Skip to main content Skip to footer

This upcoming Winter/Spring, we’re rolling out a new Public Speaking curriculum, designed to provide students a growth journey from basic fundamental communication skills and confidence, all the way to Competitive Public Speaking, where students compete in Speech events recognized by the National Speech & Debate Association.

Registration deadlines:

  • January registration deadline: January 7

Limited seats available — secure your spot!

ENROLL NOW Looking for Debate?

Winter/Spring 2027 | January

Dates
Start: Week of January 10th 16 weeks
End: Week of May 15th
Pricing
$1100
Location
Online
Dates
Start: Week of January 10th
End: Week of May 15th
Pricing
$1100
  • Public Speaking (click to view)


    Public Speaking 1

    Public Speaking 1 covers general presentation skill building, including confidence when speaking in front of others, thinking on your feet, and Impromptu basics.

    What is Impromptu?
    NSDA Impromptu speaking is a competitive public speaking event governed by the National Speech & Debate Association where students deliver a speech on the spot with little to no preparation time.

    GRADES (2 – 5)
    Sunday 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM PT)
    GRADES (6 – 12)
    Sunday 4:15 PM – 5:45 PM ET (1:15 PM – 2:45 PM PT)
    Public Speaking 2

    Public Speaking 2 builds on the presentation and speech skills learned in Public Speaking 1 by introducing more advanced applications. By the end of class, they will have created and delivered a Ted Talk, and participated in Extemporaneous Speaking.

    What is Extemporaneous Speaking (Extemp)?
    Extemporaneous Speaking is a competitive public speaking event governed by the National Speech & Debate Association where students analyze current events under strict time limits. Topics are political questions, and require researching and compiling sources.

    GRADES (2 – 5)
    Sunday 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM PT)
    Thursday 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM ET (4:15 PM – 5:45 PM PT)
    GRADES (6 – 12)
    Sunday 4:15 PM – 5:45 PM ET (1:15 PM – 2:45 PM PT)
    Wednesday 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM ET (4:15 PM – 5:45 PM PT)
    Competitive Public Speaking

    Competitive Public Speaking is our highest level Public Speaking class. Its focus is on preparing students to compete in NSDA speech events at weekend tournaments. Simulating a team environment, students may re-enroll in this class for multiple years to create, practice, and then compete using their own new original speeches.

    This class requires first completing PDA’s Public Speaking 1 & 2 classes or having significant prior experience competing in speech or debate tournaments.

    GRADES (2 – 5)
    Sunday 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM PT)
    GRADES (6 – 12)
    Sunday 12:45 PM – 2:15 PM ET (9:45 AM – 11:15 AM PT)
Potomac Debate Academy
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. For more information, please view our Privacy Policy.