How to Join Debating

If you're interested in what we do then why don't you join us at the start of this academic year? You will need to be a Cambridge Union member but as well as getting all the other benefits, you will receive expert coaching and subsidised travel to domestic and international competitions at no extra cost.

What previous debating experience do I need to join?

None. In all seriousness, absolutely none. Many of our debaters started out at Cambridge debating with no previous experience and have turned into brilliant speakers due to our workshop program and through debating at competitions. You should be interested in improving your public speaking and about thinking about global issues but we assume no previous experience in debating or public speaking from new members. The need to have previous debating experience is a common misconception. You will probably be nervous about having a go for the first time - don't worry everyone else was when they first started and once you have built up experience the nerves will settle.

How can you talk to us?

Look out for the Cambridge Union stall at the CUSU Societies Fair on the 6th and 7th of October 2009. We'll be there to answer any of your questions. We will also be holding two free introductory evenings to Cambridge debating at the Cambridge Society on the first week of Michaelmas term where you can see what we do, talk to us and maybe even have a go. Have a look at this section of the website as well to get a sense of what we do. If you have any immediate questions, you can contact the Debating Officers through their e-mail address debating@cus.org.

How can I get more information/join your mailing list?

You can join the Cambridge Debating mailing list where announcements of debating competitions, workshops and opportunities are made. To join our mailing list, go to the Cambridge mailing lists website and search for soc-cus-Debating-Workshops. If you're already a Cambridge student, you can use your Raven login, provided at the start of Michaelmas term to all new students. If you don't have a Raven login, you can just submit your regular email address that we can approve. Follow the instructions provided. You can also join the Cambridge Union Competitive Debating Facebook group.

What is expected from new members?

In short, nothing. Union members can join our workshop program for no extra charge. To represent Cambridge at competitions, we expect you to stay on our workshop program and show some progress through it. There are all many opportunities to help out at other events from judging our schools competition to assisting our international competition and contributions are taken into account for selections to domestic and international competitions. It's up to you!