Training & Internal Competitions
Training
Whether you're interested in learning how to participate in formal debates, how to represent the University at one of the national or international debating competitions we send teams to each year, or just how to sound more articulate in class, our extensive training programmes have something to suit everyone. Each session is run by students at the University as well as recent graduates, giving you the chance to access specialised advice and practice.
All sessions take place in the 'Salad Bowl' on the top floor of the Students' Association union.
Please feel free to address any further questions or queries to the Chief Whip (head of training).
Public Speaking
Our public speaking programme runs for a few weeks each semester, and focuses on improving students' speaking skills. These skills range from the practical (tutorial presentations, business presentations, interview technique) to the formal (how to speak in Lower Parliament Hall, how to give a speech as the leader of a country). Students will have the chance to practice their oratory skills in front of the rest of the group and work on long-prep speeches.
Public Speaking training – Mondays throughout the semester, 7:30pm, start date TBC.
Competitive Debate – Beginner and Intermediate
These sessions are designed for those who want to learn how to debate competitively against other university teams from around the UK and from across the globe. Whether you want to improve your confidence as a speaker, learn how to structure your arguments effectively, get a firmer grasp of current affairs, or just join in one of the most active and exciting student activities at the University, all levels of experience are very welcome, whether you've debated competitively before at school or don't know the first thing about debating at all! Students will go through the basics of British Parliamentary debating and work through principled arguments to improve their skills.
Sessions meet weekly, giving all students the opportunity for regular practice, and from the first few weeks of the first semester, there will be opportunities for you to travel to competitions around the UK if you so desire, to hone your skills even more.
Beginners and Intermediate Competitive Debate training – Wednesdays beginning in Week 1, 2-5pm
Competitive Debate – Advanced
Training for advanced speakers continues in a specialised session each week. Sessions will focus on specific topic areas and will go though rigorous judging and critique. This session is usually open only to those with some level of university-standard competitive debating experience. If you wish to join the advanced session, please speak to either the Chief Whip or the IV Secretary.
Advanced Competitive Debate training – Sundays beginning Freshers Week, 7:30pm
Internal Competitions
The Inter-Residence Competition
The Inter-Res. is open to all students and is a competition between the various halls of residence with students in private accommodation allowed to compete as part of the Chricton Montrose Society. The competition is held early in Martinmas (first) semester and everyone is welcome to participate. For details please contact the Internal Secretary.
Maidens
For anyone who's never before spoken at the table in Lower Parliament Hall, St. Andrews offers the Maiden's Competition. After a day of debating, the competition culminates in a debate in Lower Parliament Hall with six finalists (and spectacular monetary prizes on offer). The competition is held early in Candlemas (second) semester
Anyone interested should contact the Internal Secretary.