Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs

Goals

Students will:

• Learn the basic elements of public address speaking, including persuasive speaking, informative speaking, and limited preparation events (impromptu and extemporaneous speaking).

• Understand the core structure of persuasive speaking (including Monroe's Motivated Sequence) and a 3-point Informative Speaking format

• Master basic elements of public speaking (substance, structure, and style) via research, outlines, and best practices for delivery, including gestures, base vocalics, body language, and facial expressions

• Build their empathy, persuasion skills, and confidence through giving a variety of speeches.

• Receive comprehensive preparation for Minnesota speech events (when combined with Middle School Speech Camp-Interps)

• Write basic outlines of a persuasive, informative, and limited preparation speech, and develop one of the speeches to be 'tournament ready' by the showcase.

These skills and content knowledge provided at this camp directly translate to classroom work. Speech writing and structure helps prepare students for success in their English and Language Arts coursework. Students are asked to consider multiple perspectives in crafting the content of their persuasive and informative speeches. Participants gradually gain confidence in public speaking through repeated, low-stakes exposure to an audience. This skill becomes useful in all aspects of life, and in any courses where students are required to do public presentations. Middle school students can also bring these skills to later high school speech competitions and other oratorical contests.

As students move from distance learning to in-person learning, it is particularly important to re-engage their voices and face-to-face interaction. Students will also learn techniques to mitigate public speaking anxiety and ways to cope when overwhelmed during in-person presentations.

Activities

Students learn to think on their feet and speak during games and practice rounds, improving moment to moment. We offer a low-stakes environment where students can build the skills they need to thrive at high-pressure tournaments during the season.

Our knowledgeable, caring, and experienced staff love forensics and they want to share the activity with you! We hire experienced university instructors, classroom teachers, and speech and debate coaches who have a proven track record of coaching champion speakers from many backgrounds.

It's not all work and no play. Frequent breaks and a free lunch period are important for our camp model. We make time for rest and opportunities to connect with fellow campers. Whether students like outdoor fun, board games, or arts and crafts, they'll enjoy the 'traditional camp activities' we try to integrate where we can!

Each camp's programming increases in difficulty and complexity day-by-day, allowing shy students to become accustomed to speaking in public bit by bit before they reach the camp's cumulative event, a showcase or tournament. Students will perform in a showcase attended by family and friends, where they will perform their speeches.

Program Dates

Middle School Speech Camp: Public Address will occur on the following dates: MON. JULY 8-FRI. JULY 12 9 AM-3 PM

This camp can be combined with any other middle school camp.

Can students reside on campus? No

Can students commute to campus? Yes

Can students take online classes? No