Debate & Public Speaking Club
Debate & Public Speaking Club is an engaging small-group enrichment programme designed to help young learners express their ideas clearly, think critically, listen to different perspectives and speak with confidence.
Through lively discussions, debates, speaking challenges and collaborative activities, learners develop the skills to communicate their ideas effectively while learning how to build reasoned arguments and respond thoughtfully to others.
Sessions encourage learners to explore interesting, age-appropriate topics and questions, consider different points of view and decide how best to support their own opinions. The emphasis is not simply on winning an argument, but on learning to think carefully, communicate persuasively and disagree respectfully.
What learners can develop
- Greater confidence speaking in front of others
- Clearer and more organised communication
- Stronger reasoning and critical-thinking skills
- Ability to construct and support an argument
- Confidence explaining and defending ideas
- Active listening skills
- Ability to consider different perspectives
- More persuasive use of language
- Stronger questioning and responding skills
- Improved presentation and public-speaking techniques
- Respectful disagreement and discussion
- Greater confidence thinking and responding spontaneously
Sessions are delivered live online in small groups, giving learners regular opportunities to speak, listen, collaborate and respond to one another. Activities are designed so that every learner can participate and gradually become more comfortable contributing their ideas.
Learners may take part in mini debates, persuasive speeches, discussion challenges, impromptu speaking activities, presentations and team debates. Topics can range from fun imaginative questions to issues connected with school, technology, the environment and the wider world, depending on the age and interests of the group.
Learners are encouraged to move beyond simply saying what they think and begin explaining why they think it, using reasons, examples and evidence to strengthen their ideas.
The club also teaches an important principle of effective communication: good speakers are also good listeners. Learners practise responding to what others have actually said, asking thoughtful questions and recognising that people can disagree while still treating one another with respect.
Whether a learner is already an enthusiastic speaker or is hesitant about contributing in groups, activities can provide opportunities to develop at an appropriate pace within a supportive environment.
Debate & Public Speaking Club helps learners find their voice while developing communication, reasoning and confidence that can support them across school, future study and everyday life.
Format: Live online small-group club
Approach: Interactive · Supportive · Collaborative
Focus: Debate · Discussion · Public Speaking · Communication
Key skills: Critical Thinking · Reasoning · Persuasion · Active Listening · Presentation
Additional focus: Confidence · Respectful disagreement · Teamwork · Responding spontaneously
