Zahraničí

Call for debaters – WSDC and IPPF 2020

We aim to select 5 debaters for the Czech National Debate Team (NT), 3-6 for the Czech Junior Debate Team (JT), and at least 3 debaters for the Czech IPPF Team.

The Czech National Debate Team (NT)

Is to represent the Czech Republic at the World Schools Debate Championships (WSDC) 2020 in Mexico, meeting 65+ National Teams from all around the world. This is the top learning opportunity for high school debaters. National Team members are expected to participate in regular training events (precise plan will be specified by September 15, 2019) as well as at least the following debate tournaments:

  • EurOpen 2019 (Hamburg)
  • WHO 2019 (Zagreb)
  • Prague Debate Spring 2020 (Prague)
  • two BP (university-level) competitions (at least one international)

You can find more information about these events online.

The Czech Junior Debate Team (JT)

Is to represent the Czech Republic at a variety of international debate events, reflecting the composition and preferences of the Team. Junior Team members will benefit from debating on the same team throughout the whole year, thus significantly expanding their teamwork and research skills in particular.

The Czech IPPF Team

Is to represent the Czech Republic at International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) 2020. Czech IPPF Team members are expected to participate in all stages of the competition. This a great opportunity to develop more general debate skills and build knowledge in specific areas.

Requirements

All Candidates are expected to submit their Debate CV (A4 max) and Motivation Letter (700 words max) together with an argumentative essay (700-1400 words) agreeing or disagreeing with the IPPF official motion “When in conflict, a nation’s self-interest should outweigh its international commitments to migrants” by Monday, September 30, 2019. Please send it via single email to zahranici@debatovani.cz, the subject will be Tryouts 2019 – Surname.

Candidates to the NT & JT are expected to come to High School Nad Aleji, Prague 6, for an interview on Saturday, October 5, 2019. The interview will consist of a Proposition 1 Speech on an Impromptu Topic without points of information being asked (7 mins) and a general discussion on a probable Opposition Case and most important Comparison Clashes (6 mins), followed by questions from the Interviewing Panel (3 mins). Candidates will be given a choice of 3 debate motions and 30 minutes to prepare. The order of interviews will be decided on the spot. Please arrive by 8:45 a.m. sharp.

Candidates to the NT must comply with the following criteria:

  • Be high school students; 14 years of age or older on 7th July 2020 and not older than 20 on 17th July2020.
  • Be able to attend the championships (7th-17th July 2020).
  • Attend high school in the Czech Republic in the last six consecutive months before WSDC 2019.
  • Have experience with debating, preferably at international level (World Style).
  • Be able to cover the cost of the championship and other tournaments – total cost should not exceed 75 000 CZK. If you are not able to cover full expenditures, you can still apply and ask for financial aid. Please let us know in your application.

Application

If you are interested, please fill in this application form by Monday, September 30, 11:59 pm. After submission of the application, you will be sent further information.

Tentative schedule

Saturday, October 5
09.00-10.00 – Introductory Mini-Workshop
10.00-13.00 – Candidates‘ Interviews (Slot 1)
13.00-14.00 – Lunch Break
14.00-18.00 – Candidates‘ Interviews (Slot 2)

Sunday, October 6
Training Debates (various formats)

Since the Interview is held at Gymnázium Nad Alejí, Prague 6, we strongly recommend those who live outside of Prague to arrive on Friday. If you need help with arranging accommodation in Prague, contact us at least two weeks in advance. Please consider this only as a last resort as our capacities are limited.

Training

The Introductory Mini-Workshop on Saturday morning will focus on effective argument and case building strategies. There will be a number of impromptu debates among the candidates and trainers in various debate formats (WSDC, BP, KP) on Sunday. Please do let us know in your application if you wish to participate, the precise details will be agreed on Saturday.