CHINESE DEBATE TRAINING CAMP SEMESTER 1 YEAR 2022/2023 UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA
Program Description: The Chinese Debate Training Camp aims to cultivate the ability to observe different facets of life and provoke critical thinking about related subjects. Debate, in this context, is not about making judgments of right or wrong but rather about encouraging people to consider various viewpoints. Everything has its pros and cons, and there's no absolute correctness. However, despite our knowledge of many principles, we may struggle with how to communicate and articulate our thoughts effectively. This training camp serves as a platform where individuals can confidently express their ideas.
Date: 21 October – 22 October 2022
Venue: UTM P19
Organizer: UTM Chinese Debate Team
- Communication skills
- Thinking skills
- Leadership and Teamworking Skills
The Chinese Debate Training Camp is organized by the board members of the UTM Chinese Debate Team. This training aims to cultivate the communication and thinking abilities of debaters. Debate is essentially a team game that requires quick thinking and critical analysis to discern the meaning behind each topic.
In addition to expressing our own viewpoints on the field, we also need to learn how to effectively attack the logical flaws in the opponent's arguments and persuade the audience present. Of course, mere rhetoric is not sufficient; instead, debaters must actively seek credible information to support their positions for maximum impact.
The training camp also offered various debate-related games for participants to engage in. These activities were thoughtfully designed to improve communication skills, critical thinking, leadership qualities, and teamwork among the debaters. Through a combination of these mini-games, theory classes, practical exercises, and debate competitions, I learned the art of effectively countering arguments, persuasive communication, and constructing robust positions.
By Attending this debate camp was an enriching experience that left an indelible mark on my personal and academic development. What I find most meaningful is that they provide a platform for people like me to break free, speak out, engage in constructive debate, and explore topics at a deeper level.
One of my main motivations for attending this camp was to gain the courage to express my ideas and engage in meaningful debate with others. I often feel intimidated by the prospect of public speaking, but this bootcamp provided a supportive environment that allowed me to overcome that fear. It emphasizes critical thinking, encourages the exploration of diverse perspectives, and promotes civil dialogue.
The highlight of the camp was undoubtedly the debate competition, which put my newly acquired skills to the test. These competitions challenge me to think on my feet, respond quickly to opposing arguments, and defend my opinions with evidence and conviction.
In short, the Chinese Debate Training Camp has played a decisive role in my personal growth. It enables me to speak with confidence and think critically. These newfound skills will undoubtedly be of great help to me in my academic pursuits and future career, making this experience extremely valuable.