Our teams are getting fired up for the Women of Influence Annual Great Debate 2019! This year we have an impressive mix of business executives, influencers, legal minds and comedians – it’s going to be a memorable morning!
Each year our guests are treated to an entertaining, thought-provoking and sometimes astonishing event. A debate is a fantastic format with a mix of facts, references, arguments, rebuttals, definitions and points of view. And if previous years are any indication, there will also be a great deal of passion, controversy and humour.
Our Esteemed Judge, John Morris General Manager RACV Queensland Resorts – is a seasoned debater. Not only is John a WOI Great Debater of the past (2017) he has been debating for many years and has even been known to arrange an organised debate in the family home!
So, as our teams get together to decide which speaker will be first, second or third, how they will define (take apart) the topic and what surprising twists their opposing team may present, John shared with us some wise tips:
“Studies show that (depending on which study you believe) somewhere between 60-90% of communication is nonverbal communication. The majority of this nonverbal communication is body language, but tone of voice is also a large component. So, teams should be aware of how they are dressed, how they stand, what they do or don’t do with their hands, their voice, eye contact …. And the list goes on.
So, from a judging perspective, apart from the nonverbal communication, I will be looking for each team to set out a clear case, logic in their argument, facts to support their case where appropriate (but not a catalogue of studies/references/etc), reasoned passion (!), clear proof of their position, a strong rebuttal and, what is often overlooked in debates, entertainment!”
Nonverbal communication refers to gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, eye contact (or lack thereof), body language, posture, and other ways people can communicate without using language.
If you are one of over 50,000,000 people who have watched the TEDTALK BY Social psychologist Amy Cuddy who argues that “power posing” might have an impact on our chances for success. Then you will know about the art of body language.
Certainly, we can all look forward to a few Wonder Women (and men) on Thursday 13 June!
