Who among us has never debated a conspiracy theorist? Whether it’s a relative who believes The COVID-19 Pandemic was a hoax or a friend who truly believes The Moonlanding never took place, conspiracies are nothing new to our society. However, they do seem to be everywhere these days.
Debating a conspiracy theorist can feel like a truly sisyphean task. Just as you roll the proverbial boulder up the hill with a sublime argument full of facts, Uncle Joe insists you just haven’t read the right sources or your neighbour asserts that all intelligent people believe Hillary Clinton is, in fact, a pedophile.
Engaging with conspiracy theorists can feel more frustrating than waiting on hold with the CRA (Please hire more people. The CRA is important!); however, writing off our community members and loved ones can be even harder. Those of us who believe in the necessity of truth have a vested interest in debating conspiracy theorists. And so we continue making our arguments.
It’s never easy to debate a conspiracy theorist, but learning proper debate techniques can make it easier. That’s why rabble.ca’s School for Rabble Rousers is offering a new workshop designed to empower our readers to argue better with their families over the dinner table during the holidays.
This October 2 workshop will be led by rabble.ca publisher and executive director Sarah Sahagian, who has spent years training some of the world’s top public speakers and debaters. Sarah has served as the Head Coach for Singapore’s National Public Speaking Team and has coached over 20 students who have represented their countries at The World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championship.
Sarah believes that logic, empathy, and good listening skills are essential when debating a conspiracy theorist. Participants in our workshop will learn tested techniques used by some of the world’s most experienced debaters. And while we cannot guarantee you’ll convince the conspiracy theorists in your life to embrace facts that are not “alternative” in nature, you’ll have the tools you need to give it your best shot!
How To Debate a Conspiracy Theorist will take place between 12 pm and 1 pm EST on October 2. Tickets are $7.50, and all proceeds will go to rabble.ca. You can register for the event here.
Support rabble today!
We’re so glad you stopped by! Thanks for consuming rabble content this year.
rabble.ca is 100% reader and donor funded, so as an avid reader of our content, we hope you will consider gifting rabble with a donation during our summer fundraiser today.
Nick Seebruch, editor
Whether it be a one-time donation or a small monthly contribution, your support is critical to keep rabble writers producing the work you’ve come to rely on as a part of a healthy media diet.
Become a rabble rouser — donate to rabble.ca today.
Nick Seebruch, editor
