Public Speaking

Debating is an organized fashion used to discuss different viewpoints between two parties or a group of people. As discussed by Professor Tolson the art of debating requires a significant amount of practice and preparation. To be a great debater you have to be prepared, you have to do your research and you have to know all of the facts that surround your topic but most of all you have to know how to capture your audience so that your message does not go unheard. In the movie each character did every one of those things.

"The time is now, The time is right now". One of the statements that Samantha used, not only was the statement powerful because of the tone and inflection that was used in her voice but she also stomped her foot and used hand motions which seemed to draw the audience into the passion that she had for the topic. Henry and Hamilton also connected with the audience by using lots of eye contact, they were both great at speaking with their hands to get there points across as well as the different tones that were used in their voices kept the attention of the audience.

James was more of a shy speaker, which is often associated with public speaking. However, there are many ways to overcome the fears or phobias that are associated with public speaking. Some helpful tips include, practicing and exuding confidence while speaking. However he to managed to gain the attention of the audience by standing quietly and looking out into the crowd almost assertively to let them know that he was ready to begin speaking. With gaining the attention of the audience each speaker was able to keep it because they were confident in what they were saying, each character was well researched and well prepared for the topics that they were given.

Even though they were confident each audience was different. In scene one with Henry and Hamilton the audience was all black; they were amongst their peers and people who were like them, so they were in their comfort zone. Whereas in scene eleven and twelve Samantha who was up for her first debate, was a black woman in a crowd full of whites who seemed as though they did not want her there or wanted to hear anything that she had to say.

Not to mention the fact that they were snapping photos in her face and some even got up to leave during her debate. With all of that being done I still feel as though Samantha and Henry handled the crowd very well. James in scene twenty-three where he had to debate in front of a crowd who felt as though they had won the debate before it had even taken place. Given all of the different challenges that the team had to face with racism, classism and even losing one of the most valuable members at such an important time for them they still managed to push through and be a team of GREAT DEBATERS. In conclusion, debating is a skilled art form that can be obtained by continuous hard work and determination. To be successful in the arena of debating