Exploring New Perspectives at the Munk Debate

This week, the LCS Debating Club travelled to Toronto to attend the Munk Debate on Mainstream Media at Roy Thomson Hall. 

The topic of the debate surrounded trust in mainstream media with two debaters (Douglas Murray and Matt Taibbi) arguing in favour of trusting the news and two debaters (Malcolm Gladwell and Michelle Goldberg) arguing against having faith that outlets conduct unbiased reporting. 

As our students watched the debate, they observed the debating styles and techniques used by the interlocutors and took mental notes about what was and wasn’t effective. They also listened to the arguments made by each party and had the chance to vote on their opinion after listening to the points made throughout the debate. 

When they returned to Lakefield, their next club meeting offered a chance to debrief on the experience. Our students talked about their favourite part of the debate, highlighting the value of seeing each speaker’s confidence throughout their arguments and rebuttals. When discussing effective debating skills, they suggested that humour, confidence, the use of concrete examples and facts, and the proper use of tone help a speaker present a compelling argument. The club also reviewed the importance of decorum, not just in debates but in any sort of disagreement, citing it as a tool to facilitate effective, nonviolent communication.

When students take part in learning experiences beyond the classroom, they have the chance to expand their understanding of the world around them. They also have the opportunity to engage with their learning in an experiential way, which often provides a sense of autonomy in their learning experience. We love to see our students develop and express their passion in and through academic and co-curricular activities and experiences such as this one serve as valuable modalities to effect this outcome.