Debate as a Form of Persuasive Communication in University English Language Teaching

Persuasive communication is of crucial importance for everyday life and for professional communication in one’s mother tongue as well as in a foreign language. Debate – one of the effective forms of persuasive communication – has its place in the process of foreign language teaching of adults. In a university setting, the acquisition of debating skills in a foreign language can be defined as timely, effective and stimulating. Conducting a debate within the framework of English language teaching combines the potential for improving language skills and argumentation skills, alongside the implementation of qualities such as integrity, tolerance, empathy. The challenges faced by the learners do not discourage them, but in fact stimulate them to improve their performance and transfer the acquired skills to their future activities. Students see conducting a debate in English as highly beneficial, holding a potential for their future personal growth and professional development.