The program, now in its tenth edition, offers renewed training to bring oratory, argumentation, and critical thinking closer to students. A key novelty is the creation of two tracks during the first semester: an introductory and an advanced level, tailored to participants' experience.
The Vice-Rector for Students, Encarna Carmona, alongside Verónica Membrive, Director of the Secretariat for Talent Management and University Life, officially opened the course. During the inaugural session, Javier Dijkxhoorn and Irene Sancho, president and secretary of the UAL Debate Association and workshop trainers, delivered a demonstration debate.
Carmona emphasized that the training is "widely consolidated" and combines "internal trainers with masterclasses from external experts," presenting a "complete and exciting program." She highlighted the "constant desire" among students to acquire transversal skills and the "responsibility to provide competitive training in communication techniques."
The University of Almería, part of the University Debate League and organizer of the Torneo Indalo, boasts national and international speakers such as Matteo Venettone. The model of junior trainers, comprising students and former participants who now teach, continues with figures like Dijkxhoorn (History Degree) and Sancho (Master's in Education).
Dijkxhoorn explained that the training sessions will be held on Thursday afternoons, catering to both beginner and advanced levels, with practical activities designed to help participants overcome their fear of public speaking. High attendance is expected, including external speakers specializing in communication psychology or legal argumentation.
Sancho stressed the importance of fostering a "healthy coexistence" and overcoming the "fear of being judged" when speaking in public. She noted how university debate allows for travel, meeting critical-thinking individuals, and mutual learning, citing her own experience with Matteo.
Full information is available at https://www.ual.es/universidad/organosgobierno/vestudiantes/aula-debate. The registration period remains open until the end of the month for students interested in enhancing their oral communication and debate skills, with no prior experience required.
