or when you’re given those excuses (e.g. shy, can’t talk, not talented) say that it’s a way to get over those fears/inadequacies. that they don’t have to be william jennings bryan overnight, that they can ease into it. or just help in brainstorming ideas pro and/or against whatever topic. a lot of the inadequacy of public speaking is either lack of preparation or lack of confidence. once they’re better prepared and as a result perform better, they’ll get more confidence and you got em hooked. just start em off slow.

like all extra-curricular activities, it looks good on colllege applications

get hot girls to join

highlight what majors/careers debate club would be useful for (e.g. law, politics) and that depending on major, a lot of college coursework will include the preparation of persuasive argument papers.