How to empower yourself through debate | My-Linh Phan | TEDxHanoi

My-Linh Phan, founder of Vietnam Debate Association explored the power of debate to empower future generations. Phan shared her experience coaching debaters over the years and how she witnessed debate unlock critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills in students. She argued that these abilities are vital for thriving in the modern world, yet can clash with traditional Vietnamese values that prioritize deference. My-Linh passionately called for integrating debate into education to cultivate a new generation of independent thinkers and changemakers, while respecting cultural heritage. Her talk highlighted debate's transformative potential to empower youth across diverse backgrounds. My-Linh Phan is an English and Language Art teacher at The Olympia Schools (TOS). My-Linh has traveled to 29 different countries and taught in America, Italy, The Dominican Republic and Korea before finally settling down in Vietnam. Once a debater, My-Linh was determined to introduce this art of persuasion to local students. She led D-Doxa - TOS debate club to multiple championships such as Hanoi Debate Tournament 2017, Innompics Games 2018 and received invitations to Japan, Singapore and Harvard College tournaments. On a national level, for 2 consecutive years, My-Linh accompanied Team Vietnam to compete in World Schools Debating Championship, where she also held the position of national adjudicator. Remarkably in 2018, after chairing 8 preliminary rounds, My-Linh broke and judged the quarter final along with Top 20 judges around the world. Receiving WSDC’s “Best New Nation” award with Team Vietnam inspired her to organize Hanoi Open-Vietnam Schools Debating Championship. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx