Debate Class

This British Parliamentary English Debate Class is taught by “Professor Seth Bentley”, who graduated with distinction from the University of Cambridge, earning both a B.A. and an M.A. degree. While studying English Literature at Cambridge, he was a card-carrying member of the Cambridge Union Society, and has won countless debating tournaments and competitions. The Cambridge Union has hosted debates with all the great public speakers in history, from prime ministers like Winston Churchill to great actors like Robert Downey Jr. and Emma Thompson. Founded in 1815, it is the oldest debating society in the world. In debates, you are graded on Content, Style, and Strategy, and classes are no different.

In Content classes, you will learn how to make arguments that make sense, how to distinguish fact from fiction, and how to make sure you know you’re right! In these classes, you will:

1. Learn critical thinking skills to work out how to sort fake news from real news
2. Build our research skills so that you can prepare for any motion within half an hour of hearing it
3. Explore interesting examples from modern history to prepare you for any argument on any topic - the military, school, the world of work, healthcare, and crime and punishment.

In Style classes, you will learn how to present arguments in a way that is persuasive; how to speak, move, and think with clarity and focus; and how to spot when someone else is bluffing. In these classes, you will:

1. Learn about logic and how to win any argument
2. Identify logical fallacies and how to identify arguments that don’t make sense
3. Practice vocal and physical techniques to present yourself well in class, interviews, and the world.

In Strategy classes, we will learn all the details of how to debate well, how to play an argument like a game of chess, and how to make sure you’re always 10 steps ahead. In these classes, you will:

1. Learn the history of debating, classic strategies, and how to use them in your own work
2. Build your teamwork skills so that you can work well with anyone
3. Develop planning skills to make sure that you have a strategy to approach any problem.

Debating helps you become the person you were born to be. More persuasive, more intelligent, more presentable. No student’s education is complete without learning debating at the highest level, and Professor Bentley is here to help you on that journey.

This course is conducted through Zoom, with a small class size of 10 that ensures that every student gets personal feedback. Competition team class sizes are even smaller, with 4-6 students receiving detailed personal guidance and mentoring. Classes run every weekday at 7-8pm and 8:15-9:15pm.