Debaters develop excellent listening skills from their first debate when they learn that they must KNOW their opponents arguments as well as their own. Through flowing, accurate and practiced note taking, debaters learn to glean and analyze information as their hear it. Debate develops proficiency in writing. While the greater part of debate is perceived to be speaking in front of people, a good portion is preparation of argumentation before ever standing in front of another team or judge. This writing and arguing ability will carryover to many other fields such as preparing research papers and answering essay questions on exams.
Debate encourages mature judgment.
Debates learn the value of suspending judgment until both sides are looked at. After debating both sides of an issue for entire year, debaters know that the complex issues of today have many sides that need to be examined. Debate develops courage. As we all know from the famous saying, most people would rather be in the casket at a funeral than giving the eulogy. It takes discipline, preparation, and a bit of bravery to stand up and defend a position in front of those arguing the exact opposite and judge.