Jack Lieblein, an advisory board member of the Open Discourse Coalition and 2026 college graduate, shares a personal lesson for students heading to campus this fall. While studying at Bucknell University, he enrolled in a non‑credit leadership seminar that met every Saturday in September. The eight‑hour sessions, run by the independent Open Discourse Coalition, compressed a semester’s worth of learning into a short, intensive format.
Each Saturday, Lieblein and twenty peers gathered in four groups to analyze historical leaders, present findings, and lead ninety‑minute discussions. Professors and classmates challenged each group’s conclusions, forcing participants to back their claims with textual evidence and, when necessary, admit mistakes. Though the experience was often uncomfortable, it proved eye‑opening.
Why Debate Skills Matter
Lieblein argues that the ability to argue well, disagree respectfully, and reach consensus is essential for any career. Whether a future doctor needs bedside manner, a wealth‑management professional must win over clients, or a remote worker engages in regular human contact, strong discourse skills smooth the path upward.
He notes that many college curricula overlook this training, leaving students unprepared for real‑world discussions. Recent polling shows that nine in ten undergraduates believe “words can be violence,” a mindset that can exacerbate actual conflict when faced with opposing views.
Call to Action for Students and Schools
Lieblein urges students to seek out debate‑ and discourse‑focused programs, citing Dartmouth’s freshman‑wide dialogue training as an example. He encourages campuses to expand such offerings, emphasizing that both individuals and society benefit when citizens learn to engage civilly with differing opinions.
For students concerned primarily with career advancement, Lieblein stresses that investing time in learning respectful debate now will pay dividends later, both professionally and personally.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
