AH: I found the topics to have a wide
variety and good range to them, whilst
still being very relevant. I also found
that some of the motions were ‘studentorientated’ as they focused on pupils our
age or effects on children.
How did you find the venues?
GS: The venues were amazing! The
first part of the finals day took place at
SOAS, we then travelled to the Guardian
HQ and after a delicious cupcake reception
we went into the massive auditorium where
the final would take place.
AH: The venue for the final really
does live up to the name ‘King’s place’;
there was food and drink in ample
supply, not to mention a grand hall for
the speeches to take place in.
What did you think of the other teams?
GS: The standard was very high
throughout the whole day. I don’t think
we met a team that wasn’t extremely
talented. What I noticed was how, even
though everyone was from different
backgrounds, we all had something in
common and we were able to socialise
with many young people.
16 | dialogue
AH: The other teams were very
worthy opposition, especially in the final.
Many of their points were respectable
and the debates were thoroughly
enjoyable as a result.
What is your favourite memory of the
London Debate Challenge?
GS: It has to be answering a question
from the mayors in the final… I was
under a lot of pressure to give a good
response and he gave a very tricky
question to answer.
AH: It’s quite hard to pinpoint as
the day seems to have done by in a blur,
however the final stood out the most
for me as it was in front of the large
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