Conversation has been
one of the defining characteristics of democracy
throughout the ages,
dating all the way back to ancient Greece.
Integral in all sorts of forums and political discussions,
it's a big part of what makes a democratic society what it is.
Argument, debate, conversation, call it what you will,
it's what makes us modern.
It is a tool that we have had for centuries,
however, have been very reluctant in using.
And practicing this shapes us in ways that nothing else does.
You're challenged to doubt and criticize everything that you hear,
and form a reasonable stance of your own.
As an individual, you're challenged to stand your ground
and learn to prove an argument: your opinion.
It makes one less of a bystander who just listens and nods along
as decisions are made all around them,
and gives one a very potent tool
to have their voice heard.
Debate makes two sides strive
to find the best answer on any given topic.
Mahatma Gandhi himself has said
that honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress
and for a large portion of history,
we have been stagnant in voicing ourselves,
in developing discussion and reaching meaningful solutions.
Debating gives us a tool not only to have our voice heard,
but just as importantly,
to hearing each other.
The discoveries and inventions of our time
are only one side of measurable improvement.
The openness of thought and of opinion
is what I think truly makes our age more modern than of those before us.
The thing we know as sport debating
is a little different and a lot more aggressive.
The point there isn't to reach common ground
but to prove that you, and you alone, are right;
while your opposition, well, they've got it all wrong.
It's a lot more calculated.
There is no room for mistakes;
there can be no compromise.
It is an exercise in mental agility;
you're forced to clash your opposition's arguments,
while simultaneously, weaving your own agenda.
Sport debating is arduous, to say the least;
however, the feeling of clashing swords with an equal opponent,
fighting tooth and nail to come out on top is extremely rewarding
to say the least.
But all of that is only competitive debating
and all of the competition should stay in that.
Debate as a whole plays a big role
in what makes us human,
so the next time you find yourself in an argument, remember:
you are both the cause and the effect
of one of the humanity's greatest advances.
Thank you.
(Applause)