Public Speaking & Persuasion Workshops

2-Day Online Workshop | August 8th ~ 9th

Saturday & Sunday | 11AM-5PM EST

Cost: $249.00/student (need-based financial aid available)

Referral Discount: $20.00/referral

Class Size: 8-14 students

Open to: 6-12th grade (no debate experience required!)

Space is limited and often fill up. Spots are offered on a first come, first serve basis!

Flexible refunds offered until Friday, 7/24.

Syllabus

Experienced Instructors

We pride ourselves on having experienced instructors who bring their expertise and passion for debate to the classroom. Our instructors have a deep understanding of the subject matter and are actively involved in the debate community, ensuring that students receive the highest quality instruction and guidance. With their wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience, our instructors empower students to develop skills that will last a lifetime.

Through interactive activities and engaging discussions, students receive immediate and personalized feedback from our instructors. This real-time feedback allows students to understand their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and make tangible progress in their public speaking abilities. By nurturing a supportive learning environment, we ensure that every student's voice is heard and valued.

Tentative Schedule

Saturday, August 2nd
11:00-11:15 Opening Ceremony
11:15-12:00 Introduction to Speech & Debate + Icebreaker
12:00-1:00 Session 1: Argument Structure & Burdens
1:00-2:00 Lunch
2:00-3:00 Demo Debate & Walkthrough
3:00-4:00 Session 2: Argument Generation
4:00-5:00 Session 3: Weighing

Sunday, August 3rd
11:00-11:15 Morning Meeting
11:15-12:15 Session 4: Refutation
12:15-1:15 Lunch
1:15-2:15 Session 5: Public Speaking
2:15-3:00 College Admissions Panel
3:00-4:30 Practice Debates (Rounds 1 & 2)
4:30-5:00 Closing Ceremony

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.

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!

... and more!

Instructors

Jake Hirshberg

UChicago '28

Chicago Debate Society President

2026 GW, 2025 UMD Champion Top 25 APDA College Debater

Taryn Murphy

UChicago '27

2x Extemp NSDA Qualifier

15+ NJ State Level Awards

2x APDA Nationals Qualifier

Daniel Jiang

UChicago '29

1x INFO, 2x PF TOC Qualifier

5th at California States

Andrew Cui

UChicago '29

2x NJ State Champion; 2x TOC Quals; 2025 NCFL Congress Semifinalist

And many more
brilliant instructors!

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

Application