Talkback: NU Debating Society
On campus debates and discussions
Talkback is a small group that meets on campus for informal debate and discussion about controversial topics.
The goal of talkback this year is to engage the Northwest Community to think and share opinions about social topics relevant to our culture.
President: Tyler Hart
Contact him for upcoming debates all
students are welcome to attend.
Next Debate: Training Workshop and Saturday Practice Rounds with area
schools. We need students to debate these three rounds. If you enjoy
debate, join us on September 18 and 19. Nice lunch included.
World Debate Workshop
Sept. 18 -- 19
Past Presidents
Gillian Woodal, President 2008 -- 2009
Shauna Marshall, President 2007 -- 2008
Taylor Jones 2006 -- 2007
Desiree Knemeyer -- 2005 -- 2006
You are invited to join our on campus debating club which meets as a Chapel Small Group twice a month for Chapel break out. You will be trained in how to give brief speeches on controversial topics. Join the fun and build your speaking experience and skills.
Talkback is student run and lead. We have a three person leadership team:
president, vice president and secretary. Future officers are
needed.
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Officers in the Talkback Debating Society agree to:
1. Attend all meetings twice a month during the chapel hour according to
2. Assist in promoting and preparation for all public debates held on campus. (Design and put up posters, tell friends to attend, come early to straighten up the room and arrange chairs, greet community visitors, clean up afterwards.) Some public may be sponsored by the traveling team, others by TalkBack.
3. Keep a journal listing what was done and turn it into professor Gillespie before finals week.
4. Take an active part in the discussions and debates.
5. Help recruit students to attend.
6. Attend planning meetings with other leaders as needed.
7. Attend debate team Christmas or end of the year dinner parties and other social events.
Responsibilities of the President:
1. Sign up to be approved as a small group chapel leader.
2. Plan a calendar of meeting times and places. This should be twice a month during the chapel small group time.
3. In consultation with the coach and other leaders plan debate meetings during chapel hour. A tentative list of motions should be generated at the start of the semester.
4.
Preside over meetings or delegate a facilitator to preside over
meetings (for second chapel, if needed.)
Be the contact person for all details of the club, helping to network
with members and the coach on activities.
5. Organize meetings with other leaders to plan club activities as needed.
6. Recruit another student to take over your position when you leave office.
Responsibilities of the Vice President:
1. Assist the president as requested.
2. Attend planning meetings with other leaders.
3. Help host and serve food for any debate team public events.
Responsibilities of the Secretary:Assist the president and VP as requested.
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Past Debates:
In November 2007, Talkback hosted a heated debate in Prof. Pauly's beginning speech class. Gillian Woodal and Taylor Jones argued for physician assisted suicide. Morgan Chinn and 1st time debater Inga O'Connor argued against it. Talkback members Nathan Hoffman (timer) and Shauna Marshall (Speaker of the House) helped maintain order with the rowdy (and very anti-physician assisted suicide) crowd.
This was our third in class debate. We have debated in Profs. Young and Brodin's classes. In class debates are fun and a good experience to argue controversial things in front of a large group that vehemently disagrees with you. Thanks to debaters Nigel Reed, Jon Atkins, Jon Kowalski, Elly Kazakova, and Kevin Botterbusch for doing in-class debates.
Talkback met during both chapels once in the fall of 2007. During the first chapel, Aaron Woodall and Julia Melendrez argued against Elly Kazakova and Nicole Garcia took part in a debate. During second chapel, Shauna Marshall, Kyle Wall and Brenden Moeller faced Nigel Reed (debate team captain), David Myers, and Marty Dawood also debated.
For all except Elly and Nigel, this was their FIRST DEBATE EVER and they did really well, clashing with the other team and bringing up good points.