Voice your Thought: Facing the Mic

August 1st, 2025

Posted in General

This July, I had the privilege of participating in the Frank Anthony Memorial All India Inter-School Debate Competition (Category 2) – 2025, representing my school St Francis Xavier. With 20 of the best teams from across the zone in attendance, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric—filled with anticipation, nervous energy, and voices eager to be heard.

This was my second time at the Frank Anthony Debate, and walking into the hall this year felt completely different. The nerves were still there, but so was something new—confidence.

Looking back at my first experience, I remember the tremble in my voice, the hesitation before each line, and the constant fear of messing up. I used to overthink every word. But this time, I walked up to the podium with a clearer head, a firmer voice, and a belief in what I was saying.

What changed? A lot, actually. Over the past year, I spent time improving my public speaking, argument construction, and most importantly, my mindset. I learned to channel my nervousness into energy. I started practicing rebuttals with peers, writing and refining speeches regularly, and watching experienced debaters to learn their style. Slowly but surely, the fear began to fade.

None of these growths would’ve been possible without our teachers. Their unwavering support—whether it was helping us brainstorm arguments late after school hours or guiding us with feedback after every practice round—made a world of difference. They believed in our potential even when we didn’t, and that belief pushed us to do better every single time.

Their encouragement reminded us that debating isn’t just about winning—it’s about learning to think critically, speak clearly, and listen actively.

The competition was fierce. With 20 schools in the fray, every team brought unique perspectives and passionate arguments. The topics challenged us to think deeper, question assumptions, and defend our stance with clarity.

Even though we were surrounded by immensely talented speakers, I no longer felt intimidated—I felt inspired. Competing among such brilliant minds was not just an honor, but a learning experience in itself.

This year’s topic revolved around the ever-relevant theme of Artificial Intelligence—a subject that is shaping the future and challenging our present. Debating on AI opened up fascinating arguments about ethics, control, human dependence, and innovation. It was a complex topic that pushed us to research deeply, understand multiple viewpoints, and speak with clarity backed by logic.

Facing such a relevant and layered issue made the experience even more enriching. It felt amazing to share our views and to listen to such diverse takes from teams across the region.

This year’s debate taught me that growth doesn’t happen overnight, but with persistence, reflection, and the right guidance, it definitely happens. From a hesitant speaker to someone who now looks forward to taking the mic, my journey has been one of personal victory.

To anyone who’s afraid of speaking in public or thinks they aren’t “cut out” for debating—trust me, I’ve been there. All it takes is courage to start, patience to improve, and a support system that believes in you.

The Frank Anthony Debate 2025 wasn’t just a competition for me—it was a milestone in my journey as a speaker, a learner, and a confident individual. And I can’t wait to keep growing from here.

— Adrija Das, Class- X S