INTRO TO PUBLIC SPEAKING & PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE
Open to New & Experienced Debaters
(3 Groups: 4-5th / 6-8th / 9 -12th Grade in the 2024-2025 School Year)
(3 Groups: 4-5th / 6-8th / 9 -12th Grade in the 2024-2025 School Year)
Summer Camp Tuition: $295/Week
Student Testimonial:
"Before attending the virtual Public Forum Debate summer camp, I was very shy and nervous when it came to speaking in public. However, after attending the camp, I am now a more confident speaker who is willing to take on any challenge. The camp taught me how to think critically, organize my thoughts and present them in a meaningful way. I also learned how to use my voice effectively to project my ideas and make my arguments more convincing." ~James from NJ
"Before attending the virtual Public Forum Debate summer camp, I was very shy and nervous when it came to speaking in public. However, after attending the camp, I am now a more confident speaker who is willing to take on any challenge. The camp taught me how to think critically, organize my thoughts and present them in a meaningful way. I also learned how to use my voice effectively to project my ideas and make my arguments more convincing." ~James from NJ
Public Forum Debate Camp
Public forum debate is a competitive form of debate that is meant to simulate a real-world debate. It is a two-on-two debate format in which two teams of two debaters debate a policy issue. The issue is usually either on a current national or international issue.
Each team must present a constructive argument, which is an argument that supports their side of the issue, and then cross-examine the opposing team’s argument. The team that presents the better argument and is able to effectively challenge the opposing team’s argument is the winner of the debate.
Public forum debate provides students with 4-12th grade with the opportunity to develop their critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills. Through participating in public forum debate, students are able to develop the ability to analyze an issue from different perspectives and construct meaningful arguments. They also learn how to effectively research and present a case, as well as how to think quickly on their feet and anticipate counterarguments. Additionally, public forum debate provides students with an opportunity to gain confidence in their ability to articulate their thoughts and opinions in a structured setting.
Each team must present a constructive argument, which is an argument that supports their side of the issue, and then cross-examine the opposing team’s argument. The team that presents the better argument and is able to effectively challenge the opposing team’s argument is the winner of the debate.
Public forum debate provides students with 4-12th grade with the opportunity to develop their critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills. Through participating in public forum debate, students are able to develop the ability to analyze an issue from different perspectives and construct meaningful arguments. They also learn how to effectively research and present a case, as well as how to think quickly on their feet and anticipate counterarguments. Additionally, public forum debate provides students with an opportunity to gain confidence in their ability to articulate their thoughts and opinions in a structured setting.
Available Courses:PF 101, PF 102, PF 103
(Beginners Level: New Students) PF 201, PF 202, PF 203 (Intermediate Level: 1-2 Years) PF 301, PF 302, PF 303 (Advanced Level: 2-3+ Years) |
Dates:Week 1: June 26-30
Week 2: July 10-14 Week 3: July 17-21 Week 4: July 24-28 Week 5: July 31-August 4 Week 6: August 7-11 Week 7: August 14-18 You may register for multiple weeks |
Times: Eastern TimeChoose morning or
afternoon session 9-12pm (Morning Session) 1-4pm (Afternoon Session) |
Recommended Course Series:
Students typically register for 2-4 weeks of debate camp.
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For Beginners
Week 1 - PF 101 Week 2 - PF 102 Week 3 - PF 103 |
For Experienced
Week 1 - PF 201 or 301 Week 2 - PF 202 or 302 Week 3 - PF 203 or 303 |
Typical Virtual Summer Debate Camp Schedule:
Students will be actively engaged in all of the activities from the beginning of the session to the end.
9:00-9:40 am
Activity #1 (The Power of Public Speaking & Debate)
9:40-10:30 am
Activity #2 (Breaking down the Debate roles and responsibilities)
10:30-10:40 am
Snack/Break
10:40-11:10 am
Activity #3 (Group prepping for the debate)
11:10-12:00 pm
Activity #4 (Practice debates)
9:00-9:40 am
Activity #1 (The Power of Public Speaking & Debate)
9:40-10:30 am
Activity #2 (Breaking down the Debate roles and responsibilities)
10:30-10:40 am
Snack/Break
10:40-11:10 am
Activity #3 (Group prepping for the debate)
11:10-12:00 pm
Activity #4 (Practice debates)
Sample PF Debate Final Round (NSDA Nationals 2018)
The resolution is "Resolved: On balance, the benefits of United States participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement outweigh the consequences."
The resolution is "Resolved: On balance, the benefits of United States participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement outweigh the consequences."