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)