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Public Speaking Lessons
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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
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
Effective Body Language
- Master non-verbal communication
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What You'll Learn:
- Dynamic gestures
- Powerful eye contact
- Stage movement
- Facial expressions
Speech Organization
- Create compelling structures
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What You'll Learn:
- Clear main points
- Supporting evidence
- Smooth transitions
- Logical flow
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 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
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-Examination
- Master strategic questioning
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Cross-Ex Skills:
- Strategic question sequencing
- Time management
- Evidence exposition
- Maintaining composure
Refutation Techniques
- Counter arguments effectively
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Refutation Skills:
- Attack argument structure
- Evidence comparison
- Impact calculus
- Turn arguments
Winning Closings
- Deliver powerful final speeches
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Closing Techniques:
- Crystallize key issues
- Impact comparison
- Voter analysis
- Strategic weighing
Case Construction
- Build winning arguments
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Case Building Skills:
- Strategic frameworks
- Evidence integration
- Impact development
- Strategic advantages
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 Interests Tracks
Build advanced skills in your chosen field
Business Communication
Perfect business presentations and executive presence
You Will Learn:
- Executive presence
- "Shark Tank" style pitches
- Strategic presentations
STEM Communication
Present technical concepts with clarity and impact
You Will Learn:
- Technical presentations
- Data visualization
- Research communication
Legal Communication
Develop courtroom presence and advocacy skills
You Will Learn:
- Legal argumentation
- Case presentation
- Courtroom advocacy
Real World Communication
Master human connection skills in today's digital world
Interpersonal Communication
Build meaningful connections and relationships
You Will Learn:
- Social intelligence
- Active listening
- Emotional awareness
Group Communication
Lead discussions and collaborative projects
You Will Learn:
- Team leadership
- Project management
- Group dynamics
Persuasive Speaking
Move audiences to action with compelling messages
You Will Learn:
- Audience analysis
- Message crafting
- Call to action
Competitive Events
Discover competitive speaking opportunities and develop your potential
Public Forum Debate
Master partner debate on current events
You Will Learn:
- Partner collaboration
- Current events analysis
- Evidence evaluation
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Explore value-based philosophical debate
You Will Learn:
- Philosophical frameworks
- Value argumentation
- Critical analysis
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.
Program Locations
In-Person Programs
- American University, Washington, DC
- Babson College, Boston, MA
- UC Berkeley, CA
- Drew University, Madison, NJ
- The Hun School Of Princeton, NJ
- The Lawrenceville School, NJ
- Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ
- UCLA, CA
- University Of Houston, TX
- University Of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
- University Of Pennsylvania
- University of San Diego, CA
- University of Washington
- Villanova University, PA
- Capitol Debate @ Yale University, New Haven, CT
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.