What we’re about
Debating is decision making. Or rather, debate is the rational process with which to make a decision. Whether in a business, organisation or in your personal life, weighing up the pros and cons, then laying out why certain values need to be prioritised, are the elements that make up a reasoned decision-making process, and that is indeed what debate is all about.
Being part of a debate club or debate society like 104 London Debaters enables you to learn the skills to thrive in a debate or discussion, whether it is for a project or idea at work or making important life decisions. Debating also teaches you to identify fallacies, both in others' thinking as well as your own, and to root it out.
104 London Debaters is part of Toastmasters International, an international network of public speaking clubs, so at our debate club, not only will you increase your debating skills, you will also learn how to improve as a public speaker.
You will improve your ability to get your message across clearly and confidently in all situations like a job interview, a presentation or a board meeting, and you will meet lots of interesting and friendly people and have fun debating both serious and frivolous topics.
You don't need to be a Toastmaster already to join 104 London Debaters of course, but many who have done the basic courses that Toastmasters offer, come to us for a new or additional challenge.
The first part of the debate meeting usually consist of improvised mini-debates, or Table Topic debates, as we call them, where you get a couple of minutes to defend or oppose a given motion. Table Topics are followed by a prepared debate, where two teams debate on the main motion of the evening, one team being the Proposition and the other the Opposition. The audience get to vote before and after the debate.
Interested? Join this group to stay informed about our meetings. Attending as a guest is totally free, but by joining you get full access to participate in debates, as well as access to mentoring, coaching, feedback, support, free workshops and social events with the club, it it's only £5 per meeting! Apply HERE for membership.
Take a look at the website for more information and for the club blog and podcast.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Panel Discussion: Should We Welcome The Demise Of DEI (diversity, equity & incluLink visible for attendees
This is a meeting in our Online Debaters Club, which is held on Zoom.
GET YOUR FREE TICKET HEREDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies have been championed as a means to create fairer, more representative workplaces and institutions.
Advocates argue that diverse teams bring fresh perspectives, leading to greater innovation and more effective problem-solving.
By fostering inclusivity, companies can tap into a broader talent pool, improve employee satisfaction, and enhance their reputation with customers and stakeholders alike. Additionally, diverse teams often have a deeper understanding of different markets, helping organizations expand their reach and relevance.However, critics argue that DEI initiatives can sometimes be divisive, fostering resentment rather than unity. Some see these policies as prioritizing identity over merit, leading to perceptions of unfairness. Workplace tensions can arise from cultural clashes, communication barriers, or differing perspectives on fairness and opportunity.
Furthermore, while diversity can lead to better decision-making, it can also slow down processes as organizations navigate competing viewpoints. When not implemented thoughtfully, DEI efforts risk becoming superficial, leading to tokenism rather than meaningful inclusion.
JOIN our Panel of Experts as they grapple with whether we should rejoice or regret the demise of DEI – you can have YOUR say or ask questions during the Q&A session.
This discussion will be held on Zoom.
