Top five debating tips from GU-Q’s Arabic team

Doha, Qatar: In the bustling halls of the Qatar National Convention Centre, anticipation filled the air as students from over 50 countries gathered fo...

Doha, Qatar: In the bustling halls of the Qatar National Convention Centre, anticipation filled the air as students from over 50 countries gathered for the 7th International Universities Debating Championship.

Amid fierce competition, the Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Arabic debate team secured third place, with Moza AlHajri (SFS’26) being named Best Speaker among participants from more than 100 universities.

To excel in debate GU-Q’s team has shared its five secrets  diligent preparation, structured arguments, quick thinking, effective collaboration, and constant learning. By embracing these strategies, individuals can elevate their debating skills to new heights. 

Prepare thoroughly. With only 20 minutes to prepare for each debate round, Moza explains, “There is no room for on-the-spot research.” Instead, the team leverages their prior knowledge to build solid cases. “We use real-world examples we already know about,” she says. This approach allows them to form arguments quickly.

Hamza Al Sioufy (SFS’24) adds that the team has built up its expertise over time to create a bank of examples and counterpoints. “We always try to stay current with all the global news and discuss its implications,” he explains. This long-term preparation helps them handle a wide range of topics effectively.