The Importance of Improv AND Preparation | Debate and Public Speaking in Summit Week 7

What’s the best way to prepare a speech that you’ll have to give in front of people? Some would say to ensure that you write and proofread numerous times. Others believe in going with the flow, in order to prioritize a natural flow and eye contact with their audience.

Well here in Summit, our debate and public speaking class has been practicing both. On Wednesday, the students were tasked with picking a side to a debate they were passionate about and writing reasons supporting their side on an index card. They couldn’t write everything they needed to for the one-minute speeches they were going to give afterwards, meaning they needed to think of things to say on the spot.

Giving their stances about various topics, like preference of flying cars and whether video games are educational, the students gave speeches to their classmates. They practiced projection of voice and making eye contact to keep audience members engaged. Can’t wait to see the other activities in store as the week comes to a close!