new and interesting ways to not only deliver points, but he was able to properly execute his presentation when the time came. If I had to place E, I wouldn’t. I would compare E’s research and presenting abilities to the strong and reliable Leatherman. Like a Leatherman, E is strong, reliable, and able to conquer any task you ask of him. I believe that E’s potential as a researcher and speaker is remarkable and that is why I would trust him just as I trust my handy Leatherman.

 Knowing what I know now. I would hope that next time I would be able to more clearly think through my points and the information that I would choose to represent them. During this most recent debate, I believe the element that stopped me from accomplishing this goal was my own attention span “You stay focused.” — Mr. Miyagi.  Knowing this weakness, I will effectively combat it by consistently taking my medication. I believe that my medication may just grant me the ability to unleash my full debating potential. Another mistake that I would strive to correct was the communication aspect. I believe this is one of the skills that my team and I lacked as we were constantly unsure of what our fellow teammates were in charge of from a research standpoint. I believe we could make this part of our debate preparation more organized if Captain K wouldn’t get angry every time I tried to write something down or when I tried to make a list to organize us. I believe the bickering that transpired between Captain K and myself was unnecessary and completely avoidable. I also believe Captain K’s general hostility was due to his unhappiness with the side he was on. So, all is forgiven. In times like these I turn to the great wisdom of Mr. Miyagi. A quote of his that I remember in situations like this goes as follows, “Fighting always the last answer to the problem.” — Mr. Miyagi

 In conclusion, it seems that my mistakes were nobody’s blunder but my own. I am proud of my presentation skills and will continue working on said skills as well as the points I may choose and the information that I will select to prove those points true. My inevitable mastery of these skills can only lead to success which will only come with hard work, determination, and focus on the task at hand. With this last quote I end my reflection, “Ambition without knowledge is like a boat on dry land.” — Mr. Miyagi