The Wykehamist
cient logic. Over the course of the year, the Society often encounters curious one-timers or friends being dragged along. And it is often these people who make the most interesting speeches. Though often lacking in technical skill, whereby points are conveyed clearly with watertight mechanisms and well-explained impacts, thinking outside the box can be done by anyone; though some Wykehamists may be banal, this is, fortunately, a rarity. This makes us natural debaters, further aided by our admittedly contrarian nature. Indeed, as much as tradition is of great importance, progress often takes precedence, and our generous branching out to include‘ inferiors’ can be soundly shown to have benefitted both the Society and the school as a whole.
Despite the noticeable changes I have recounted, however, several particularly successful aspects of the Society have, indeed, stood the test of time. By 24 th October 1866, the reading of speeches in their entirety was forbidden, a rule which holds to this day. Such a rule enables more flowing speeches of a higher calibre and enables debaters to improve their ability to think on their feet. In other contexts, this spontaneity might come hand-in-hand with equivocation, but the lack of protection that speakers have against rebuttal serves to disrupt this tendency. In many ways, I would argue that this has kept the society unique from others, chiefly MUN. Not only must a good debater be able to speak at length, they must also be able to do so largely unprompted. This inevitably renders a debater’ s first speech a daunting affair, but it is hugely satisfying to see newcomers grow in confidence week by week.
My judgement( or pontification, whichever you prefer) comes as my time at the Society draws to a close. I am confident that the new President will continue this society with these ideas in mind.
This is of such importance to me not solely for my own satisfaction, but also because I would argue that debating plays a vital role in the College, in that it creates interesting people. Over the course of my time at the society, I have enjoyed the company of so many fine debaters, mentors and friends, some of whom will be leaving at the end of this year, others already gone. The society is incredibly valuable insofar as it encourages civil debate based on the quality and content of one’ s argument, with rhetoric merely serving to better convey one’ s points. In today’ s world, this integrity is sorely needed; if the Society can continue to provide this bulwark against deceit and gish-galloping, then I can foresee it contributing to the school for years to come.
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