• Are you a Tamil student aged 12 – 16?

• Do you get nervous talking in front of a group of people?

• Are you keen to improve your public speaking skills?

• Do you want to be more persuasive with your delivery?

Every Wednesday we will be running a 45-minute session where you can enhance your public speaking skills which will prepare you for interviews, university and your future professional lives.

8 Week debate coaching for 12 to 15 year olds.

Week 1: Introduction to Debating

• Objective: Understand what debate is and its importance.
• Activities:
  • Introduction to the concept of debating.
  • Discuss famous debates in history.
  • Basic terminology in debating (motion, proposition, opposition, etc.).
  • Fun ice-breaker debate on a simple topic.

Week 2: Research Skills

• Objective: Learn how to research and gather information.
• Activities:
  • Workshop on effective research techniques.
  • Understanding credible sources.
  • Group activity to research a given topic and present findings.

Week 3: Constructing Arguments

• Objective: Learn to construct coherent and persuasive arguments.
• Activities:
  • Explanation of argument structure (claim, evidence, warrant).
  • Group exercises to build arguments on various topics.
  • Peer review of constructed arguments.

Week 4: Refutation Techniques

• Objective: Learn to counter arguments effectively.
• Activities:
  • Understanding the concept of refutation.
  • Exercises on identifying weaknesses in arguments.
  • Practice sessions with mock debates focusing on refutation.

Week 5: Public Speaking Skills

• Objective: Enhance public speaking and presentation skills.
• Activities:
  • Public speaking tips and tricks.
  • Exercises focusing on voice modulation, body language, and eye contact.
  • Short speeches on random topics.

Week 6: Organizing a Debate

• Objective: Understand debate format and organization.
• Activities:
  • Detailed explanation of a formal debate structure (e.g., British Parliamentary, Lincoln-Douglas).
  • Role-playing different positions in a debate.
  • Mock debate in chosen format.

Week 7: Advanced Debating Techniques

• Objective: Learn advanced debating skills.
• Activities:
  • Introduction to advanced rhetorical techniques and logical fallacies.
  • Analyzing videos of competitive debates.
  • Practice debates with feedback focusing on advanced techniques.

Week 8: Final Debate Tournament

• Objective: Apply learned skills in a debate tournament.
• Activities:
  • Organizing an in-class debate tournament.
  • Students prepare and participate in a series of debates.
  • Feedback session and award ceremony.

Each session should be interactive, with a mix of theory and practical exercises. Encourage students to express their opinions freely and respectfully, and ensure a supportive environment where every student feels comfortable participating.