World Debating Championships Held in Manila

It would be quite safe to assume that if we went and asked people we met randomly on the street what a debating contest was, most of them would not know the answer. 

 

Two Israeli brothers in their twenties have recently won the debating world championship that took place in the Philippines at the beginning of the New Year.

 

What is a debate?

 

[Omer Nevo, Champion of World Debating Championship 2012]:

"Debate is a game in which you are allocated a subject and a side; you cannot determine for yourself which side to choose. We are given 15 minutes for preparation, during which time we have to find the best arguments for convincing that our side is right… then we identify why the opposite side is wrong, explain why they are wrong, and win the debate."

 

Keeping an open mind, creativity, listening skills and using logically convincing arguments are the keys to mastering the art of debate. 

 

We were interested to learn what methods of training would help a contestant in a debating contest.

 

We met with Yoni Cohen Edov, a debate coach and himself a former winner of the World Debate Championship. 

 

[Yoni Cohen Edov, Coach of the Israeli Youth Team]: 

"First and foremost we teach how to really listen to the opponent, because that enables one to react effectively. Secondly, one has to find the best arguments possible in every relevant given moment, how to phrase them, and how to face an audience."

 

Sadly for the debaters, the only financial support they currently receive is from the Student Association and the president from the Tel Aviv University. 

 

Most of them carry the main part of their expenses themselves.

 

And what additional advantages are there in mastering the art of debate?

 

[Sela Nevo, Champion of World Debating Championship 2012]:

"I believe that the main message is really the ability to have an open mind and understand the other side."

 

According to the brothers, the debating they practice at home is based on values of mutual respect and brotherliness. 

 

Reporter:Janet Zrian       Photographer:Michael Ash

NTD News, Tel Aviv, Israel