Aralia offers debate competition preparation courses for students of all levels. These courses are designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in debate competitions. Led by experienced debate educators, these courses cover a wide range of topics including argumentation, research, public speaking, and more.
National Speech and Debate Tournament has been held by National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) since 1931 and is considered the pinnacle of High School speech and debate. Students compete in preliminary rounds in their respective events before being selected for the finals. After qualifying tournaments, 2-7 finalists move forward with the national debate competition.
The accent reduction class focuses on understanding and strengthening the unique sounds and structures that make up the “neutral” dialect. While there are many dialects throughout America, it is the neutral accent commonly practiced by public speakers and officials. Radio DJs, TV news anchors, and even most Hollywood movie actors use the neutral accent to convey their message to the largest group of Americans possible. By eliminating accents in communication, we can more easily connect to our audience and erase any misunderstandings or unconscious bias from a foreign dialect, whether domestic or international.
In this course, students will research, write and deliver their own TED Talk speeches. Students will be able to participate in speech competitions at the high school or university level. Students will build a solid foundation in oral expression and learn how to express themselves confidently and clearly in English.
This Public Speaking and Debate class will offer the opportunity to speak and listen to others talk only as much as possible. We will alternate between learning the structure of different types of speeches and making presentations by one student to the rest of the class. After each speech by students, we will have a critique from the peers, and the teacher. They will also be required and coached on how to participate in the discussion and to critique their peers.
