In the interview series “EUDC talk” we met Daniel Schut of Amsterdam’s famous debating society Bonaparte. He told us of his speaker job at Amsterdam EUDC and his loss to a German team four years ago.

Achte Minute: Hello Daniel, nice to have you here!

Daniel: Heeey!

Achte Minute: How are you after two days of speaking in front of 600 debaters?

Daniel: I’m doing great, it’s all been going so fast and the debaters are incredibly awesome. I’m amazed the schedule went so smoothly.

Achte Minute: Have you heard any debates?

Daniel: No. When people are debating we’ve been preparing the presentation for the next round.

Achte Minute: So you have no idea about the tournament’s level?

Daniel: No. I assume it’s legen… wait for it… dary! Because there is a lot of very good teams on the tab. The first time Euros was organised there were only 36 teams, this tournament was capped at 200 teams. Just imagine all those people from all over Europe who are all determined to win the title of European Champion – that competition alone guarantees an outstanding level.

Achte Minute: Did you compete once in EUDC?

Daniel: Yes, I competed in Zagreb 2003 and Berlin 2006 where I lost to Isabelle Loewe and Mathias Lux of Debattierclub Bonn in the ESL final and I judged at Koc EUDC in 2007.

Achte Minute: Still sad about the loss?

Daniel: No, absolutely not. They did very well! Back then Isa was already one of the best debaters on the circuit and I’m glad to see she developed into a leading judge.

Achte Minute: Did someone give you feedback about your job as speaker – besides Thore and Marcus on Achte Minute?

Daniel: No, not that much, that’s why I’m extra happy that Thore and Marcus did.

Achte Minute: Thank you very much!

Daniel: No, thank you!

Achte Minute invites you to get to know some participants of the European Universities Debating Championship 2010. Therefore, during the EUDC-days we’ll have the series of interviews “EUDC talk”. Here we get in contact with debaters from all over Europe – whether participating as adjudicators, speakers or organisers.

The European Universities Debating Championships (EUDC) 2010 are held in Amsterdam from July 12 to July 17. The tournament’s slogan is “Spread the love”. The motions and amore infos around the tournament can be seen on Twitter, look for hashtag #EUDC.

glx / mew

Foto: fnp