The fondly known ‘JBH’ is a debating competition like no other; established in 1914, it challenges students to not only prepare speeches on contentious subjects but handle heckling from the floor. Success is awarded to the contestant who can best deliver their argument and navigate the ‘fierce bear pit’.
On Wednesday 22nd March, family and friends will gather in Main Hall for this unmissable ‘night of rhetorical mayhem’. Ahead of the contest our five speakers are making the final preparations for their arguments.
Finlay is proposing ‘Music glorifying gang culture should be criminalised’, Millie is speaking on why ‘Britain should introduce a parenting licence’, Rio will debate that ‘Marriage should be abolished’, Harriet will contend that ‘Competitive sport should not be categorised by gender’ and Alex is debating ‘Care homes should be abolished’.
Taking to the stage, students are given three minutes, uninterrupted, to introduce their topic and set out the terms of their argument, a bell then rings, starting a period in which the audience is able to heckle and ask questions, before a second chime when speakers must conclude their speech.
Finlay commented, “I’m feeling a bit nervous because a lot of my friends like that sort of music and contradicting them will be interesting but I’m looking forward to seeing what they say.” Rio echoed, “I’m feeling really nervous, but I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
In 2023, the judging panel is comprised of Old Leightonian and Barrister, Charles Debattista, who won the competition in 1971, Old Leightonian, Tim Spratt who competed in 1974 and spoke on Capital Punishment, Old Leightonian, Will Earle A’Hern who competed for the consecutive years of 2010 and 2011, and finally, Dr Christa Grey, Associate Professor at the University of Reading, who returns after judging last year’s competition.
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