Debate Camp welcomes all aspiring young speakers, from the reluctant to the super-keen and able. Our goal is to help campers become comfortable and good at standing in the company of others and clearly expressing an idea, key information, perhaps solving a problem or even just to entertain.
In spite of all our communication technologies, we at Debate Camp believe that public speaking is a life skill and our program is built on the following principles:
• good speeches begin with interesting topics
• organized thought is key to maintaining audience interest
• it is important to be both clear and concise
• real life speeches will not be memorized
• being in the moment, as one speaks - is essential
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Outlined here are the speaking formats campers are exposed to at camp. In all program areas, campers will exercise impromptu speaking skills daily.
FORMAT
- aims to raise awareness of a societal problem
- speaker advocates for possible solutions
- employs multiple tools of persuasion
- evident research and knowledge of topic
- 5 - 7 minute speaking time - junior
- 7 - 10 minute speaking time - senior
- limited notes permitted
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FORMAT
- aims to inform and entertain an audience
- speaker may assume a fictional role
- allows for unlimited creativity in topic selection
- strong attempt at humourous oratory
- 3 - 5 minute speaking time - junior
- 5 - 7 minute speaking time - senior
- limited notes permitted
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FORMAT
- topics provided 2 - 5 minutes in advance
- organized thought encouraged
- no notes permitted
- 2 - 3 minute speaking time - junior
- 3 - 5 minute speaking time - senior
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PUBLIC SPEAKING
COMMON ROOM SET-UP AT CAMP
2
3
1
ROLES
1. SPEAKER
1 - 2 JUDGES OR COACH
SMALL AUDIENCE
LIFE AT DEBATE CAMP
PUBLIC SPEAKING PROGRAM - ALL CAMPS
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
LEVEL UP
PERSUASIVE
SPEAKING
PROBLEM - SOLUTION
PREPARED
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AFTER DINNER
SPEAKING
ENTERTAINMENT
PREPARED
IMPROMPTU
SPEAKING
MULTI-PURPOSE
UN-PREPARED
Debate Camp has developed a bank of impromptu speaking topics. We are happy to share some here - - as examples. More are developed each summer!
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SAMPLE
TOPICS
OPEN PROGRAM
PLUS PROGRAM
LEVEL UP
IMPROMPTU TOPICS
OPEN PROGRAM / Grades 5 - 6
My three favorite animals.
What you would find in my closet.
The best letter of the alphabet.
A day that stands out.
If I had a million dollars to give away.
If cats/dogs ruled the world.
A trip to remember.
If I could only eat three foods forever.
If I could design a school.
Why books are important.
​​A job I'd love to have.
If I could have dinner with anyone.
If I could travel through time
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PLUS PROGRAM / Grades 7 - 9
Professional athletes are overpaid
Should everyone learn a second language?
​​Present a brief timeline of the history of your country.
Create a perfect - but non-lethal - punishment for badly behaved students.
You should always know the career path you want... (why? / why not?)
Intelligence is not enough to succeed in school. (because)
​If you sang performed with a professional musician, which one would it be with?
What is your favorite piece of art?
Do you prefer poetry, drama, or opera?
What would make the world a safer place?
The expression / slogan / motto that best describes my view of life is…
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LEVEL UP / Grades 8 -11
Capital Punishment (Death Penalty). Should a criminal ever be executed?
Genetic Cloning (making an exact copy of a person) Should it be allowed?
Euthanasia - Is it ever justified? If so, when?
If you could change one thing in history what would it be and why?
The assassination of a dictator can/cannot be justified
Exams are/are not good forms of assessment
Why it's important to meditate
A nation can be judged by how well it treats its poorest people. (why).
What moral issue best defines you?
What is the biggest effect of the internet?
​​Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. (because)
​​A child’s home life affects their success in school the most. (because)
Is capitalism the best political and economic system? Defend your choice.
Is knowledge more important than wisdom?
​​Does technology live up to its promise?
Your school has to cut art, music and drama or science. Which do you fight to keep?
Love is a choice