Public Speaking

Intermediate Public Speaking: The Power of Persuasion

Building arguments that hold up under pressure

Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8

Students who can already speak in front of a class are ready for something harder: building an argument that holds up when someone pushes back.

What Happens in Every Class

Theory

Each unit starts with the theory behind the technique: rhetoric, logos, and pathos are taught as concepts first, the reasoning and emotional appeal behind any argument, before students use them. Knowing why a technique works is what lets a student adapt it, not just repeat a memorized structure.

Application

Students apply logos and pathos directly: a demonstrative speech that has to be logically clear, and a persuasive speech that has to land emotionally. A dedicated data storytelling unit then teaches them to build a case around real numbers, not just claims.

Group Engagement

A full debate unit takes students through building a case, presenting it, and defending it against a rebuttal, alongside a multi part video presentation project that runs from the first hook to audience engagement.

Applied Thinking

A unit on sales runs directly into a unit on ethics. Students learn the persuasion techniques used in advertising, then discuss where influence turns into manipulation, a distinction that matters just as much when a friend is trying to talk them into something as when they are the one doing the persuading.

Curriculum Spotlight

The Three-Part Debate Unit

Debate runs across three separate weeks. In Part 1, students research a topic and build a case for one side. In Part 2, they present that case to the class. In Part 3, they respond to the opposing side and defend their own position.

Splitting debate into three weeks gives students real time to prepare instead of arguing on the spot. By Part 3, they have already heard the other side’s argument.

What Topics Do we Cover in this Level?

Evidence-Based Communication & Critical Thinking

Introduction to rhetoric and persuasive communication
Using logos, pathos, and figurative language to communicate effectively
Data storytelling, media literacy, and evaluating journalism
Researching and building a strong debate case
Responding effectively to opposing arguments and viewpoints
Analyzing speeches to identify strengths and areas for improvement
Distinguishing persuasion from manipulation and recognizing advertising techniques
Understanding what makes ideas memorable, compelling, and impactful

and more