Description:

Public speaking remains one of the most top rated fears for people. While not everyone will pursue a career in public speaking or need to use this skill in a direct way in the future, the art of public speaking is so directly linked to proper communication within relationships. We will begin building a foundation of public speaking from the ground up, no experience necessary! The first half of the year will be focused on public speaking skills. This part of the class will look at various forms/genres of public speaking, communication, voice tone and fluctuation, and give students a chance to develop a necessary skill and face a possible fear head on. Each student will prepare and present three speeches. The second half of the year will be focused on debates. The debate portion of the class will teach students how to present an argument in a respectful and thoughtful manner, backed by their own research. Additionally, students will learn to understand both sides of an argument, even if they disagree, which is a skill they will use for a lifetime. Using the Lincoln-Douglas debate style, each student will prepare and present two debates.