Today was the Central Western Ontario Senior Debating Finals. I, being our school's permanent speaker/timer, went along, and with me I brought a fresh copy of How to be Persuasive.

Earlier I circulated the article amongst a few of my friends and they learned the basic fundamentals. During the impromptu debate (which is supposed to be fun and lighthearted) I had another chance to educate another team in the ways of Wes and Sam. It surprised me to see how many of those techniques were employed in complete seriousness.

The best part was over dinner, when my (pseudo-)friend made a remark, and one of my friends responded with a "clearly" statement. Then he punched his palm. Then, spontaneously, he, I, and another friend all stood up at the same time. Woo, that was fun. My friend was going to get up on his chair if he hadn't knocked it over.

--Pliff"Why'd I write that?"ilif