Who has spoken at the Cambridge Union?
Speakers hosted by the Union have included:
- British prime ministers Winston Churchill, Clement Attlee, Margaret Thatcher, John Major and Theresa May.
- US Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan.
- The First Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru.
- The First democratically elected President of Iraq Jalal Talabani,
Can you bring a guest to the Cambridge Union?
Guests may be admitted to the Union’s Events on payment of an entry fee, which is determined by the Social Events Officer in consultation with the President or Vice President.
How does the Oxford Union work?
The Oxford Union is an unincorporated association; its property is held in trust in favour of its objectives and members, and governed by its rules (which form a multi-partite contract between the members).
What is Cambridge style debate?
This is the style of debate used in the Cambridge and Oxford competitions for schools and everywhere at university level. Four speakers sit down each side of a table, facing each other, with the chairman at the end – a bit like the front benches in the House of Commons.
Does Cambridge Union Pay speakers?
We are a registered charity and don’t pay speakers fees; however, we do cover travel expenses and provide a meal for our speakers if it’s appropriate.
Who is Cecilia Zhao?
As an Oxford University undergraduate, Cecilia Zhao is not just well known for her academic record but also her influence amongst young women, and her dedicated work in promoting access to education.
Why is Hilary a term?
Hilary term is named after the feast day of St Hilary, which falls on 14 January, while Trinity term comes from Trinity Sunday, which falls eight weeks after Easter. Full term is the main undergraduate teaching period at Oxford.
What is the first rule of debate?
The debate begins with an affirmative first-speaker constructive speech, followed by a negative; then an affirmative and negative second-speaker constructive speech, respectively.
What are the basic rules of debate?
Twenty Golden Rules of Debating
- Speak up!
- Listen well to what the other speakers say!
- Improve your performance and never give up!
- Keep to the rules of debating!
- Keep it simple!
- Whatever you say: Keep the audience in mind!
- Show confidence – you’re on the right side of the debate!
How do you pronounce Michaelmas?
Break ‘michaelmas’ down into sounds: [MIK] + [UHL] + [MUHS] – say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them.
How long is a term at Oxford?
eight weeks
Oxford’s year is divided into three terms and three vacations. Within each term, a “Full Term” of eight weeks is the main teaching period.
Do and don’ts of debate?
What are the do’s and dont’s of debate?
- Always wear formal clothes.
- Try to reach the venue ten minutes before the actual time.
- Confirm your location before the debate starts.
- Cross check all your details with the official score sheet.
- Stand in front of timekeeper and chairman.
- Applaud each participant.