The Speech and Debate Academy
At the debate academy, EIU aims to teach the fundamentals of structured argumentation and public speaking and provide a well-rounded introduction to the world of competitive speech and debate. At times of heightened political and social tensions, as we see today, the skills debate teaches will allow us all to voice our thoughts, whether it's to fight injustices in politics or stand up for ourselves in the classroom. Students will have experience in researching, writing, as well as participating in multiple mock - debates. Participation will thoroughly prepare students for debate at a competitive level or enhance the skills of experienced debaters.
Instructor: Reina Pradhan
Hey Everyone!
I’m currently a highschooler who debated throughout middle school and currently debates during high school. I have experience competing at multiple national tournaments and often qualify for elimination rounds and placements at such tournaments. I have championed the LD division of the annual SCU tournament, won 5th overall at Stanford's National Tournament and won second varsity speaker at the national Berkeley invitational tournament while qualifying for elimination rounds to name a few of my ‘debate achievements’. I have experience teaching debate at the Lynbrook Speech and Debate summer camp, as well as at Miller Speech and debate as a volunteer. Both these experiences have increased my passion for debate and have encouraged me to spread the art of debate to others.
What do we teach?
Students will gain:
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Key skills in argumentation and public speaking
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impromptu​
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Learn how to debate other students
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Techniques for success at a competitive level
Topics to be covered:
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2 different types of debate
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Formats, practice, demo, strategies
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LD + Congress
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Research
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Citations and source analyzation
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“Card-cutting”
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Current Events
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Through studying multiple high school level topics
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Argumentative Writing
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Case building and organization
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Argumentative Structure
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Scheduling and Sign-Ups
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1-hour classes twice a week
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Session 1: June 21st - July 24th [grades 3 - 8] Mondays + Fridays 4 - 5 pm PST (MS) | Tuesdays + Thursdays 4 - 5 pm PST (ES) (full)
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Session 2 planned between July 20th - August 15th [grades 6 - 8] Wednesdays + Saturdays 4 - 5 pm PST (MS) (full)
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Classes will be conducted through online - tools
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Flexible timings that work for the majority
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Separate sessions for middle and elementary schoolers to match skill levels!
* (MS) = Middle Schoolers (grades 6 - 8)
* (ES) = Elementary Schoolers (grades 3 - 5)