By Tony Yu & Roberto Jones

On March 15th and 16th, the Speech & Debate Team from ASF showcased their rhetorical prowess at a tournament hosted by Churchill College, centered around the vibrant theme of pop culture. This event provided a platform for discussions on a myriad of topics, ranging from the intricacies of video games and addictive behaviors to the influential power of celebrity platforms and social activism.

Pop culture holds a significant place in contemporary life as it reflects and shapes societal values, trends, and issues. It serves as a mirror to the prevailing norms and concerns of society, providing a rich source of material for academic study. Through the examination of various forms of pop culture, such as music, television, films, and social media, academics can gain insights into the collective consciousness and evolving dynamics of a society. Moreover, pop culture influences public opinion and individual behavior, making it a powerful tool for understanding and predicting social trends.

What goes on during a debate match? 

Inside the debate arena, the air is charged with anticipation and intellectual fervor, typical of the World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) format. Teams from diverse backgrounds converge, ready to engage in a battle of wits, eloquence, and strategy.

Style: The atmosphere is electric as debaters take the floor, their voices resonating with conviction and passion. Each speaker exhibits a unique blend of flair and formality, weaving complex arguments with engaging narratives. The style is not just about eloquence; it's about making intricate concepts accessible and compelling to the audience, judges, and opponents alike. Gestures, eye contact, and vocal modulation are all part of the arsenal, enhancing the persuasive power of each word.

Content: As the debate unfolds, the arena becomes a dynamic marketplace of ideas, with facts, statistics, and quotes interlaced with logical reasoning and ethical considerations. Each team meticulously presents their case, anticipating counterarguments and weaving a tapestry of evidence and analysis. The content is rich and varied, covering geopolitical issues, philosophical dilemmas, and current affairs, all underpinned by a deep understanding of the motion at hand. Teams must not only display their knowledge but also demonstrate critical thinking, effectively dissecting and challenging the opposition’s arguments.

Strategy: The strategic play in the arena is akin to a cerebral chess match. Teams navigate the debate with tactical precision, choosing when to advance or defend, when to rebut or rebuild. Timing is crucial; a well-placed point of information can unsettle an opponent, while a strategic concession can enhance the credibility of one’s argument. Each speech is a calculated move, contributing to the overarching aim of swaying the judges' panel. The teams adapt swiftly, reshaping their strategies in response to the evolving dynamics of the debate, making every round an unpredictable and thrilling intellectual journey.

How did ASF perform? 

Our valiant middle schoolers, Kalila Peralta, Carlos Mejia, Alex Flipo, Roberto Ovilla, and Alvaro Garza, demonstrated exceptional tenacity and skill. They bravely faced off against older competitors, clinching a victory in the preliminary rounds. Their journey was marked by a commendable display of perseverance and courage, even though they did not advance to the semifinals.

On the flip side, our upper schoolers navigated through the initial rounds with ease, making it to the semifinals and ultimately securing 4th place in the finals. This team, composed of Tony Yu, Manuela Jaramillo, Emiliano Tornel, Alexandra Alles, and a dedicated alumnus, Noboru Tsuru — who traveled from the US to support his former teammates — exhibited remarkable teamwork and strategic acumen, using their stance as opposition in every round to dismantle their opponents. Notably, Tony was distinguished as one of the top three novice speakers, a testament to his exceptional oratory skills. Tony kills with his charisma.

The tournament was a celebration of intellectual engagement and cultural exploration, with ASF's participants demonstrating not only their debating prowess but also their deep engagement with the dynamic world of pop culture. Their achievements reflect the spirit of inquiry and resilience that defines our school's Speech & Debate Team.