Summer Debate & Public Speaking Camps 2025 | Expert Training at Top Universities
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CAPITOL DEBATE'S
SUMMER DEBATE CAMP CURRICULUM

Our proprietary curriculum combines proven public speaking techniques, advanced debate strategies, and specialized tracks tailored to student interests. Developed over 18 years of success, our comprehensive approach transforms students into confident communicators and powerful competitors.

Public Speaking Lessons

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Core Skill!

Building Lasting Confidence

  • Transform into a confident speaker
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What You'll Learn:

  • Develop self-expression abilities
  • Build leadership presence
  • Master stage confidence
  • Overcome speaking anxiety
Voice Skills!

Mastering Your Voice

  • Perfect your vocal delivery
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What You'll Learn:

  • Voice projection techniques
  • Vocal variety and pacing
  • Clear articulation
  • Strategic pausing
Non-Verbal!

Effective Body Language

  • Master non-verbal communication
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What You'll Learn:

  • Dynamic gestures
  • Powerful eye contact
  • Stage movement
  • Facial expressions
Structure!

Speech Organization

  • Create compelling structures
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What You'll Learn:

  • Clear main points
  • Supporting evidence
  • Smooth transitions
  • Logical flow
Openings!

Powerful Openings

  • Hook your audience instantly
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What You'll Learn:

  • Attention-grabbing hooks
  • Opening techniques
  • Audience engagement
  • Setting the tone
Advanced!

Advanced Techniques

  • Master expert-level skills
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What You'll Learn:

  • Storytelling mastery
  • Audience adaptation
  • Advanced persuasion
  • Expert Q&A handling

Debate Lessons

Master the art of competitive debate

Research!

Quality Research Skills

  • Build strong evidence-based cases
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Research Techniques:

  • Find qualified sources
  • Evaluate evidence quality
  • Organize research effectively
  • Create evidence cards
Cross-Ex!

Cross-Examination

  • Master strategic questioning
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Cross-Ex Skills:

  • Strategic question sequencing
  • Time management
  • Evidence exposition
  • Maintaining composure
Refute!

Refutation Techniques

  • Counter arguments effectively
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Refutation Skills:

  • Attack argument structure
  • Evidence comparison
  • Impact calculus
  • Turn arguments
Closing!

Winning Closings

  • Deliver powerful final speeches
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Closing Techniques:

  • Crystallize key issues
  • Impact comparison
  • Voter analysis
  • Strategic weighing
Cases!

Case Construction

  • Build winning arguments
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Case Building Skills:

  • Strategic frameworks
  • Evidence integration
  • Impact development
  • Strategic advantages
Strategy!

Debate Strategy

  • Master competitive tactics
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Strategic Skills:

  • Time allocation
  • Argument selection
  • Strategic concessions
  • Round vision

Choose Your Specialized Tracks

Every student selects TWO tracks that match their interests

From Business & STEM to Competition Prep - Make Your Summer Experience Your Own

Career Focus

Career Interests Tracks

Build advanced skills in your chosen field

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Business Communication

Perfect business presentations and executive presence

You Will Learn:

  • Executive presence
  • "Shark Tank" style pitches
  • Strategic presentations
biotech

STEM Communication

Present technical concepts with clarity and impact

You Will Learn:

  • Technical presentations
  • Data visualization
  • Research communication
balance

Legal Communication

Develop courtroom presence and advocacy skills

You Will Learn:

  • Legal argumentation
  • Case presentation
  • Courtroom advocacy
Essential Skills

Real World Communication

Master human connection skills in today's digital world

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Interpersonal Communication

Build meaningful connections and relationships

You Will Learn:

  • Social intelligence
  • Active listening
  • Emotional awareness
forum

Group Communication

Lead discussions and collaborative projects

You Will Learn:

  • Team leadership
  • Project management
  • Group dynamics
campaign

Persuasive Speaking

Move audiences to action with compelling messages

You Will Learn:

  • Audience analysis
  • Message crafting
  • Call to action
Competition Track

Competitive Events

Discover competitive speaking opportunities and develop your potential

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Public Forum Debate

Master partner debate on current events

You Will Learn:

  • Partner collaboration
  • Current events analysis
  • Evidence evaluation
scale

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Explore value-based philosophical debate

You Will Learn:

  • Philosophical frameworks
  • Value argumentation
  • Critical analysis
hub

Parliamentary Debate

Excel in impromptu debate format

You Will Learn:

  • Quick analysis
  • Impromptu speaking
  • Strategic rhetoric
>

Watch Capitol Debaters in Action



Discover the remarkable progress our students make as they master the art of debate with Capitol Debate — from novices to articulate speakers in just one summer at our Public Speaking Debate Camps. Each caption in our videos pinpoints key debating skills we nurture, from crafting catchy openings to constructing solid arguments. Witness our debaters put these focused techniques into practice, achieving eloquence and poise over a single summer with Capitol Debate.

 

Austin W

Student
Massachusetts
 

Karina H

Student
Illinois
 

JC

Student
Massachusetts
 

Fiona D

Student
New Jersey
 

Seth G

Student
Maryland
 

Finn M

Student
Virginia
 

Penelope H.

Student
New York


Unlock your Child's Potential this Summer!

Fill out our Form to Discover How to Ignite your Child's Personal and Academic Growth



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Program Locations

In-Person Summer Programs

In-Person Programs

Virtual Summer Programs

Virtual Programs

about-us

Ready to Give your Student the Experience of a Lifetime?

Capitol Debate is proud to host transformative summer debate camps in more than 16 cities, positively impacting the lives of thousands this year. With nearly two decades of experience, trust us to make a significant and lasting difference in your child's life.

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Debate & College Admissions

Debate dramatically helps with college admissions.

Professional and Interpersonal Benefits of Debate

Debate has tremendous cognitive benefits beyond the classroom.

Debate is an Investment for a Lifetime

See all the academic virtues provided by debate.
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