MIDDLE SCHOOL DEBATE FOR 6TH - 8TH GRADERS:

Introduction to Debate

Monday - April 19 to June 14 at Bonnie Branch - 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. OR

Thursday's - April 22 to June 17 at River Hill High School - 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.

Introduce your student to the world of debate. Learn how to give a great public speech, organize ideas, write a case, research, write, and much more.

Middle School National Championship Team Practice

Tuesday's April 20 to June 22 at Centennial High School - 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

Open exclusively for graduates of Introduction to Debate or students that are on their middle school debate team. Capitol Debate is defending its national championship in Iowa on June 24 to June 27. Capitol Debate can only take a limited number of students so inquiry with Ron Bratt and bratt@capitol-debate.com for eligibility and openings.

PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR 4TH AND 5TH GRADERS

Tuesday's - April 20 to June 15 at Centennial High School from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Thursday's - April 22 to June 17 at River Hill High School - 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

This is a great opportunity for your student to pick up valuable lessons on Public Speaking before Middle School. Students will learn how to confidently present a speech before an audience. Through exercises and practice, students will work on delivery skills including vocal variety, articulation, and voice projection. In preparing a final speech, students will learn how to write and organize a speech! All in a fun and supportive environment!

Public Speaking 2

Tuesday's - April 20 to June 15 at Centennial High School - 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.

Have your student continue on with public speaking learning how to write and/or deliver different forms of speeches.

MOCK TRIAL FOR 4TH THROUGH 6TH GRADERS

Wednesday's at Marriotts Ridge High School - 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 21 to June 16

A great opportunity for your student to learn about law and put their debate and public speaking skills to the task as a trial lawyer. Through participating in a fun mock trial, students will learn how to do an opening and closing speech, cross-examine witnesses and organize their ideas.

Details:

Costs: $200
Contact: Ronald Bratt at bratt@capitol-debate.com or 443 538-4992

About the Director:

Ronald Bratt has been involved in competitive academic debate for the past 25 years and has successfully started and grown both high school and college debate programs. From 1998 to 2005, Mr. Bratt started the Catholic University Debate program. In its first year of existence, Catholic Debate advanced to the finals of the American Debate Association. By 2001, Catholic University Debate Program was up to 30 debaters and was ranked number one in the nation by the National Debate Tournament rankings. Additionally, in 2001, Catholic Debate won 2 national titles including the American Debate Association Varsity Championship and the Cross Examination Debate Association Novice National Championship. This feat of winning 2 national titles was replicated in 2003. Mr. Bratt was also instrumental in implementing an Urban Debate League in Washington, D.C. In the fall of 2002, Mr. Bratt was one of the founding directors of the league helping recruit students, establish infrastructure, and train both students and teachers. The league is now strong and vibrant. On the international arena, Mr. Bratt worked closely with the International Debate Educational Association in 2003 to bring nearly 50 high school students from 6 countries in Southeastern Europe to the United States to learn leadership and debate. The following year, Mr. Bratt brought about 35 students from 7 countries including Russia, China, Haiti, Argentina, and South Africa to train and compete at the National Forensics League National Tournament. On the training side, Mr. Bratt started the nation’s leading high school debate institute, the Capitol Classic Debate Institute. At its height, the Capitol Classic Debate Institute drew over 225 students from nearly 30 states to reside at Catholic University for periods of 3 to 7 weeks. Numerous national high school debate champions graduated from this debate institute.