Debate Night is a light-hearted debate format where we debate topics suggested by the community – with the community.

WHAT are we debating?

Now more than ever, the question of how governments should navigate through crises arises across the globe. And yet, we seem to all make the same basic assumption: that democracies are by default the superior form of government. But is that really the case?

To answer this question, we are debating the following motion:

“Totalitarian governments are better suited to deal with crises than democratic ones.”

WHY are we debating?

One look at social media and you’ll probably agree: there’s a lack of proper debating culture in current public discourse. People are shouting over their counterparts, insulting those who hold different opinions and sometimes even failing to string together anything resembling a coherent thought.

Debating is an art form that deserves preserving. It’s a skill that requires practice. That’s why we debate and urge you to do the same.

WHO is debating?

• Debating FOR the motion: Antonis Triantafyllakis
• Debating AGAINST the motion: Pascal Heymann
• Moderating the event: Bastian Behrmann

Antonis Triantafyllakis is the founder of MYTRAINER, a global social enterprise based in Berlin, working with the best international trainers and facilitators to provide high-quality training opportunities for youth, preparing them for the 21st century’s demand in skills, knowledge and attitudes.

Pascal Heymann is a pitch & presentation trainer and founder of the Berlin Speaking brand. Working in the heart of Europe’s start-up landscape, he empowers CEOs, academics and aspiring speakers to confidently communicate their ideas, generate interest for innovative products and present with a WOW-factor!

Bastian Behrmann is a passionate networker. He regularly creates, moderates and attends a wide variety of startup events and community meetups. He studied sociology, media culture and world politics and has experience in event management, building communities, coaching startups and managing educational programs.

PLEASE NOTE: The positions and opinions brought forward by the speakers in the debate do not necessarily represent their personal opinions and positions.

HOW are we debating?

We want the debate to be civil, so we’ll use a slightly altered version of Oxford-style debate. In short, we will have three rounds:

• Round 1 – Opening statements, 5 min each
• Round 2 – Questions from audience and opponent
• Round 3 – Closing Statements, 5 min each

How can YOU debate with us?

The easiest way to participate is by grilling the speakers with pointed and challenging questions!

If you want to PARTICIPATE AS A SPEAKER, you can apply by suggesting a topic! Send Pascal a topic/motion you would like to debate and he will pick the most intriguing ones for future debates – with you as a speaker 😊