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21 January 2005
Monash University debater Ms Kylie Lane has been declared the Best Speaker in the World at the 2005 World University Debating Championships.
The Economics/Law graduate is only the second woman in the competition's 25-year history to be awarded the top speaker's prize, and the second Monash student to claim the title. Last year she also won the Australasian Debating Championships, and she was a member of the Monash team that came second in the WTO International Trade Law Moot finals in Geneva.
Her Monash team-mate, Arts student Mr Andrew Fitch, was named Sixth Best Speaker of the tournament. Debating as the Monash 'A' team, the pair reached the semi-finals of the World Championships and was finally ranked third out of 312 teams at the contest in Malaysia.
The Monash 'C' team -- Commerce/Arts student Mr Tom Chapman and Arts/Law student Mr Jacob Clifton -- made it to the semi finals, and Monash Arts/Law student Mr Roland Dillon and recent Monash graduate Mr Michael Smith were declared Champions in the World Masters section.
Their win meant they successfully defended Australia's hold on that crown, which had been won the previous year by Monash competitors.
Ms Lane said the debates, held at Malaysia's Multimedia University (MMU) in January, were a team effort. "MMU ran a fantastic tournament, and Andrew and I were thrilled with reaching the semis and receiving speaker prizes.
"I've debated for Monash for several years and it was a great way to finish," said Ms Lane, who begins her articles at Australian law firm Blake Dawson Waldron after completing her double degree with honours year in Economics in 2004.
The overall winner of the championships was the Ottowa Law 'A' team from Ottawa University, Canada.
For more information call Ms Robyn Anns, Media Communications, on +61 3 9905 9317.
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