For the first time since 2019, the annual Greenhill Fall Classic debate tournament is being held in person on campus from Sept. 14-18. In previous years, students have competed online via Zoom due to COVID-19 safety precautions.
An advantage to debating in person is being able to interact and engage with debaters and judges from other schools.
“[I am] looking forward to forging relationships with other schools,” senior Adam Kesselman said. “Debate online was alienating because even if we could see silhouettes it wasn’t the same as talking to teammates or seeing opponents in person.”
It also changes the dynamic of the round when facial expressions and body language become a part of the debate.
“The best thing about having in-person tournaments is the face-to-face relationships you can build with the judges,” Kesselman said.
Another aspect is the ability to connect with teammates and converse about ideas more fluently.
It is also nice to share meals with teammates and the team is able to bond in a way we couldn’t before, says Kesselman.
This change will bring back a sense of normalcy for the Greenhill debate program along with the chance to host teams from all over Dallas.
