In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the availability of free resources that teach students debating and public speaking. Students may also be able to find debating and public speaking courses for free!
This is an excellent way to democratize public speaking and debating education, and it is an initiative that Speakers’ Corner coaches fully support. In fact, a simple YouTube search for ‘university debating,’ ‘WUDC,’ or ‘Australs’ will provide students with access to an extensive database of online seminars on debating and public speaking. Students can also find a range of free resources on the NSW Arts Unit website, which has been well-curated by the Department of Education.
We encourage students to engage with these resources, as they can play an important role in building interest and passion for debating and public speaking. However, there are limitations to using free online resources to up-skill in debating. The first is that these resources are often not presented in a structured manner that allows for incremental improvement. Just as there are many free mathematics or English courses online, these resources are rarely a substitute for direct teaching and coaching.
Additionally, debating and public speaking are iterative activities that require feedback and correction for improvement. It is often important to have an external teacher listen to your speeches and provide constructive feedback. Accordingly, while a sole reliance on online theory can be helpful, it may not be sufficient for comprehensive skill development.
At Speakers’ Corner, through our extensive curriculums, lesson plans, and hands-on lessons, we provide a structured environment where students can learn, master, and excel in public speaking. However, we are also committed to making debating education accessible to everyone. Students from low SES backgrounds who wish to participate in our classes should not feel prohibited by cost. Reach out to our team to discuss flexible pricing options for those in need!
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