Two-Time World Debating Champion on How to Win Arguments

The Speak Good Podcast

Can you apply the rules of debate to your next dinner conversation? Author and champion debater Bo Seo sees parallels between formal verbal sparring and informal chatter around the table. In this episode, we talk about his book, Good Arguments: How Debate Teaches Us to Listen and Be Heard. Bo makes the case that anyone can relay the skills needed for successful competitive debate into real-life conversations. He says one of the most important skills you can cultivate has nothing to do with the words you use, but rather the attention you bring to truly listening to what your fellow conversationalists are saying. Bo says when you make authentic connections with your verbal opponents and empathize with their stance and opinions, debate becomes transformative – an exercise that not only makes for better personal relationships but can create a more civil society. Bo shares tips and techniques on how to effectively make your case at home, work, and play.
GUEST: Bo Seo, Author, Good Arguments: How Debate Teaches Us to Listen and Be Heard
Bo Seo is simultaneously a world-class debater, a journalist, and a law student at Harvard Law School. In all those facets of his life, strong communication skills are a must. In his new book, Bo draws on his own experiences as a two-time world champion debater and a former coach of the Australian national debating team and the Harvard College Debating Union to share the most effective methods in hashing out disagreements – whether they take place on a debate stage or in a coffee shop. Bo is one of the most recognized figures in the global debate community, having won the World Schools Debating Championship and the World Universities Debating Championship. His articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, CNN, the Australian Financial Review, and other publications. He’s a panelist on the prime-time Australian debate program, The Drum. Born in South Korea, he grew up in Australia before heading off to Tsinghua University in China where he received a master’s degree in public policy. He’s now studying law at Harvard Law School.

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