MOST people treat debating as a phase – something one does in school, collects certificates from, and eventually leaves behind for a “real” job.

But for Thivagar Thullasi Nathan (pic), a former two-year student debater and regional Rotaract debate champion, the conversation is far from over.

What started as casually offering advice to students from his alma mater soon evolved into a career, with him applying for coaching roles online, driven purely by curiosity.

Now a law student in his early 20s, Thivagar is proving that debating is not just an extracurricular activity – it can also be a profession.

Despite his growing role as a trainer, he has no intention of choosing between debate and law. To him, both are deeply connected: debate sharpens his thinking, while law gives that thinking direction.

“I do what I do with conviction and love for the art of debating,” he said.

What does a typical workday really look like?

Thivagar: Coaching is only one part of the job – much of the work happens behind the scenes. I usually teach six to eight classes a week, alongside extensive planning for programmes and upcoming tournaments.

A lot of time is spent refining teaching methods to ensure students experience real improvement, not just surface-level confidence.

Beyond teaching, there are meetings on company planning and constant coordination. I also answer phone calls from my boss on a wide range of issues, from logistics to strategy.

What skills or mindset matter more than grades?

Thivagar: Advocacy and critical thinking matter far more than academic results in this line of work.

You need to be able to present an idea in multiple ways and support it from different angles. That requires shaping the idea clearly before delivering it.

Without clarity, even the most complex or intellectually sound arguments fall apart. If people cannot understand what you are saying, the argument fails – no matter how good it looks on paper.

What is one common misconception about this job?

Thivagar: Many people think soft skills training is not a “real” job because it mainly involves speaking. There is also a belief that everyone already possesses these skills, or that artificial intelligence (AI) can replace human reasoning.

What is often overlooked is that soft skills training is not just about speaking. It involves weaving reasoning with emotion to construct a narrative.

That human balance between reasoning and feeling is something AI has yet to fully replicate.

What is the most challenging and most rewarding part of the work?

Thivagar: The most challenging part is balancing my law degree with my professional responsibilities. It is physically and mentally exhausting, as it demands significant time and effort.

There are sacrifices in terms of social life and personal time, but nothing worthwhile comes easy. Hard work is what puts you on the map.

The most rewarding moment was when the first university team I coached won an inter-college debate tournament. They later sent me a video thanking me for their win.

That moment has stayed with me. Every time my team wins, I feel like I’ve won too.

What advice would you give to students considering this path?

Thivagar: Keep going. It is possible to make a career out of communication or debating. Even when things get tough or you feel like you have hit a wall, persistence matters.

A strong competitive background helps, and participating in or judging tournaments builds experience and presence in the debate circuit. Joining established academies also provides structure.

Luck plays a role too – being noticed by the right person at the right time can open doors. Most importantly, be prepared to work hard.

*Individuals are featured in their personal capacity. Views expressed do not represent any organisation.

With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following english language activities.

1 Practise persuasive speaking. Think of a light-hearted topic and convince the class in one minute. For example: pineapple belongs on pizza, students should only study at night, or exams should be replaced with games. The class will then vote for the most convincing speaker. use phrases like: “I believe ___ because ___. For example, ___. Therefore, ___.”

2 In pairs, take opposing positions on “reading books is better than watching movies”, with one person arguing for the statement and the other against. Take turns giving only reasons, one after the other. The person who can continue the longest wins.

The Star’s Newspaper-in- Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@ thestar.com.my.

Isabel, 15, a student in Johor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. This feature is part of a series highlighting young working adults who share insights into their jobs and offer practical tips on thriving in the workplace. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.

Full name: Thivagar Thullasi Nathan

Job title: Debate trainer

Professional experience: Three years

Highest qualification: Final-year Bachelor of Laws student at Universiti Malaya