Description
What Is Middle School Speech & Debate?
Middle School Speech and Debate is a dynamic and challenging program that helps students develop their voice, sharpen their thinking, and speak with clarity and confidence. It introduces 6th–8th graders to the deeper skills of argumentation, public speaking, research, and structured debate in a fun, high-energy, and supportive environment. Students learn how to craft persuasive arguments, organize their thoughts, and speak compellingly in front of an audience. The course focuses on SPAR Debate, Congressional Debate, Impromptu Speaking, and Prepared Speeches—formats that are developmentally appropriate and intellectually engaging for middle schoolers. A major component of the class is preparing for tournaments, with at least five tournament opportunities each semester. These competitions are fun, supportive, and academically enriching—they allow students to apply their skills in real settings, receive targeted feedback, and grow through experience. Weekly lessons are designed to challenge students with real-time thinking, structured practice rounds, feedback sessions, and peer collaboration. Students learn to research complex issues, develop logical positions, and defend them under time pressure. They also learn how to disagree respectfully, build leadership skills, and work as part of a team.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Four Core Speech and Debate Formats Students Will Learn:
Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Lincoln-Douglas (LD) Debate is a 1-on-1 format that focuses on ethical and philosophical issues, such as justice, freedom, or the role of government. Students learn to construct value-based arguments, weighing competing principles and using logic to support their positions. LD helps students explore big ideas, understand abstract reasoning, and respond to complex moral questions—all while staying grounded in clear argument structure. It’s an ideal format for students ready to take on deeper thinking and develop strong rhetorical skills. At the middle school level, LD is taught in an age-appropriate way that makes complex topics accessible and rewarding.
SPAR Debate (Spontaneous Argumentation). SPAR is a fast-paced, 1-on-1 debate format where students argue a fun or serious topic with very limited preparation. It teaches students to think on their feet, organize their thoughts quickly, and respond effectively to their opponent. Each round includes structured speeches and crossfire questioning, sharpening listening, logic, and refutation skills. Topics range from light and funny to meaningful and thought-provoking. SPAR is often a student favorite due to its quick pace, competitive energy, and accessibility.
Congressional Debate. Congress simulates a session of the U.S. Congress, where students debate real-world legislation and practice civic advocacy. Students prepare speeches for and against proposed bills, then take turns presenting, questioning, and voting—just like real lawmakers. It’s an excellent way to strengthen structured speaking, argument development, and public policy understanding. Congress encourages students to lead discussion, evaluate ideas critically, and engage with current issues. It’s ideal for students who enjoy collaboration and civic engagement.
Impromptu Speaking. Impromptu is a solo speaking event where students have only minutes to prepare a speech on an unexpected topic. It strengthens a student’s ability to stay calm under pressure, structure a compelling message, and deliver it with confidence. Topics might include famous quotes, abstract words, or ethical dilemmas, allowing students to draw on personal stories, logic, and creativity. Impromptu builds clarity, adaptability, and mental agility. Students love the spontaneity, and judges reward clear thinking and organized delivery.
Prepared Speeches (Oratory, Declamation, Storytelling). Prepared speech events allow students to craft and polish a full-length speech with guidance and feedback. In Oratory, students write and deliver their own original persuasive or informative speech. In Declamation, students perform a famous or historically important speech, refining their voice and emotional expression. In Storytelling, students retell a narrative using vivid language and dynamic delivery to entertain and persuade. These events build writing skills, vocal confidence, and presentation technique.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Core Skills Students Will Learn
-Public Speaking Confidence – Overcoming fear and learning to speak boldly and clearly before others.
-Argument Structure (Claim, Data, Warrant, Impact) – Crafting persuasive, well-supported arguments.
-Critical Thinking – Evaluating topics from multiple perspectives and building logical reasoning.
-Quick Thinking & Spontaneity – Responding effectively in real time during SPAR and Impromptu rounds.
-Research & Evidence Use – Finding and integrating credible sources to support arguments.
-Effective Listening – Tracking arguments and preparing thoughtful responses.
-Persuasive Writing – Outlining and scripting speeches with logic, structure, and clarity.
-Refutation & Rebuttal – Challenging opposing ideas respectfully and effectively.
-Speech Delivery Techniques – Practicing tone, body language, vocal variety, and eye contact.
-Impact Weighing – Explaining why one argument matters more than another using clear metrics.
-Collaboration & Teamwork – Working with partners and groups to develop arguments and strategies.
-Leadership & Self-Advocacy – Gaining the tools to take initiative and express ideas persuasively.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tournaments: A Core Part of the Program
Tournaments are a cornerstone of the Middle School Speech & Debate experience—and one of the most powerful ways students grow. Each semester, students will have at least five tournament opportunities, where they compete in a range of events like SPAR, Congress, Impromptu, and Prepared Speeches. These events are designed to be supportive and fun while providing a real-world platform to practice what they’ve learned in class. Tournament preparation is built into the weekly curriculum, with structured practice rounds, feedback sessions, and coaching designed to set students up for success. Competing helps students gain confidence, build resilience, and sharpen their skills under pressure. It also encourages leadership, creativity, and intellectual independence. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to learn. Tournaments aren’t about winning—they’re about growth, challenge, and celebrating the hard work students put in all semester long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Athens Debate:
The speech and debate program at CAIS Middle School is proudly managed through Athens Debate, an award-winning academy led by Sachin Jain. Athens Debate has earned the #1 overall ranking in the Bay Area, California, and the Nation for the past three consecutive years, winning the Bay Area Championship, the California State Championship, and placing 1st at Nationals in multiple middle school events. The program first launched at CAIS in 2018 and has since helped students become some of the top-performing debaters in the country. Learn more at www.athensdebate.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Testimonials
“Debate has had a huge impact on my development as a speaker, writer, and thinker. I feel like I’ve gained the ability to look at a problem from all sides and view issues more dimensionally.”
— Student from last year
“I started with zero knowledge of debate, and with you as my coach I’ve come far. I still can’t fathom how you made 6th graders enjoy learning about whistleblower protections. There is no team I’ve been prouder to be on than Athens Debate.”
— Student from last year
“Sachin is an exceptional coach who inspires kids to love debate like the Robin Williams character in Dead Poet’s Society inspired kids to love poetry. I know my kids are totally hooked, and your legacy will live on in their lives.”
— Parent of CAIS debater
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions?
If you have any questions, feel free to email Sachin Jain at sachin@athensdebate.com
Instructors Name: TBD, Athens Debate
Wednesday: (14 classes) Sep. 10, 17, 24; Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19; Dec. 3, 10, 17.