Public Speaking & Persuasion Workshops
3-Day Online Workshop | July 26 - 28
15 hours of instruction | Fri 2PM-5PM CT | Sat-Sun 11AM-5PM CT
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Cost: $249.00/student (need-based financial aid available)
Referral Discount: $15.00/referral
Class Size: 20-30 students
Open to: 6-12th grade (no debate experience required!)
Space is limited and offered on a first come, first serve basis!
Flexible refunds offered until Monday, 7/22.
Syllabus
Schedule
Friday
2:00PM-2:30PM Opening Ceremony
2:30PM-3:00PM Workshop 1
3:00PM-4:00PM Team Building Games
4:00PM-5:00PM Workshop 2
Saturday
11:00AM-11:15AM Morning Meeting
11:15AM-12:30PM Guided Demo Debate
12:30PM-1:30PM Lunch
1:30PM-2:30PM Workshop 3
2:45PM-3:45PM Workshop 4
4:00PM-5:00PM Practice Activity
Sunday
11:00AM-11:15AM Morning Meeting
11:15AM-12:30PM Workshop 5
12:30PM-1:30PM Lunch & Office Hours
1:30PM-3:00PM Practice Rounds
4:30PM-5:00PM Closing Ceremony
*All times in CT (Central Time)
WORKSHOP TOPICS
Introduction to Debate
Discover what debate is all about! In addition to learning the foundations of debate, students learn how excel in various public speaking opportunities throughout middle school and beyond.
Structure of an Argument
Uncover the secrets to constructing compelling and persuasive arguments in this engaging workshop which offers the building blocks for effective argumentation: claims, warrants, and impacts.
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Stakeholders
Who is impacted by decisions? Identifying key stakeholders is often the secrete to creating compelling arguments and making them matter to your audience.
Public Speaking & Confidence
Learn techniques to enhance your public speaking skills and captivate audiences through interactive activities and practice delivering impactful speeches.
Games & Activities
Throughout the session we will provide opportunities to practice what you've learned in interactive contexts. In addition to practicing formal rounds, we'll show you how techniques can be applied to everything from discussions with freinds to party games!
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... and more!
Instructors
Aidan Shannon
UChicago '25
2023 APDA Nationals Competitor
2021 NCFL Nationals Octafinalist
Sarah Willrich
UChicago '26
T20 at 2024 APDA Nationals
Helen Wu
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Pratyush Sharma
UChicago '27
2019 7th Place World Scholar's Cup
Jesenia Parthasarathy
UChicago '26
T20 at 2024 APDA Nationals
2023 APDA Nationals Competitor
4 Congress TOC Bids
...and more!
Sign up to meet more of our top ranked guest lecturers!
FINANCIAL AID
Our goal is to provide an high quality, affordable debate education for all. We hope to make Chicago Debate Academy accessible to as many students as possible!
CDA offers need-based financial aid ranging from 10% – 100% of the full program cost for prospective students whose financial circumstances prevent them from meeting the full cost of the program.
To apply, please fill out the Financial Aid Form below and the official registration form above. We will get back to you with the finalized financial aid details within 1-3 business days. For more inquiries, please email chicagodebateacademy@gmail.com