INDIVIDUAL COURSE

Debate & Public Speaking

Become a confident and persuasive speaker in any public speaking setting you find yourself in. This course is your pathway to becoming a confident communicator, ready to convey your ideas with poise and conviction.

Instructor:

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Course Description

Whether faced with a prepared speech to a filled auditorium or sharing your opinion spontaneously with a small group, the ability to communicate articulately yields influence. Learn how to improve your sentence structure, word usage, and test out strategies that attract others to your message. Apply unique techniques of vocal tonalities for earning trust. Investigate proven methods with body language that convey confidence, control, competency, and credibility and put them to test in a commanding voice that will inspire others and make a lasting impression. Students learn the art of constructing convincing arguments, researching complex issues, and articulating viewpoints effectively through lively discussions, engaging exercises and structured debates. Tap into your critical thinking and communication skills to harness the power of persuasion.

Learning Outcomes

Upon Completing this course, students will be able to:

Speak clearly and effectively in front of an audience, whether giving a class presentation or sharing your thoughts in a group discussion.
Craft strong arguments, choose the right words, and use tone and body language to make your message more convincing.
Research topics, presenting ideas, and defending your viewpoint in structured debates and interactive conversations.
Enact posture, gestures, and facial expressions that help you appear more confident, in control, and persuasive.
Analyze different perspectives, organize your thoughts, and express yourself clearly in everyday situations.

Information is subject to change as instructors finalize course content and syllabi.

AT A GLANCE

Debate & Public Speaking

GRADE LEVELGrades 9-12CAMPUSGeorgetown UniversityFIELD OF STUDYHumanitiesCOURSE TYPEINDIVIDUAL COURSEDATES6/28/2026 - 7/10/2026 (2 Weeks)COURSE TIMESAfternoon

Instructor Bio

For the past two years, Kristi Riggs has had the privilege of teaching Public Speaking and Entrepreneurship at the Georgetown University Summer Program, a role she truly enjoys. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s in Communication and Digital Technology from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and a Master’s in Communication, Culture, and Technology (CCT) from Georgetown University, where she also completed Graduate Certificates in Journalism and Teaching. Kristi is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Liberal Studies (DLS) with a focus on international migration and gender studies.

Professionally, Kristi has worked for organizations like the United Nations Association, the U.S. Department of State, and the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, where her roles have required strong communication, cultural awareness, and strategic thinking skills. She has also launched several small businesses, one of which has continued successfully outside her teaching career, giving her firsthand insight into the entrepreneurial journey. Kristi looks forward to sharing these experiences and skills with her class in an interactive learning environment, where real-world applications will be woven into every lesson.

Course Syllabus

To view a sample syllabus, please contact your program specialist, or reach us at info@summerdiscovery.com or call +1 (516) 447-4907.

Admissions Criteria

An interest in all things public speaking and persuasive communication is the key to success in this program! Additionally, your application criteria includes a completed Summer Discovery application.

Who Should Attend this Course?

Aspiring public speaking and communication professionals, this is a start to your successful academic and professional career. This course will introduce you to fundamentals that will advance your understanding of this field and help you determine whether a professional track in public speaking is right for you.

Benefits of Attending this Course

In addition to a university-level course experience, students will leave this course with portfolio-building documentation in recognition of their summer achievements, including:

Course Completion Certificate demonstrating your successful completion of the Summer Discovery Georgetown program
Letter of Recognition from Summer Discovery recognizing your academic achievement in completing this course
Official Georgetown Transcript

AT A GLANCE

Debate & Public Speaking

GRADE LEVELGrades 9-12CAMPUSGeorgetown UniversityFIELD OF STUDYHumanitiesCOURSE TYPEINDIVIDUAL COURSEDATES6/28/2026 - 7/10/2026 (2 Weeks)COURSE TIMESAfternoon

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAMPUS

Georgetown University

Summer Discovery Certificate of Completion

After successfully finishing this course, you will be awarded a certification completion for your accomplishment.

*This is a preview, not what you will receive