Bowling Green, Ky. - Words will soar and arguments will clash Monday (Oct. 2) when members of Western Kentucky University’s award-winning debate team take on debaters from the British National Debate Team. 
The teams, with some of the world’s best debaters, will take opposing positions on the role of the United Nations in promoting human rights.

The debate will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Garrett Conference Center ballroom. A reception will follow. The event is free and open to the public. 

The debate format will be distinctly more British than American, making for a lively evening of British/American rivalry that dates to the 18th century. The British style of debate typically emphasizes spontaneous reaction, while the American style places a greater value on advance preparation. 

Judy Woodring, communication faculty member and director of forensics, said it won’t be the kind of debate that Americans typically see. “The style of debate is parliamentary,” she said. “If you’ve ever watched the British Parliament, there is heckling and audience participation. Those in the audience will not be passive spectators.  That will make the debate much more exciting.”

Both teams are formidable.  Last year, WKU’s debate team placed first at the International Forensic Association International Championship Tournament, first at the National Forensic Association Lincoln-Douglas National Championships, and third at the National Parliamentary Debate Association National Tournament. Members of the British debate team represent the best college debaters in Great Britain.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For information, contact Judy Woodring at (270) 745-6340.

-WKU-
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