Debate

Why This Class?

Why Choose Debate?

Our Debate program gives students of all abilities a fun way of developing their oral skills. Our expert coaches integrate different activities to help students develop critical thinking skills and encourage confident communication. In order to make and defeat arguments, students will learn about the structure of an argument and how to come up with compelling points and replies. To provide them with the context for potential debate topics, our students learn about the political and social systems of the world and how they apply in a debate.

Our Advantage

Debate

At VIPSD, our Debate program is made to ensure students of all ages and skill levels have the opportunity to further develop their debating skills. Our experienced coaches know how to address the challenges young debaters commonly face and help them evolve into confident, persuasive speakers. Your child will have the attention needed to develop their personal debating style thanks to our small-group classes. With a focus on fostering critical thinking and persuasive speaking abilities, our program prepares students to excel even beyond debate in academic and professional life.

Skill Levels and Class Times

Our Classes

Which class your child should enroll in will depend on their current grade and speaking skills. Below, we set out the goals we aim to progress towards in each class. If your child’s skill levels exceed the goals listed, consider enrolling them a higher difficulty. 

Beginner
  • Strategy — Understand and address the resolution
  • Argument — Understand and apply argument structure, brainstorm impactful points
  • Refutation — Brainstorm basic counterarguments, begin challenging opponents case
  • Structure — Present distinct arguments and signpost them
  • Style — Speak clearly and understandably
Beginner
Grade
5-7
Instructor
Fredrick Ni
Location
Online
Date
Monday
Time
4:30PM-6:30PM
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  • Strategy — Identify the spirit of the motion, core arguments, preempt opponents' arguments
  • Argument — Understand the parts of the argument, conduct simple analysis of the motion and its effects
  • Refutation — Consistently present one or more counterarguments, use analysis and undermine the opponent's analysis
  • Structure — Fill allotted speaking time appropriately, understand argument structure divisions, present subpoints and multiple responses
  • Style — Begin to use vocal techniques and hand gestures to effectively communicate and emphasize points
Intermediate
Grade
8-10
Instructor
Sewon Kong
Location
Hybrid
Date
Sunday
Time
10:00AM-12:00PM
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  • Strategy — Clearly identify and prioritize actors, sub-actors, and important characteristics
  • Argument — Conduct clear and detailed analysis with specific references, present accurate hypotheticals
  • Refutation — Recognize opposition case tensions, challenge opposition assumptions
  • Structure — Adapt argument structure on the fly, with clear organization and targeted rebuttals
  • Style — Deliver arguments naturally and persuasively, with emphasis and flow
Advanced
Grade
8-10
Instructor
Fredrick Ni
Location
Online
Date
Friday
Time
7:15PM-9:15PM
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Get in Touch

Contact and Registration

Have questions about if public speaking is right for your child? Don’t know which skill level to select? If you have these or any other questions, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

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About Our School

At the Vancouver Institute of Public Speaking and Debate, we are dedicated to empowering youth through the art of communication. Our specialized classes focus on enhancing public speaking and debate skills, providing a supportive environment where young individuals can develop confidence, critical thinking, and eloquence. By fostering these essential skills, we aim to prepare our students for future academic, professional, and personal success.

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