Course Overview

Communication is an invaluable 21st century skill and tool. Through proven techniques students will be taught how to overcome anxiety and how to speak publicly and express themselves clearly in debating in any given situation. Students are taught about poise, use of body and voice, public speaking,oral interpretation of literature.

This course is aimed at 13 to 15 year olds who would like to learn to communicate effectively and confidently and will give students the chance to practice their debate, writing and public speaking skills through a series of workshops and classes. Through a combination of activities, guest speakers and field trips, students will learn the basics of argumentation, rebuttal, public speaking, news reporting and speech writing. Each participant will be able to present their ideas in a confident and convincing manner.

Public Speaking & Debate course is suited for students interested in studying law, political science, economics, communications or journalism at a University level and those whom have an interest in learning debating skills.

Academic content

This course is taught primarily through workshops designed to give students first-hand experience in public speaking and debating. Positive feed-back through fellow students and through tutors will give you greater command and confidence in all given tasks.

Students will be taught and given techniques:

  • in fundamentals of effective oral delivery including body control, use of voice and diction, and analysis of audience
  • about the importance and 'art' of preparation in public speaking and debating
  • regarding the selection and arrangement of material and use of transitions and theoretical effects in making brief speeches to inform, persuade, or entertain
  • how to structure ideas and arguments in their speeches in a sustained, persuasive and sophisticated way and support them with precise and relevant examples

Students will also be taught how to read, discuss, and write about speeches in order to interpret and evaluate the impact of ambiguities, subtleties, contradictions, ironies, and incongruities in a text. They will analyse the way in which clarity of meaning is affected by the patterns of organization, hierarchical structures, repetition of the main ideas, syntax, and word choices in the text.

Workshops

Throughout the course students will be required to give at least seven formal speeches.  These speeches are designed to give students experience in a range of speaking situations.  Speech class is unlike many other classes in that it directly applies to students’ lives both now and in the future.

LITE Regal uses the Model UN to encourage Public Speaking and Debating. Please visit https://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/how-to-participate/model-un-preparation/public-speaking

Students will be asked to join and participate in Model UN Conference. A current and worthwhile topic / policy will be chosen by the Chairman to be discussed eg:

A Safer World – Nucleaur Disarmarnament and Non Proliferation

A Fairer World – Securing Human Rights for All

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Students on model UN workshop

Public speaking is one of the most important skills students will use as a Model UN delegate. Students will need to convey their member state's positions, help build consensus and formulate resolutions. Usually, the length of time a delegate is allowed to speak is set by the conference organizers. Delegates can make a motion to increase or decrease the time allotted to each speaker. If another delegate seconds the motion, then the committee will vote on changing the speaker's time.