Debating & Democracy

Finding My Voice

For Year 12 student Ella, the debating and public speaking programs have been her favourite part of life at Ivanhoe Girls'. As her time at secondary school comes to a close, she reflects on some of the countless opportunities she's enjoyed in 2019.

I started debating in Year 8, and only really stumbled into it as I was asked if I could be a once-off second-speaker. I was terribly shy, so it was an absolute miracle that I found the courage to begin with. Since then, I haven’t stopped participating in Debating Association Victoria (DAV) and House Debates and I’ve also tried out Mooting, Model UN competitions, and the DAV Women’s Competition.

[1] Charlotte, Alex, Charlotte, Beth (Year 11) and Tayla (Year 10) at the My Vote My Voice Speaking Competition

A team of three of us competed in a Moot at Monash University earlier this year, acting as council for the appellant in front of Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Family Court judges. Questions were fired at us from judges that called on us to cite cases and apply relevant facts and legal principles. In terms of debating, that experience proved exactly that what doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger. We were honoured (and surprised) to have won the competition, and I was so proud to have received the award for best speaker.

I also have had the pleasure of working with one of my best friends in the UN Youth Evatt Competition, as a team of two, representing various nations in a model UN Security Council. This has involved competing against 15 other teams and debating resolutions to best represent “our” national interests. After never competing in Evatt before, it was very exciting to come fourth in the Grand Final, which was held at Parliament House. As we reflect on our time at school, my favourite memory has to be the Greenway Cup against Ivanhoe Grammar. After watching Greenway in younger year levels and being in awe of the older girls who could speak so eloquently, I would have never believed that one day it would be me. Although winning was unbelievable, the most memorable part was the support from all of the girls who attended. We all felt so encouraged and a little more at ease, despite being almost engulfed by nervousness.

[2] Ella and Megan (Year 12) at the UN Youth Evatt Competition

After Greenway, lots of people told me that they never would have guessed that the little kid who was scared of her own shadow in Year 8 could find herself loving debating. In that way, public speaking has been a real blessing. It has given me incredible confidence in my own abilities and shaped me to question and challenge before accepting what is being said.

Nothing compares to the pre-debate nerves, or the adrenaline rush when you stand to speak. However, it's been the teamwork that has kept me debating for five years. I’ve loved picking each other up after the losses and celebrating the wins together as well as the countless hours of preparation that really, just feel like a great opportunity to spend time together.

I love that debating combines multiple different skills; speakers have to think quickly and build logical arguments whilst presenting in a fun and engaging way.

[3] Ella in action at the Evatt Competition at Parliament House

As we start to decide what we might like to do next year, for me, it’s a no-brainer that debating will somehow be involved. I’d love to study Law, which my mooting experience has helped to consolidate, so I can hopefully use my love of public speaking to speak for those who can’t. Next year, I am hoping to be adjudicating for DAV and continue debating at University. So, all-in-all, my final year of debating hasn’t really been a farewell at all, but just the end of a chapter in what I hope will be a story of continuing my passion for many years to come.

[4] Winners of the Greenway Cup 2019, Caitlyn, Hannah, Ella, Linh and Anastasia (Year 12).