Improve students’ skills in public speaking

“Jugend debattiert” is a well-known program for school students in Germany that has been held annually since 2001. The program aims to help young people improve their skills in public speaking and argumentation.

We started in North America in 2021.

The program is divided into different levels of competition, starting at the school level and then moving on to the state and national levels.
Young people between the ages of 14 and 19 can participate in “Youth Debate,” debating topics ranging from current political issues to ethical dilemmas.

Debates are usually conducted in teams of two participants, and each team must represent a position on a given topic.
Participants have a limited amount of time to present their arguments and must also subsequently defend their views in the face of their opponent’s arguments.

The debates are judged by a panel of judges who consider criteria such as content, rhetoric, and debate culture.
The “Jugend debattiert” program aims to prepare participants for active participation in a democratic society and to encourage them to form and express their own opinions.

Participation in “Jugend debattiert” can help students improve their self-confidence and presentation skills.
The program is supported by various partners, including the Federal Agency for Civic Education.

Since its inception, “Jugend debattiert” has reached several hundred thousand students and is considered one of the most important civic education programs in Germany.

Numerous former participants have gone on to careers in politics or public life and today actively contribute to shaping society.
Debates at “Jugend debattiert” can be controversial and emotional, but the value is always placed on a respectful discussion culture.
The “Jugend debattiert” program is an important component of political education in Germany and has a positive influence on the formation of opinion and the political commitment of young people.

The debates at “Jugend debattiert” show that young people can understand and discuss complex political issues and that they are willing to play an active role in shaping their future.

The program also promotes the development of key skills such as critical thinking, argumentation, teamwork, and self-confidence.
Students learn to present their arguments clearly and persuasively and also learn to understand and respond to the arguments of others.

Participants in “Jugend debattiert” have the chance to make new friends and establish contacts that can be useful to them later in life.