Andover Recreation & Youth Services
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Speech and Debate

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Speech and Debate (1)
The speech and debate program will focus on building public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork skills in participants by developing skills such as speech writing, delivery techniques, and debate strategies.

Students will explore various debate formats and research contemporary issues to prepare for mock debates and potential competitions. Regular reflection sessions will help track progress and celebrate achievements. By the end, participants will develop important skills for effective communication and self-expression.

Students will improve in: 
Argument formation
Presentation skills
Impromptu Speaking

Weeks 1 & 2:
In our first 2 classes we will be
focusing on the basics of public
speaking so students can convey
ideas effectively: presentation skills.

Weeks 3 & 4:
In our next few classes, we will
begin developing argument
formation skills, which is essential
for debates.

Weeks 5 & 6:
Finally, after learning the essential
skills for public speaking, we will
implement these skills through
engaging activities.

Week 7:
In our last class, we will either conduct a full-structured debate,
or do presentations to display what students have learned.

Students should be available each Wednesday from 4PM-5PM and have access to their own laptop or chrome book as well as their own Google account. 

Dates: 
Week 1: February 5th 
Week 2: February 12th
February 19th- no meeting/school vacation
Week 3: February 26th 
Week 4: March 5th
Week 5: March 12th
Week 6: March 19th
Week 7: March 26th 

            Speech and Debate – Advanced Session (2)

This Speech and Debate program will focus on refining debating skills, critical thinking, and teamwork. Students will build on skills learned in the previous session and dive right into debating, with activities focused on argument formation, debate strategies, and presentation techniques.

Students will explore different debate formats, research current issues, and practice debating in mock competitions. Reflection sessions will help track progress and celebrate achievements. By the end, participants will have developed key skills for effective communication and self-expression.

Skills Students Will Improve:
  • Advanced argument formation
  • Debate strategies and presentation skills
  • Impromptu speaking
Weeks 1-2:
We’ll jump straight into developing debating skills, focusing on structured argumentation, persuasive speaking, and effective delivery techniques.
Weeks 3-6:
These sessions will give students the opportunity to practice debating through engaging activities, mock debates, and team challenges.
Week 6:
In the final session, students will either participate in a full-structured debate or give a presentation to demonstrate what they’ve learned.
Important Information:
  • Dates: Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, starting April 2nd and ending May 21st for a total of 6 sessions. ( see exact dates below)
  • Cost: A $10 fee is required to reserve your spot. This ensures your seat in the program. Currently this program is volunteer led so no additional cost is required at this time.
  • Registration: The program will be capped at 15 participants, so sign up early to secure your spot!
  • Prerequisite: Open to both returning students and new participants (grades 5th-8th).
Session Dates:
  • Week 1: April 2nd
  • Week 2: April 9th
  • Week 3: April 16th
  • April 23rd- no class 
  • April 30th- no class 
  • Week 4: May 7th
  • Week 5: May 14th 
  • Week 6: May 21st
Students should have access to a laptop or Chromebook and a Google account.
 

* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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