Course Description:
A Journey Through Language
In this class, kids will learn public speaking by working through the two events: impromptu and original oratory. They will learn how to think quickly, research well, advocate for topics they love, and grow confident with the sound of their own voices.
Impromptu:
Impromptu is a public speaking event where students have seven minutes to select a topic, brainstorm their ideas, outline and deliver a speech. The speech is given without notes and uses an introduction, body, and conclusion. The speech can be light-heareted or serious. It can be based upon prompts that range from nursery rhymes, current events, celebrities, organizations, and more.
Impromptu tests a student’s ability to analyze a prompt, process their thoughts, organize the points of the speech, and deliver them in a clear, coherent manner. Students’ logic is extremely important. They must be able to take an abstract idea, such as a fortune from a fortune cookie, and put together a speech that has a thesis and supporting information.
Original Oratory:
Original Oratory is a speech written by the student with the intent to inform or persuade the audience on a topic of significance. Oratory gives students the unique opportunity to showcase their voice and passion for their topic.
An Oratory is not simply an essay about the topic – it is a well researched and organized presentation with evidence, logic, emotional appeals, and sometimes humor to convey a message. Topics may be of a value orientation and affect people at a personal level, such as avoiding peer pressure, or they can be more of a policy orientation and ask an audience to enact particular policies or solve societal problems.
Qualification:
- 4th – 6th grade students (can be a little flexible)
- No prior public speaking experience required
Instructor: Allison Zhang
Allison Zhang is a student at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley in San Jose, California, and a passionate writer, speaker, and speech and debate competitor. Ranked among the top 25 orators in the nation, she injects her love of speaking and advocating for issues into coaching younger students. When she is not at a tournament or struggling with copious amounts of APs, catch her cycling and avidly devouring novels.
National/State Tournament Achievements:
- Top 25 Original Oratory in the country at NIETOC (National Tournament)
- Top 16 Original Oratory at Tournament of Champions (National Tournament)
- Top 3 Original Oratory at MS Tournament of Champions (National Tournament)
- Top 5 Original Oratory at California State Championships
Schedule: Every Friday 5:30PM – 6:30PM (9/22/23-12/15/23)
No class at 11/10/23 or 11/24/23
