As a member of Bonaparte, we offer you as many courses as possible so that you can learn to debate well. In addition, on our regular evenings and in these courses there is lots of opportunity to practice various skills relevant to public speaking.
Beginnerscourses
The major beginner course is held once a year in September. This four-part course series is for all new members of Bonaparte. Therefore, no debating experience is assumed for these courses. Together with other new members, you will learn the following skills in the courses:
- Presenting and public speaking
- Argumentation
- Structuring
- Debate
Almost all members started their membership with the beginner's course because it is a very useful and accessible course. After following the beginner's course for 4 weeks, this introductory period is concluded with a beginner's tournament.
Are you entering Bonaparte later and have no debating experience? No problem because we organize a beginners course every first Tuesday of the month. This is a one-time course where the principles of debating are explained, then can be applied throughout debate night.
Advanced courses
After a beginner's course, of course you are already able to debate, but you can always continue to develop your skills. At Bonaparte we do that, besides just practicing a lot, by giving courses that go deeper into paid parts of debating. For example, there are courses on how a jury weighs arguments against each other, how to better put yourself in an actor's shoes and much more.
These courses are also often taught by speakers from outside Bonaparte in order to see other styles and experiences. This way we give our members a broader picture and better preparation for tournaments, for example.
Advanced courses are open to all members. In fact, we encourage new members to attend these courses as well to get a better idea of what debating can be if you stick with it and put in the time.
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