Fast Talk

Fast Talk tracks the NU debate team as it tries for a second consecutive championship while simultaneously examining why debaters now talk so fast and how their arguments are unintelligible and inconsequential to a non-debate audience. Clearly there are benefits to fast-talking--more arguments presented in a shorter amount of time. But is there a dark side? How does fast-talking affect the participation and success of women, minorities, and low-income students? Has debate slowly morphed from an academic activity meant to train young minds to an activity meant to train winners regardless of whether or not they know how to communicate and/or form nuanced arguments? At a broader level, perhaps what has happened to debate is a microcosm of what has happened to many arenas in academia and the world. Students are increasingly pressured to achieve more quickly. Often good pedagogy and health are sacrificed in favor of rewards whether it be certificates, trophies or A's.