Online Small-Group Public Speaking & Debate Classes
Build confidence, communication, and critical-thinking skills through interactive small-group instruction in public speaking and debate.
Speaker Forge is offering small-group online classes for students looking to strengthen their communication, public speaking, and debate skills. Classes are designed to give students plenty of opportunities to practice, receive individualized feedback, and learn alongside other students.
Two class options are available:
About Small-Group Classes
Public Speaking Class
The Public Speaking class helps students become more confident, clear, and engaging speakers. Students will practice a variety of speaking activities while developing skills they can use in school, competitions, interviews, presentations, and everyday communication.
Topics may include:
Speech organization and structure
Vocal delivery, pacing, and body language
Impromptu and extemporaneous speaking
Persuasive speaking
Managing nervousness and building speaking confidence
Debate Class
The Debate class helps students develop the skills needed to build persuasive arguments, respond effectively to opposing arguments, and think critically under pressure. Students will participate in practice debates and exercises designed to strengthen both argumentation and delivery.
Topics may include:
Building clear and persuasive arguments
Evidence, reasoning, and impact analysis
Rebuttal and refutation
Thinking and responding on the spot
Comparing competing arguments
Cross-examination and questioning
Persuasive delivery and presentation
Practice debates with individualized feedback
How Classes Work
Six One-Hour Sessions
Each class meets online for six one-hour sessions.
$300 Total Tuition
Tuition for the six-session class is $300 ($50 per session).
Small-Group Instruction
Classes are kept small to maximize speaking time, participation, and individualized feedback.
Flexible Scheduling
Class times are determined based on student interest and availability. Complete the interest form below to share your student's availability.
Grades 4–12
Classes are open to students in grades 4–12. Students will be grouped with others of similar age and experience whenever possible.
Trusted by Students and Families
“Alex was very patient and kind with our son. He was detailed and went through the thought-process and mechanics of speech writing and public speaking. Breaking it down topic by topic has been very insightful and helpful”
— Pragyna, 35 lessons with Alex
“We qualified for a national level tournament but had little experience with this level of debate. We sought Alex's tutoring help at the last minute. Alex jumped right in, highlighted what to look out for at this level of competition, and helped strengthen the case and argument preparation. Highly recommended for his patience, focus, and efficiency.
— Anya
“Alex has been coaching my daughter for close to a year her Debate school has improved dramatically since the start. Alex is friendly patient and very knowledgeable. In addition he is always very very responsive to scheduling changes. I highly recommend him to other students.”
— Yimei
Why Work With Coach Alex?
Alex graduated from Princeton with high honors with a degree in public policy and a minor in the history and practice of diplomacy. He has over 8 years of combined experience in speech and debate as a competitor, coach, and judge at numerous tournaments.
As a competitor, Alex won national circuit tournaments in Extemporaneous Speaking, placed second at the Pennsylvania state tournament, placed fifth at the Tournament of Champions, and was one of sixteen competitors nationwide invited to the Montgomery Bell Academy Round Robin. He also placed tenth at the NSDA National Tournament in Pro/Con Challenge and earned awards in LD Debate, Impromptu Speaking, and Congressional Debate.
As a coach, Alex has helped students qualify for NSDA Nationals, NCFL Nationals, the TOC, NIETOC, and state tournaments. His students have become middle school state champions and reached the top 12 at NSDA High School Nationals.
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Magna Cum Laude Graduate
SPEECH & DEBATE
4 Years Competing + 5 Years Coaching
100+ STUDENTS COACHED
Private & Group Instruction
Interested in an Upcoming Class?
Complete the form below to share your student’s interests and availability for an upcoming Public Speaking or Debate class. After receiving your response, I’ll follow up with information about potential class times and next steps. There is no commitment to enroll by submitting this form.