Advertisement
AT 27, SAM GREENLAND is considered by his peers as 'old'.
'In the [United Kingdom], debating is a school or university activity,' he says.
'[Students there] might just look at people my age and say, 'Go away, grandad!' '
But this 'old man' has an impressive career - he was a national debating champion in the UK, reached the finals of 11 other tournaments, and toured the United States twice on his prowess as a speaker.
Mr Greenland's first debate was a failure, a common experience for beginners. It took place in his final year at high school when a friend invited him to take part in a tournament at very short notice.
'I did it with no training or preparation. I don't think I had time to even be nervous,' he recalls. 'It was very bad.'
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x