Teaching public speaking, persuasion, presentation skills and confidence through the art of debate

Join Capitol Debate near 'the city that never sleeps' during our 2018 summer camp program! The school's campus is one of the safest in the city, and those safety measures will be extended fully to our students. Additionally, the College's campus police and emergency services are on call around the clock and can respond rapidly to any issues. Students will enjoy meals together at Vitanza Commons, located in Spellman Hall, as well as at LaPenta Marketplace, in the LaPenta Student Union. Vitanza Commons offers a lively atmosphere and a rotating menu of fresh foods – everything from meat and potatoes to sushi, salads, sandwiches and more, including vegetarian options. LaPenta Marketplace offers many grab and go items in addition to standard eat-in fare. Their menu includes creative Mexican and Italian dishes, salads and sandwiches, and even soft serve ice cream and smoothies. We're pleased to bring our nationally recognized debate program to Iona College, located in the vibrant college town of New Rochelle, N.Y., just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan. A small, four-year, Catholic College in the New York City metro area, Iona opened its doors in 1940 with the goal of creating economic and social advancement for New York's working class. Iona has invested in its students and campus over the last several years, with the addition of a new student center, athletics center, new residence hall and other major advancements, including a new trading floor Hagan School of Business.

Experience Capitol Debate Camp at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York

Watch our students grow, learn, and succeed year after year

Program Highlights from 2018
Previous Years
Success Framework

Extensive Checklist for Success

At Capitol Debate, we ensure that every aspect of public speaking and debate is thoroughly addressed. Our comprehensive checklist is meticulously designed to track and guide each student's progress.

Teacher explaining debate techniques
Voice!

Vocal Quality Mastery

  • Perfect your vocal delivery

Key Voice Elements:

  • Voice projection & clarity
  • Effective vocal variety
  • Strategic use of pauses
  • Emphasis techniques
Non-Verbal!

Body Language Excellence

  • Master non-verbal communication

Non-Verbal Skills:

  • Purposeful gestures
  • Commanding stage presence
  • Strategic eye contact
  • Expressive facial control
Structure!

Speech Architecture

  • Build compelling speeches

Speech Structure:

  • Powerful openings
  • Clear main points
  • Logical transitions
  • Memorable conclusions
Cross-Ex!

Strategic Cross-Examination

  • Master the art of questioning

Cross-Ex Skills:

  • Strategic questioning
  • Answer preparation
  • Time management
  • Composure control
Refute!

Refutation Techniques

  • Counter arguments effectively

Refutation Skills:

  • Clear signposting
  • Strategic ordering
  • Impact assessment
  • Argument comparison
Closing!

Persuasive Closings

  • End debates powerfully

Closing Techniques:

  • Powerful summation
  • Victory articulation
  • Emotional connection
  • Call to action

Iona College, New York Reviews Are In! 🔥

See what Parents and Students are Saying

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Nima Coren

CAPITOL DEBATE Parent
Verified Review
A Supportive Community ⭐
It's a great camp for kids to learn how to be independent and be responsible. My son had a great time at the debate camp, he not only learned a lot but also made a lot of friends! Kids can have both fun and learn how to debate at the same time.
#CapitolDebate #SummerSuccess
LC

Long Chen

CAPITOL DEBATE Parent
Verified Review
Excellence in Action ⭐
It will improve child's self-confidence, speaking English (for foreigners), communication skills, make friends, etc. My son learned a lot about debate, and made several good friends, he became more confident to speak English as he is from China. We'd like to improve more next year.
#CapitolDebate #SummerSuccess
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Nkechi Amaeshi

CAPITOL DEBATE Parent
Verified Review
Excellence in Action ⭐
Capitol-Debate is the best place a child could be in the summer. Notice changes in her speech, discussions and was talking of taking up career goals in public speaking. Sure way to boost the child's confidence in speaking and interaction.
#CapitolDebate #SummerSuccess
AC

Amanda Chao

CAPITOL DEBATE Student
Verified Review
Perfect Learning Environment ⭐
I had a great time at Capitol debate! At first I was hesitant to go because I thought it would be all debate. However, even though there were hard times, at the end I found myself quietly crying because I had to leave.
#CapitolDebate #SummerSuccess
SP

Sophia Pan

CAPITOL DEBATE Student
Verified Review
Where Learning Meets Fun ⭐
Debate camp really changed my life. It turned my endless rambling into quality speech and overall made me just that much better of a person.
#CapitolDebate #SummerSuccess
DB

Donald Broussard

CAPITOL DEBATE Staff
Verified Review
Empowering Young Minds ⭐
Staff will do what it takes to provide a great experience for the campers.
#CapitolDebate #SummerSuccess