Fall (Caporale) Speech and Debate 2

Service Description

Speech & Debate 2 is a full-year course designed for students continuing their public speaking and debate development, while also welcoming students who are new to the program. The course is structured so that new students will first learn the key concepts and foundational skills of public speaking and debate before progressing into more advanced material, while returning students will build upon the skills they developed previously through more challenging speeches, arguments, and debates. Students will develop confidence, clarity, and stage presence through a variety of speaking styles, including storytelling, informative speaking, persuasive speaking, impromptu speaking, demonstration speeches, and extemporaneous speaking. They will learn how to organize a speech, develop strong arguments, use evidence and rhetorical techniques, adapt to different audiences, and deliver ideas in an engaging and memorable way. Through individual speeches, storytelling activities, group discussions, impromptu challenges, research projects, and structured debates, students will strengthen critical thinking, active listening, organization, and persuasive communication. Foundational skills such as posture, eye contact, articulation, vocal variety, pacing, and argument structure will continue to be reinforced while returning students are challenged to use these skills with greater independence and sophistication. By the end of the course, students will be able to confidently prepare and deliver a variety of speeches, construct and defend arguments, respond thoughtfully to opposing viewpoints, and communicate effectively under pressure. The course will culminate in final presentation and debate experiences where students can demonstrate their growth, confidence, and ability to communicate ideas with clarity and purpose.