Speak Out by John Meany; Kate ShusterCall Number: PN4181 .S53 2005
ISBN: 9781932716023
Publication Date: 2004-01-01
Debate and public speaking are of extraordinary value to students in the middle grades. Participation in debating can boost student self-confidence, accelerate learning across the curriculum, and facilitate greatly improved critical thinking and communication skills. Speak Out is a primer for students participating in class and contest debates. Designed to support the Middle School Public Debate Program, the largest and fastest growing middle school debate program in the world, it offers students clear, concise information on public speaking and debating. Combining the practical and theoretical, the text teaches students about verbal and nonverbal communication, how to research, present and answer arguments, how to develop debate strategies and how to conduct a formal debate. Exercises following each section give students hands-on experience with each topic. Helpful appendixes include: online resources for debates, The Middle School Public Debate Program Judging Manual, tips for judges, and suggested debate topics in a variety of curricular areas.