Wayzata Community Education

Save 15% when you register for both Young Writers Workshop AND Speech and Debate Workshop!  You must register for both classes for the same student, in the same shopping cart, to receive the discount.  This new Speech and Debate Program is a perfect introduction to the rewards and exhilaration of communication for our elementary students. The objective of this program is to introduce and begin to hone students’ ability in the important leadership skill of public speaking. Students will employ different tools in their speech presentations. The students will enjoy putting on paper their issues and positions appropriate to their age, and then use the various tools of public speaking like voice quality, tone, volume, articulation, pronunciation, eye contact, and body gestures to make an effective presentation. They will learn how to use different methods to move through their speech. The main skills we expect to use are memorization, full speech manuscripts, and outline. As our students practice these skills in their speeches, they will overcome nervousness when they speak, demonstrate confidence and feel more comfortable talking in front of an audience of any size.This program for beginners is an excellent jump-start for those considering speech and debate in their higher grades. Even students that come to the program reluctantly leave excited and inspired by the progress they have made during the course. Styles of speech covered: Storytelling - students perform a 5-minute memorized children’s story; Impromptu - students are given simple topics and after 2-minute prep, speak extemporaneously on their topic; Expository Speech - students write and deliver an informative or how-to speech - 5-minute memorized event;  Policy Debate - This is an extremely complex form of debate in high school and college. It involves in-depth research and analysis of foreign and domestic policy, as well as philosophical concepts. Students in this workshop will gain a preview of what to expect in high school debate. Instructors are supported by high school and college students for more individualization.This class is for beginners and no prior experience needed. Material fee included.  Save 15% when you register for both Young Writers Workshop AND Speech and Debate Workshop! You must register for both classes at the same time, in the same shopping cart, to receive the discount. Students are also invited to demonstrate their speaking skills at the MN Speech Competition on Saturday, January 6th at Central Middle School.  Students will prepare a 5-minute expository speech in advance.  The competition is organized in two phases - preliminary and final.  The top 5 from each level will move on to the final round, where the speech is delivered again.  The event will culminate with an awards ceremony.  Parents are invited to watch the final round and awards ceremony.  Wayzata students will be competing against other students from Hopkins and Eden Prairie.