This workshop will introduce students to the fundamentals of argumentation as well as the three formats of competitive debating commonly practiced in American high schools. Over the course of the week, students will gain experience constructing both oral and written arguments and participate in several competitive debates. The session will culminate with a small tournament on the final day. Students will practice with a few different debate topics, primarily about current events and political developments, but with a few timeless topics as well. Tips and strategies for research will be incorporated into the workshop, though we will provide introductory materials for most of the topics so students can begin practicing right away.

One of the biggest challenges facing students and experts alike in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (S.T.E.M.) is the difficulty of presenting complex issues to a public audience. Individuals who want to excel in S.T.E.M fields must be more than intelligent and well-researched; they must also be able to engage and connect with a variety of audiences. The Communicating in S.T.E.M. 1-week program is designed to give fledgling public intellectuals a much-needed advantage in the field of communication.

Supported by Harvard University’s commitment to public engagement, backed by the Harvard Debate Council’s excellence in argumentation, and facilitated by the program’s 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Communicating in S.T.E.M. takes even the most novice speaker and transforms them into a competent presenter capable of navigating across audiences.

During this fun yet intensive program, students will create a multifaceted STEM communication campaign around an issue of their choice. Even students who are just learning about STEM will be guided to pick an approachable topic of interest to help them learn the fundamentals of communicating about complex topics. The campaign consists of four projects:
crafting expert bios: short expertise statements that communicate why you are the expert the world needs. Learn to balance multiple appeals to credibility and empower yourself as a young leader. Everyone, no matter how young or inexperienced, has expertise; learn to find and communicate yours.
media pitch: write a short pitch for the popular press around an issue of concern. Build on what you learned in the expert bio to establish your credibility and expertise while writing a compelling 500-word piece to communicate your STEM-based argument to a public audience. Although actually sending the pitches is not required, you will finish the program with a pitch-ready story that you can submit to your local paper or an online publication.
TEDxHDCSW: join our mock TEDx session right from your own living room! Create your very own TEDx Talk complete with audio-visuals, delivery training, and a compelling mix of ideas and evidence. Share your presentations with peers and knowledgeable professionals to gain feedback and support. Although actually submitting your speech for consideration at a TEDx is not required, you will finish the program with a submission-ready TEDx that you can submit for consideration at a local TEDx event.
#selfies4stem: no public communication would be complete in the 21st century without an accompanying digital media campaign! Based on the successful #scientistswhoselfie and #ilooklikeanengineer, #selfies4stem is an original hashtag created for students at the HDCSW. Use your expert bio, media pitch, and TEDx to create audio and video clips and promotional materials for your social media campaign. Learn hashtag optimization and basic principles of visual design, as well as how to leverage social media to create more public support for STEM issues and your own credibility as an expert. Students are not required to share their work publicly–they may create media-ready materials or private accounts for the class–but are also welcome to strut their STEM stuff on their already existing social media.

This program is for students who plan to compete in competitive public speaking events, including platform and limited preparation speaking. This program offers foundational skills and practice in preparation for local, state, or national competition. Original Oratory, Informative Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, and Extemporaneous Speaking are centered to prepare students to compete on their own school teams. Students will engage in research, writing, and practicing events to prepare a speech for a contest as well as how to utilize those skills in other performance events offered in various competition organizations. By the end of the program, students will be equipped with one NSDA event – either Original Oratory or Informative Speaking – ready for the following academic year.

This  is a one-week program that introduces students to the speeches used in criminal litigation–  Opening Statement,  Closing Argument, and counsels’ argument before Sentencing. Students will experience what it is like to play the roles of Prosecutor and Defense Attorney by writing and delivering arguments for each side. On the final day, students will compete in a judged tournament. While the workshop offers an immersive simulated legal experience, it also develops skills applicable to various professions such as journalism,  academia, politics, and business. This law-driven workshop is ideal for students interested in mock trials, curious about the law, or who want to connect with their audience through storytelling and presentation.  

Students will receive a case file that contains a collection of typical documents used in criminal prosecutions. First, they will learn how to spot the strengths and weaknesses in the case. Next, they will craft arguments that use visual imagery and storytelling techniques to spotlight their strongest arguments and present compelling counterarguments. Finally, drawing on Harvard Debate Councils’ experience developing highly skilled orators, this week incorporates exercises in acting and improvisation to give even the most novice speaker confidence and freedom.