Voice & Vision: Youth Debate and Public Speaking
Who is this for?
Youth aged 15–25 wanting to elevate their public presence, sharpen persuasive reasoning, and engage in civil debate.
Course Overview & Integration
Applies rhetorical structures, persuasive arguments, and vocal projection techniques. This course directly confronts stage fright and verbal hiding by training participants to articulate their personal views, advocate for others, and command a room's attention, promoting vocal emergence.
Core Competencies Developed
Rhetoric and delivery, rapid rebuttal construction, structure formatting, civic advocacy, and cooperative research.
What You Will Learn (Weekly Syllabus)
- Week 1: Vocal Mechanics and Presence - Breath control, articulation, pacing, body language.
- Week 2: Argument Construction - Structurally sound contentions and refutation techniques.
- Week 3: Formal Debating Formats - Parliamentary rules, cross-examinations, and points of information.
- Week 4: Debating Complex Social Issues - Local challenges, class disparities, police dialogues.
Practical Application & Assessment
Preparing and delivering an evaluated 3-minute persuasive public policy or advocacy speech to an audience of peers, plus participating in a live debate tournament.