Public Speaking Workshop
Congressional Debate, Extemp, & Oratory

This workshop offers students the opportunity to begin the year with 3 events ready to compete, regardless of level of experience. Whether you are new to the activity and are not yet sure of the events in which you will compete or you are a seasoned veteran ready to take the next step, this session is right for you.

Congressional Debate has long been a major event across the country and a qualifying event at the National Forensic League National Tournament, and it has gained traction regionally by becoming a staple among qualifying events for the Texas Forensic Association State Tournament. Extemporaneous Speaking and Original Oratory are among the most recognizable speaking events anywhere. Students will come away with improved research, speaking, and writing skills.

Participants attending the Public Speaking workshops will receive top of the line training in Congressional Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Original Oratory. Very few workshops in Public Speaking offer unlimited access to a library of the caliber of UNT's combined with highly skilled coaches and former competitors. At UNT, we specialize in training speakers across a variety of events to develop what we like to refer to as the "Individual Event Specialist."  Three purposes drive this program of instruction:

1. STRUCTURE: Students will receive daily instruction in Congressional Debate, Extemp, and Oratory.  Students will be introduced to both simple and advanced strategies in each event.  A starter set of virtual "Dropboxed" Extemp Files, a written Oratory, and a fully researched and briefed TFA Congressional Docket for the fall session will be produced by students and provided to each student by the end of the two week session.  Multiple practice speeches and an institute tournament will  be provided.  Specific sessions will also be offered for Extemp Commentary, Impromptu, Expository, Informative and Persuasive speaking for participants interested in NFL and UIL sponsored events.

2. CREATIVITY: In addition to traditional teaching and learning structures, we also provide multiple opportunities for interaction with some of the Texas "young guns" in Public Speaking to help keep things current and fresh! In 2010, students received direct instruction from two TFA extemp champions, the 2010 TFA Student Congress champion, the top seed at TFA in Public Forum Debate, and a visit from the Philosopher-in-Residence at UNT!  These interactions proved to be an incredible source of information and inspiration for our students.