APPLY FOR IN-PERON OR ONLINE JANUARY 5, 2026 - MAY 31, 2026, CLASSES

​In order to enable middle school students to continue debating throughout high school and college as most students do, Bay Area Debate only teaches high school debate formats.  In speech and debate, students learn skills like public speaking, cross-examination, and basic research in order to construct sets of arguments and defend their position. 

The Bay Area Debate "advantage" is that we tailor our classes to the small group of students we are instructing.  There is no "class in a can."  We work with each group of students by adjusting to their level of ability and instructional needs.  We are educators first, focusing on ethics, skills and knowledge.  Even so, we do offer students the opportunity to attend elementary, middle and high school tournaments and put what they learned to the test.  We have achieved outstanding competitive success-- even winning many high school tournaments with middle school students.

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Debate Formats

Speech Formats

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             Our class curriculum is based on tournaments schedule and National Speech and Debate Associations Debate topics.  
                  Formats  of Debate Offered in Debate Classes 

​Level 1
​for 7-8  year old 
Competitive  Speech & Persuasive Writing

Elevate your child's skills with our dynamic Competitive Speech & Persuasive Writing class! 
Skills That Last a Lifetime: Our class is crafted to introduce and refine your child's abilities in the crucial leadership skill of public speaking, while also enhancing their writing skills. Watch them flourish as they express their thoughts on paper, developing a voice uniquely tailored to their age group.
🎙️ Master the Art of Presentation: We go beyond the basics, teaching your child the intricacies of public speaking. From voice quality and tone to volume, articulation, pronunciation, eye contact, and body gestures, our class empowers them to deliver captivating presentations with confidence.
Your child will acquire invaluable skills, including confident presentation techniques, establishing a connection with the audience, conquering public speaking anxiety, mastering vocal variety, leveraging non-verbal communication techniques, and using visual aids effectively.
Students will learn various methods to navigate through their speeches, ensuring engaging and impactful deliveries every time.
Foster Confidence: Through consistent practice of these skills, your child will not only conquer nervousness but also exude confidence. They will feel entirely at ease speaking in front of any audience, regardless of size.
🏆 Unleash the Competitor: Students from our class will have the thrilling opportunity to showcase their newfound talents in speech competitions. Give your child the chance to shine and build a foundation for a lifetime of successful communication!

Level 2
for  9-10 year old
​Elementary 
​Competitive
Congressional Debate and Spontaneous Speech

Unlock the World of Debate: Our program is tailored to equip students for upcoming elementary and middle school speech and debate tournaments. We're excited to introduce them to the dynamic realm of Congressional Debate!
🏛️ Simulating the U.S. Congress: In Congressional Debate, students step into the role of legislators and learn to think critically about current events and policy issues. They draft and debate bills and resolutions appropriate to their age group, honing skills in argumentation, research, and public speaking. This event helps young debaters practice persuasive techniques and learn to construct logical arguments, preparing them for both academic and real-world applications.
🏆 The Spontaneous Speech portion of the class will focus on developing students’ ability to think on their feet and express ideas clearly under time constraints. Students will practice giving impromptu speeches on a variety of topics, enhancing their confidence, quick-thinking, and speaking fluency. This part of the course is especially valuable in building poise and the ability to respond articulately in any situation.
Empower Your Child's Voice: Join Bay Area Debate today and empower your child to become a confident and articulate communicator, ready to succeed in both current and future speech and debate tournaments!

How to Judge Congressional Debate

Level 3
for 11-12 year old
​ Middle school Competitive
​Congressional Debate and Spontaneous Speech

Unlock the World of Congressional Debate: Our unparalleled Congressional Debate classes aim to simulate the U.S. Congress, inviting students to engage in lively debates on bills and resolutions of current interest. Picture an interactive format with 10-12 students in a room, delivering impactful speeches and actively questioning each other.
📚 Ages 6th Grade to High School Seniors: Geared towards students from 6th grade through High School seniors, our Congressional Debate classes focus on honing essential skills to excel in this event and compete with confidence in middle and high school tournaments.
🧠 Building Essential Skills: The curriculum is designed to cultivate research prowess, persuasive speaking, active listening, critical thinking, accurate and extensive note-taking, and adept cross-examination skills. These skills are not only integral to success in Congressional Debate but also serve as invaluable life skills.
Easiest Path to Mastery: Congressional Debate is renowned as the most accessible debate format. It serves as the perfect introductory course for students with no prior debate experience, acting as a stepping stone to the captivating world of Public Forum Debate.
🏆 Compete and Excel: Students from this class are granted the exciting opportunity to compete at both middle and high school tournaments. It's not just a class; it's a journey towards confidence, competence, and success in the thrilling arena of Congressional Debate!
See a video example of an Online 2021 Middle School  Congress Final Round at the Tournament of Champions. 
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See 2020 Senate Congressional Debate National Champion Interview.

How to Judge Congressional Debate

Level 4
for 12-14 year old 
​​Competitive Public Forum Debate

2026 February PF topic is: Resolved: The Federal Trade Commission should establish a federal regulatory framework for sports betting.

Unleash the Power of Public Forum Debate: Our captivating Competitive Public Forum Debate classes are inspired by the essence of the CNN show "Crossfire." This dynamic format involves two students on a team engaging in a riveting debate with another team, discussing topics "ripped from the headlines" — embracing the urgency of current events.
🗣️ From 7th Grade to High School Seniors: Tailored for students from 7th grade through High School seniors, our Public Forum classes focus on cultivating essential skills for success in the event. Think research brilliance, persuasive speaking, active listening, critical thinking, meticulous note-taking, and adept cross-examination skills — all integral components of the course.
🔍 Stay Current with Evolving Topics: Public Forum debate topics undergo changes nine times a year, ensuring students stay engaged with a fresh, dynamic landscape of subjects.
🏆 Empower Your Child for Competitions: As a participant in this class, your child gains the exciting opportunity to compete at both middle and high school tournaments. It's not just about mastering debate; it's about building the skills that lead to success in every aspect of life.
Click HERE to see an Introduction Video to  Public Forum Debate. 

See a video example of a Public Forum 2018 National Tournament final Round.
Topic: Resolved: On balance, the benefits of United States participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement outweigh the consequences.


See an online round of Public Forum Debate. 
Topic -  Resolved: On balance, charter schools are beneficial to the quality of education in the United States.
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How to Judge Public Forum Debate

Level 5:
for 11-16 year old
​Competitive​ Parliamentary Debate & 
​Extemporaneous​ Speaking

Thinking Quick, Speaking Bold: Elevate your child's skills with our Level 5 Competitive Parliamentary Debate & Extemporaneous Speaking classes, strategically designed for 12-16-year-olds. This unique classes are fostering the ability to think quickly on one's feet and possess a broad knowledge of current events.
🤔 Thriving in Spontaneity: Parli debate competitions thrust students into dynamic situations, requiring teams of two to receive the debate topic only 20 minutes before the round begins. No coaching or live internet access is allowed, emphasizing the need for broad knowledge and quick thinking.
🗣️ During Extemporaneous  Speaking competitions students receive the topic just 30 minutes prior. They then prepare without coaching or internet access and must deliver a compelling 7-minute speech without notes.
A Bridge to Tournaments: Participants in these classes gain the exciting chance to compete at both middle and high school tournaments. Prepare your child for a future of confident, articulate success!

See a video example of a Parliamentary Debate round.

See a video example of an Extemporaneous Speech round.

Extemporaneous Speaking - How to Judge

 

Level 6:
for 13-16 year old
 ​​Competitive Lincoln-Douglas ​Debate 

2026 January/February LD topic is: Resolved: The possession of nuclear weapons is immoral.

Discover Your Values with Lincoln-Douglas Debate 
What is Lincoln-Douglas Debate?
Inspired by the historic 1858 debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, Lincoln-Douglas (LD) Debate is a one-on-one format that challenges students to explore and defend the values at the heart of complex issues. LD goes beyond mere arguments, encouraging students to uncover their own beliefs and articulate what matters most to them—a critical step in personal growth and decision-making.
Why Values Matter Early in Life
LD Debate is uniquely centered on values, helping students identify and refine their core principles at a young age. By wrestling with ethical and philosophical questions in each resolution, students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Learning to stand up for your values early builds confidence, clarity, and purpose that will guide you through life’s challenges.
Skills for Life and Leadership
Our LD Debate curriculum equips students with essential skills:

• Critical thinking to analyze complex issues.
• Persuasive speaking to express ideas with conviction.
• Active listening and cross-examination to engage respectfully with opponents.
• Research and note-taking to build compelling, evidence-based arguments.
  These skills empower success not only in debate but also in academics, careers, and personal growth.

Ever-Changing Topics
With new LD topics introduced five times a year, students stay engaged with fresh, relevant issues that spark curiosity and encourage dynamic discussions.
Compete and Shine
Students in our LD program have the opportunity to compete in middle and high school tournaments, showcasing their skills and values on a competitive stage. Whether you’re new to debate or aiming for the top, Young Genius prepares you to make your mark!
Join Young Genius, Bay Area Speech & Debate Academy, to master Lincoln-Douglas Debate, discover your values, and build a foundation for a lifetime of confident, principled leadership.
See a video example of a Lincoln Douglas 2019 National Tournament final Round.
Topic: Resolved: Violent revolution is a just response to political oppression.
See the round of LD debate online on Topic: Resolved: The intergenerational accumulation of wealth is antithetical to democracy.
How to Judge Lincoln Douglas  Debate

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            Formats of Speech Offered in Competitive Speech Classes

Originals

Interpretive 

Spontaneous

There are four types of Original events:

1. Oratory
2. Advocacy
3. Expository
4. Prose and Poetry
5. Original Oratory​​

          Original Oratory - How to Judge

There are seven types of Interpretive events:

1. Declamation/Oral Interpretation
2. Humorous Interpretation ​                Part 1  &  Part 2
3. Dramatic Interpretation
4. Duo Interpretation
5. Storytelling (middle school only event)
6. Prose Interpretation (middle school only event)
7. Poetry Interpretation (middle school only event)

​        Interpretation Events - How to Judge

There are three types of Spontaneous events:

1. Impromptu​
2. Extemporaneous Speaking
3. ​SPAR​ ​

Extemporaneous Speaking - How to Judge
Impromptu Speaking - How to Judge