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Public Speaking

Confidence, poise, and strong public speaking skills are hallmarks of Almaden Country Day School graduates. This is by design.

Although our official speech and debate program begins in Middle School, our students are on stage and in front of class from preschool through graduation.

Speech & Debate

In addition to completing a rigorous academic program, all ACDS students complete three additional graduation requirements; speech is one of them.

Every middle school student must take Speech 1, which introduces the fundamentals of public speaking. Students will learn to research and write a speech, how to utilize elements of non-verbal communication, and fundamental delivery skills.

Students are regularly practicing their public speaking skills, whether it is by facilitating a literature discussion, debating in history class, or leading a tour for a new family.

The ACDS Speech & Debate Team

Students who want to hone their skills even further can join the Speech and Debate team in the spring trimester.

Our students participate in local competitions, such as the Burnett Middle School Spring Invitational with 700+ competitors.

ACDS speakers have participated in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Original Oratory, Expository Speech, Impromptu, Extemporaneous, Duo Interpretation, and Humorous Interpretation. 
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Speech and Debate Tournament Participants

“It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech. Mark Twain