‘This house believes that the Internet is the greatest tool for democratisation’, was the motion discussed during ESU’s Debating Competition Finals held at Parliament, in the President's Palace, Valletta on the 27
th April 2012.
After 5 months of regular training and a process of elimination heats, two teams of sixth formers, one from St. Edward’s College, made up of Aleksandra Cegla, Janet Fenech and Mila Christova, and the other from St. Aloysius College, made up of Yanika Borg, Gian Luca Busuttil and Adrian Micallef, engaged in a lively debate after being cordially welcomed to Parliament by MPs Hon Mr. Karl Gouder and the Hon Dr. Owen Bonnici.
Both members of Parliament encouraged the participants to hone their debating skills as the ability to voice one's opinion and effectively negotiate those of others is an invaluable one. Whilst serious study is important, complimentary skills such as persuasive public speaking and presentation skills are essentially what make individuals stand out in a society that is based on instant communication and impact value.
During the Debate the extended MACE format was used, in which each speaker is allowed five minutes to present their ideas and rebut the other team’s arguments. Participants are assessed on the structure and cohesion of their argument, evidence of engagement with the rest of the team and with the opposing team’s argument, confident delivery and presence at the top table as well as rapport with the audience.
Although both teams performed very well, first place was awarded to St. Edward’s. Prizes were kindly sponsored by Agenda Bookshops.
ESU would like to thank the Speaker of the House, the Hon Dr Michael Frendo for making the prestigious and fitting venue of Parliament available for the event as well as all the staff lead by the Clerk of the House, Mr Ray Scicluna, for all their assistance.
Further information about Debating and the ongoing activities of the ESU may be found at
www.esumalta.org See
photos of the Debating Finals on ESU Malta's Facebook page.