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Public Speaking Lessons
Click any card to explore program details
Core Skill!
Building Lasting Confidence
- Transform into a confident speaker
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What You'll Learn:
- Develop self-expression abilities
- Build leadership presence
- Master stage confidence
- Overcome speaking anxiety
Voice Skills!
Mastering Your Voice
- Perfect your vocal delivery
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What You'll Learn:
- Voice projection techniques
- Vocal variety and pacing
- Clear articulation
- Strategic pausing
Non-Verbal!
Effective Body Language
- Master non-verbal communication
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What You'll Learn:
- Dynamic gestures
- Powerful eye contact
- Stage movement
- Facial expressions
Structure!
Speech Organization
- Create compelling structures
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What You'll Learn:
- Clear main points
- Supporting evidence
- Smooth transitions
- Logical flow
Openings!
Powerful Openings
- Hook your audience instantly
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What You'll Learn:
- Attention-grabbing hooks
- Opening techniques
- Audience engagement
- Setting the tone
Advanced!
Advanced Techniques
- Master expert-level skills
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What You'll Learn:
- Storytelling mastery
- Audience adaptation
- Advanced persuasion
- Expert Q&A handling
Debate Lessons
Master the art of competitive debate
Research!
Quality Research Skills
- Build strong evidence-based cases
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Research Techniques:
- Find qualified sources
- Evaluate evidence quality
- Organize research effectively
- Create evidence cards
Cross-Ex!
Cross-Examination
- Master strategic questioning
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Cross-Ex Skills:
- Strategic question sequencing
- Time management
- Evidence exposition
- Maintaining composure
Refute!
Refutation Techniques
- Counter arguments effectively
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Refutation Skills:
- Attack argument structure
- Evidence comparison
- Impact calculus
- Turn arguments
Closing!
Winning Closings
- Deliver powerful final speeches
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Closing Techniques:
- Crystallize key issues
- Impact comparison
- Voter analysis
- Strategic weighing
Cases!
Case Construction
- Build winning arguments
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Case Building Skills:
- Strategic frameworks
- Evidence integration
- Impact development
- Strategic advantages
Strategy!
Debate Strategy
- Master competitive tactics
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Strategic Skills:
- Time allocation
- Argument selection
- Strategic concessions
- Round vision
Choose Your Specialized Tracks
Every student selects TWO tracks that match their interests
From Business & STEM to Competition Prep - Make Your Summer Experience Your Own
Career Focus
Career Interests Tracks
Build advanced skills in your chosen field
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Business Communication
Perfect business presentations and executive presence
You Will Learn:
- Executive presence
- "Shark Tank" style pitches
- Strategic presentations
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STEM Communication
Present technical concepts with clarity and impact
You Will Learn:
- Technical presentations
- Data visualization
- Research communication
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Legal Communication
Develop courtroom presence and advocacy skills
You Will Learn:
- Legal argumentation
- Case presentation
- Courtroom advocacy
Essential Skills
Real World Communication
Master human connection skills in today's digital world
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Interpersonal Communication
Build meaningful connections and relationships
You Will Learn:
- Social intelligence
- Active listening
- Emotional awareness
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Group Communication
Lead discussions and collaborative projects
You Will Learn:
- Team leadership
- Project management
- Group dynamics
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Persuasive Speaking
Move audiences to action with compelling messages
You Will Learn:
- Audience analysis
- Message crafting
- Call to action
Competition Track
Competitive Events
Discover competitive speaking opportunities and develop your potential
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Public Forum Debate
Master partner debate on current events
You Will Learn:
- Partner collaboration
- Current events analysis
- Evidence evaluation
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Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Explore value-based philosophical debate
You Will Learn:
- Philosophical frameworks
- Value argumentation
- Critical analysis
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Parliamentary Debate
Excel in impromptu debate format
You Will Learn:
- Quick analysis
- Impromptu speaking
- Strategic rhetoric
Watch Capitol Debaters in Action
Discover the remarkable progress our students make as they master the art of debate with Capitol Debate — from novices to articulate speakers in just one summer at our Public Speaking Debate Camps. Each caption in our videos pinpoints key debating skills we nurture, from crafting catchy openings to constructing solid arguments. Witness our debaters put these focused techniques into practice, achieving eloquence and poise over a single summer with Capitol Debate.
Choose Your Perfect Campus Location
Select from our prestigious universities nationwide
Northeast Campuses
Experience debate in New England and the Northeast
Yale University
New Haven, CT
July 12 - July 23, 2026
Babson College
Boston, MA
July 12 - July 23, 2026
Dana Hall
Boston, MA
July 26 - August 6, 2026
Drew University
Madison, NJ
July 12 - July 23, 2026
The Hun School Of Princeton
Princeton, NJ
June 29 to July 10, 2025
The Lawrenceville School
Lawrenceville, NJ
July 12 to July 23, 2026
Iona University
New Rochelle, NY
July 26 - August 6, 2026
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ
July 26 - August 6, 2026
Mid-Atlantic Campuses
Debate at prestigious institutions in Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
June 28 - July 9, 2026
American University
Washington, DC
July 12 - July 23, 2026
Southeast Campuses
Develop your debate skills in the Southeast United States
Rollins College
Orlando, FL
May 31 to June 9, 2026
University Of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC
June 14 - June 25, 2026
West Coast Campuses
Develop your debate skills at premier West Coast institutions
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
July 12 to July 23, 2026
UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
June 28 - July 9, 2026
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
June 15 to July 24, 2025
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
July 26 - August 6, 2026
South Campuses
Experience debate at top institutions across the Southern United States
University of St. Thomas
Houston, TX
May 31 - June 11, 2026
Midwest Campuses
Train with elite instructors at our premier Midwest locations
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
May 31 - June 11, 2026
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL
June 14-June 25, 2026
Ready to Give your Student the Experience of a Lifetime?
Capitol Debate is proud to host transformative summer debate camps in more than 16 cities, positively impacting the lives of thousands this year. With nearly two decades of experience, trust us to make a significant and lasting difference in your child's life.