Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are you?
We are the University of Helsinki Debating Society (UHDS), a club under the Student Union of the University of Helsinki. We welcome all to participate in our debates, not just students, but anyone.
2. What do you do?
We debate. Basically what we do is pick an issue that we are going to argue about, split ourselves into two groups and each make a seven minute speech for one side or the other. Then we go to the pub. Easy? Of course. Anyone can do it. For more detailed information about debating though, see here.
3. What if I have never done debating before?
It really does not matter. Take a look at the debating guides, come along and watch or just take part anyway. It is a skill picked up very easily and nerves are quickly overcome. The first time you make a speech, it can be very daunting. But everyone knows what it’s like and have been through it themselves before. It seems hard to understand, but you soon learn to take it all in your stride. Everyone is there to have a good argument, not to try and intimidate the speakers. No-one necessarily believes what they say in debates and once it’s all over, everyone becomes good friends again.
4. If I come to a debate, do I have to speak?
No! You are welcome to come along and watch, especially if it is your first time.
5. How long are the speeches?
Each speaker has seven minutes in which to present their arguments, deal with points of information and so on. The first and last minutes of this are protected and opposition speakers may not offer points of information during this time. Find out more about the rules of debating here.
6. Do I have to believe in what I am arguing?
No. Although you may believe passionately in something, you can argue the opposite, which is a useful skill to develop. In fact, you don’t even have to know anything about the topic.
7. What language do you debate in?
Currently our weekly debates are in English, although we do do organize occasional debates in Finnish, Russian, French and German. The dates of these events can be seen on our fixtures page.
8. How do I join the society?
To join the society you just need to turn up to one of our meetings. To find out when the next one is check the news page, or the events page. The society is very informal and there are no hoops to jump through to become a member. Sign up to our email list here.
9. Where/When does the society meet?
This is annouced every week via our email list, but also on the front of our website.
10. Do I have to come every week?
No. There is no obligation to come each week, just come along whenever you came make it. Members are usually integrated quickly and enjoy meeting up once a week if not more frequently! If you want to be kept informed of what we are debating each week then join our e-mailing ‘majordomo’ list.
11. What do you do socially?
After each debate members usually head to the Dubliner bar for a few drinks. Occasionally we go out for a meal or go in to town. The social side is very important. Many people come along as much to meet others as to debate. Whatever happens during a debate, everyone is normally very willing to go to the bar and to completely forget about the debate (if not continue the arguments!). Someone new to the fun is always very welcome.
12. What is the society’s view on the Ottawa convention /Euthanasia/ renewable energy etc?
The Debating Society is an apolitical society and as such has no political affiliation either nationally, internationally. This means that it does not have opinions on issues. Members who take part in debates may not necessarily be representing their own personal views. The arguments attributed to each side are generic arguments in the debate and are not always an exact representation of the persons views. Members reserve the right to change their point of view and to represent it as they wish (within the boundaries of Finnish law!).
Content modified from original form with kind permission of the University of Southampton Debating Society
