MSFS Debate Team Offers Practice in Quick Thinking
By Thomas Patterson (MSFS 2012)
There’s no better way to learn to think on your feet than participating in a political debate with MSFS’ best and brightest. It was this rationale that convinced first-year student Evan Berard to organize an MSFS Debate Team.
Evan, a former member of the debate team of Fairfield University, where he spent his years as an undergraduate, set up the team in January. The group has had one an initial meeting and is planning to gather every few weeks to vigorously discuss new controversial topics. Examples from the first meeting included: the US government should take action to support protesters in Egypt; the US should continue using private contractors in conflict zones; and all migrants should be implanted with biometric chips.
First-year student Evan Berard (MSFS 2012)
Each topic is debated in the parliamentary style, with the presentation of a proposal by a “government” group prompting a response from an “opposition.”. The opposing side has no prior knowledge of the topic and has little time to prepare, so quick thinking is a must. With a little practice, these debaters will be formidable speakers when they re-enter the working world.