Oratory (one week, June 29 – July 6)

We will concentrate on philosophical argumentation and research advocacy in creating speeches that articulate a specific thesis with both anecdotal and factual information.

Sample events that will be taught are: Original Oratory, Oratorical Declamation, Original Comedy and Special Occasion Speaking.

Orators will conclude the program by participating in a mock tournament and public performance.

 

 

Interpretation (one week, July 6 – July 13)

We will help you improve your performance techniques, based on the rules of your particular state and assist you in finding quality performance literature. Sample events that will be taught are: Dramatic Duet Acting, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Duet Acting, Humorous Interpretation, Prose Reading and Verse Reading. The Institute will begin by helping competitors find quality performance literature and conclude with a mock tournament and performance.

 

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING

(two weeks, June 29 - July 13)

The two week extemp intensive will offer lectures that cover both foreign and domestic issues, providing students with background knowledge in every possible area. Daily coaching, practice speeches and cross-examination will encourage you to use the information you’ve learned to craft analytical and successful speeches. A mock tournament will be offered at the conclusion of the Institute.

IMPROMPTU SPEAKING

(one week, June 29 - July 6)

Discover the different formats of impromptu speaking and how to use them to your advantage. Daily lessons, practice speeches, and coaching sessions will help you to build your cache of knowledge, learn how to keep it at hand, and practice using it to create balanced impromptu speeches. A mock tournament and public performance will complete the week.

Debate (two weeks, June 29 – July 13)

Students can expect instruction in various modes of political and philosophical thought from ancient political theory to postmodernism.

While focusing on the major strands of political theory, students will be able to attend various sessions on particular philosophers and theorists.

In addition to a comprehensive lecture series, speaking drills, argumentation drills and practice debates will give each debater the ability to hone his/her skills. Students can expect to leave with extensive knowledge about each of the NFL topic areas proposed for the upcoming year. A mock tournament will be offered at the conclusion of the Institute.

Student Congress (two weeks, June 29 – July 13)

Students will learn not just the basics of competition, but also key strategies for success at both the local and national level. The first few days will be spent learning the basics and compiling a student made docket. This includes researching and writing bills and resolutions. During this time, students will also learn parliamentary procedure and how an efficient chamber should be run. The following days will be spent in legislative debate, where the students will give speeches for and against legislation, as well as use parliamentary procedure and ask questions of the speaker. Lastly, students will learn key strategies for national circuit competition such as preferential balloting, Tournament of Champions format, and networking. By the end of the Institute, students will feel prepared to actively participate in legislative debate on all levels.

Public Forum (two weeks, June 29 – July 13)

Public Forum debate is designed to be a more audience-centered form of debate that debates a new resolution each month of the academic year. Instruction will be focused on research skills, speaking drills, argument drills, and practice debates. An extensive lecture on common themes in domestic and international politics as well as thorough instruction in current events will be offered.

In addition to debate skills, extensive training in judge adaptation, speaking to diverse audiences, and the psychology of winning will be offered to students in order to produce national caliber champions. A mock tournament will be offered at the conclusion of the Institute.