Foundations of Public Speaking and Debate

How we teach | How students grow

We recognize that the world of speech and debate can be intimidating – to new students and to families! Yet the skills that speech and debate teaches are the 21st century skills that every young person needs in today’s rapidly changing world.

Both tracks of the ISD Foundations program are led by expert instructors who specialize in working with new and developing students to help them develop foundational skills that will make them better public speakers, researchers, and critical thinkers. All students, regardless of age or experience, receive personalized feedback in small-group settings that will allow them to grow – one speech, one debate at a time.

Our Foundations Program not only prepares students for competitive success if they choose to actively compete in speech and debate, but also helps them excel in the classroom through improved writing, research, and presentation skills. Most importantly, all students leave with more confidence, a supportive community, and a passion for using their voice and thinking critically about the world around them.

If your child already has significant competition experience in speech and debate, we encourage you to explore our event-specific programs for deeper specialization.

If you’re not sure which option is the best fit, we’re happy to help — reach out to us at staff@ispeechanddebate.com.

Public Speaking Track

The Public Speaking Track is perfect for students who want to build confidence, improve presentation skills, and learn how to engage and move an audience. In this track, students will explore a variety of speaking and performance-based events, including:

• Original Oratory

• Extemporaneous and Impromptu Speaking

• Interpretation Events

Through a mix of fun activities, speeches, and performances, students will develop their voice, storytelling abilities, and critical thinking. In the second week, each student will choose one event to focus on and create a final product they can use in future competitions or school presentations.

Debate Track

The Debate Track introduces students to argumentation, research, and structured advocacy. Students will gain experience with multiple formats of debate including:

• Public Forum Debate

• Lincoln-Douglas Debate

• Congressional Debate

They will learn how to build persuasive arguments, think on their feet, identify bias, and respond effectively to opposing viewpoints. Like the Public Speaking Track, students in the Debate Track will select a focus area in the second week to deepen their understanding and prepare a competitive-level final product.