The Debate Day

It was on Friday, 20th of January 2012, Dorina and I were in the proposing team, arguing against Flavia and Tricia who were in the opposing team. Our group believes that Primark can still be environment friendly/ ethical when having low cost goods and trade. We have time limits on every part of the argument; introduction, main arguments, question and answer and conclusion.

I did the introduction for our group then comes the main argument which was done by Dorina and I equally. For the main arguments, we have 10 minutes to state all the information of what we are arguing for. We have chosen 6 most reliable information and sources to deliver our message; of what we believe, to the opposing group afterward, the opposing group talk about their believes. Both groups had very efficient main argument, both were very clear and straight to the point which gives the audience a clear understanding of who's arguing for and against. Moving on, next, was the question and answer portion; teams member in each group will have a certain time to ask and answer questions. In this section, I believe that we did very well so as Flavia and Tricia. This was proven in the video that was recorded by our tutor, Rita. Both teams had had answer every question efficiently together with acknowledgment of trustworthy websites.

Having this debate has thrilled me a lot, our arguments were superb because of the fact too that we have planned it very well before the date of our debate. It was grateful to have this experience as I will be needing it in the future. I have learned my strengths and weaknesses and what I should do and should not do next time I will have a debate or interview. Knowing all these allow me to change and improve things that needs improvement because I know this will be a big help in the future.This experience can be related to work for example: a lady complaining about certain things; it will be easier for me to handle this kind of situations if I have full confidence and knowledge in stating things at her ( body language is necessary).

Our tutor, Rita, recorded our debate which made me see ho well did I do and each of us on the debate. I have seen that I had little to contribute in terms of answering questions of opposing group. Therefore, I will have to make an action to improve this, so it would be fair for my team member/s too.

In my own conclusion, both teams did very well in general. We have equally stand-out because we did not let our team to get stuck in any issue during the debate. One thing we necessarily need to do next time were doing debate is practice our lines (what we are going to say). This will make us look more professional as we will have a good body language and able to make an eye contact. Also, will make us look confident and may intimidate the opposing group via eye contact.

Planning the debate

Our tutor, Rita have set groups of people for each team to debate with each other. Our debate topic was ''Is it Possible for Primark to trade goods with low cost and not affecting environment?''. Dorina and I are in the proposing group, Our group says that yes, it is possible. We are arguing against the opposing team which are Tricia and Flavia which we may consider researching about information they may have.

It is essential that we make a plan before having a debate, to ensure reliable and efficient information together with sources. We have made a plan to give each other tasks and ensure that we can gather as much information as we need before the day of the debate to be able to revise our notes. Revising our notes will give us confidence in answering every question they may ask, because we know that we have knowledge in every aspect of the debate topic.

My tasks for the debate was to make a research about the information opposing team may have such as negative publicity (the BBC panorama), questions and answers they may have for us. Also, I have research about the ethical doings of Primark in a variety of reliable sources to support my statement. Ethical doings such as recycling to help the environment and support children in need.

It was pleasant having Dorina in my team as we get along with each other very well.We both discuss and agree in any situation such as who's doing what, what are the things needs to be done, when to we plan to finish certain things and what are the most reliable sources and information to be put on our introduction, main argument and conclusion. Having all of these discussed before the debate will give us clarity in all aspects of our information, allow us to be much organized regarding on every information we have.

6th session on Professional competencies

In this session we have had further discussion about communicating effectively in personal and academic life. Before having discussion we were first asked to read about 'The Building Society Association' telling us the process, advantages and disadvantages (barriers) of communicating in Business industry. Our tutor given us time to read and understand on how to communicate effectively. We were asked question when we have finished reading, for example; why is it important to communicate effectively in a business and the process that are involved? The process in communicating in a particular business is Sender-message-medium-receiver-feedback. It is vital that the message is being send at the right person, in the right time and at the right format as this will affect the progress of the business.

I have answered every questions my tutor have asked me. However, this does not make me a good communicator, because I should speak out of my self too, sometimes, if needed, without being ask. An example to this are; if I did not understand the question or the topic and if I know the answer; I should volunteer and speak to the class without a teacher pointing me out. I have learned that from now onward it will always be necessary to feel free and speak if you  need to.

Also, I have learned that in order get a good progress in any organization, stakeholders must learn how to communicate effectively with each other. It is essential that employees give and receive message from the right person to avoid conflicts.