Speech & Debate Program

Why Choose Us?

✔️ Debate training that’s fun, focused, and age-appropriate

✔️ Curriculum built to support confidence and communication

✔️ Safe, inclusive space where every voice is heard

✔️ Great for both first-time debaters and future champions

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Program Structure

• Every session will begin with a broader lecture covering the theme of that day’s focus
  
• Students will be divided into smaller groups based on grade level and/or skill level to ensure focused, age-appropriate instruction.
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• Instruction will cover key areas such as:
  
  • Public speaking fundamentals
  • Argumentation and reasoning
  • Debate format and rules
  • Confidence-building exercises
  • Leadership and teamwork activities
  • Sessions will be interactive and hands-on, allowing participants to practice skills in real time.

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Male and female mentors will be available to guide each group, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment.

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Program Details

• Dates: September 17 - November 19
• Time: Wednesdays, 6 PM – 7 PM‍
• Location: GEM Academy & Center‍
• Participants: Youth in Grades 5–8
• Fee: $149 for 10 weeks + $50 Resource Fee

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REGISTER NOW

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Skills & Knowledge Gained:

• Weeks 1–2: Foundations of Public Speaking
  Basics of body language, voice control, overcoming nervousness, and short intro speeches.
• Weeks 3–4: Structure & Storytelling
  How to organize a speech, use storytelling, and connect with an audience.
• Week 5: Persuasion & Confidence
  Techniques of persuasion, building stage presence, and practicing pair speeches.
• Week 6: Impromptu Speaking
  Strategies for quick thinking, impromptu drills, and a mid-semester mini showcase.
• Weeks 7–8: Debate Skills I
  Introduction to debate structure, topic selection, and short practice debates.
• Weeks 9–10: Debate Skills II & Final Showcase
  Rebuttals, counterarguments, teamwork, structured team debates, and end-of-semester presentations/celebration.

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Our Instructors:

Experienced high school debaters and speakers with a passion for mentoring younger students.
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🎯 Program Director: Sulaiman Ilyas

🥇 Eagle Scout Award 10th

🥇 2nd place at tournaments: North Texas Longhorns District, Walnut Grove, Coppell

🥇 Destination Imagination State Champion 8th, 9th

🥇 National Youth Leadership Training Troop Guide and Quarter Master 9th, 10th

🥇 National Honor Society 10th

🥇 Qualified for NSDA National Tournament 10th‍‍

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‍🎯 Curriculum Manager: Zayd Mahmud

🥇 Ranked as high as Top 5 in the state (out of 1,152 teams)

🥇 90% win rate across competitive debate seasons

🥇 3× Tournament Champion: Chapel Hill, Lindale, Prosper

🥇 Team Captain (8th grade, 10th grade), responsible for mentoring, case prep, and team strategy

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Benefits to the Community:

• Empowers young participants with lifelong communication and leadership skills 
• Builds a stronger connection between local youth for growth, learning, and community engagement.

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REGISTER NOW