Weekly Training Sessions and Debates
Beginning in September 2026
The GRS is the only university-based association dedicated to professional training in public speaking, debate, and oratory in Romandie and Geneva.
Weekly Debates and Training Sessions
Every week at Uni Mail starting at 6:15 p.m., the GRS organizes public training sessions and debates on public speaking in a parliamentary format, open to everyone.
International Competitions
Every year, the GRS represents Geneva in the biggest public speaking tournaments and the top international debate competitions.
Public Speaking Contest
The GRS coordinates public speaking contests and university-level public speaking events in Geneva that are open to the public.
Progress
week after week.
Every week during the academic semesters, at Uni Mail starting at 6:15 p.m., the GRS organizes drop-in sessions open to the public that combine training and discussions.
There is no requirement to actively participate; you are welcome to simply attend.
GRS doesn't teach participants how to "speak well," but rather how to think quickly, accurately, and in public. Faced with a motion, an opposing team, and a time limit, each participant must turn an intuition into a line of reasoning.
No one is born a public speaker, nor does one suddenly become one overnight. Development comes from a cycle: preparation, delivery, review, and revision. Each session provides repeated exposure to what worked, what fell short, and what needs to be strengthened.
Learning not to crumble in the face of an objection means listening, responding, restructuring, clarifying, and sometimes conceding—all while maintaining control over your own thoughts. Testing your reasoning against opposition (fictitious but concrete) allows you to make it clear, organize it, and ultimately put it to use.
For those who do not wish to discuss general but practical topics related to oral expression.
For those who wish to debate, take the time to develop a team vision and come up with arguments.
Still on the topic of public policy, on the "Format parlementaire romand" program.
4 vs. 4,
Conseil d'État vs. Grand Conseil.
For both training sessions and discussions, personalized feedback is provided immediately after the session.
To continue the discussions in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The Western Switzerland institution with the highest success rate.
GRS is the English branch of SRG. From Geneva to Paris, across the cantons and countries, SRG stands out for its results and high standards, and has established itself as one of the best teams on the current debate circuits. In its first year of existence, it has already set several Swiss records and won its first major title in a debate competition.
Learn how to speak
without shaking.
A step-by-step program to master the fundamentals of rhetoric and learn how to speak in public,
regardless of your current knowledge and skills.
The Format Parlementaire Romand.
Inspired by the French-speaking parliamentary debate format—which itself is based on the British Parliamentary Debate Format—the SRG has developed the Romandy Parliamentary Format, which it uses for each of its weekly debates.
Become
"Unrivaled under The Sun"
Like the SRG, the GRS aims to become the leading organization for the most prestigious public speaking teams in French-speaking Switzerland, the Francophonie, and ultimately the world. By reaching the top of major public speaking competitions, it proves that the world listens when Geneva speaks.
The SRG distinguishes between the status of "Associate"—an official member of the Society—and its broader community.
Students
Only students enrolled at the University of Geneva may become Associates, and members of other universities and external students are admitted only in exceptional cases.Registration takes place on site during one of the weekly session.
Non-students
The GRS's Extended Community welcomes all external members to stay informed about training sessions, competitions, debates, and other activities. Through "The Rhetorical Horde," it represents Geneva and the GRS at international competitions.
