Course Descriptions
Speech and Debate / Public Speaking: Fall 2021
Registration Is Open For Fall And Winter/Spring Semesters
Tuesdays YMCA

Speech and Debate - Fall Semester
6th+ Grade and 12+ years old
Tuesdays 11:15-12:45
12 Weeks: September 15, 22, 29 October 6, 13, 20, 27 November 3, 10, 17
December 1, 8 (No Class November 24)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $350 FULL- Email infoc3classes@gmail.com to be placed on a waitlist
This is the first half of a year-long course where students are taught the fundamentals of effective oral communication skills. While collaborating with other students, your student can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the power and responsibility of a well trained voice, increase their confidence, and consistently use critical thinking skills. Through games and meaningful application, students learn proper speech techniques and polish delivery.
Students engage in structured argumentation, learn how to research and support their developing perspectives, and apply their learning through debates. Using our unique teaching approach, we incorporate several team and partner assignments, along with key concepts from the renowned National Speech and Debate Association.
Note: If your child has taken speech and debate with us before, each year follows a new curriculum, so the class may be taken multiple times.
Outside Classwork: Students are expected to research topics, write speeches, and rehearse presentations outside of class.
Instructors: Adrienne Collins and Laurie Weir
6th+ Grade and 12+ years old
Tuesdays 11:15-12:45
12 Weeks: September 15, 22, 29 October 6, 13, 20, 27 November 3, 10, 17
December 1, 8 (No Class November 24)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $350 FULL- Email infoc3classes@gmail.com to be placed on a waitlist
This is the first half of a year-long course where students are taught the fundamentals of effective oral communication skills. While collaborating with other students, your student can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the power and responsibility of a well trained voice, increase their confidence, and consistently use critical thinking skills. Through games and meaningful application, students learn proper speech techniques and polish delivery.
Students engage in structured argumentation, learn how to research and support their developing perspectives, and apply their learning through debates. Using our unique teaching approach, we incorporate several team and partner assignments, along with key concepts from the renowned National Speech and Debate Association.
Note: If your child has taken speech and debate with us before, each year follows a new curriculum, so the class may be taken multiple times.
Outside Classwork: Students are expected to research topics, write speeches, and rehearse presentations outside of class.
Instructors: Adrienne Collins and Laurie Weir

FUNdamentals of Public Speaking
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 11:15-12:30
8 Weeks: October 15, 22, 29 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10
(No class November 26)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition $225
Public speaking is routinely listed as the thing Americans are most uncomfortable doing—we’re here to change that! In this fast-paced, fun, and interactive class, students learn to communicate with confidence and clarity in front of a group. While practicing key delivery skills, students learn the art of capturing an audience’s attention from the start and staying connected with their listeners. The focus of this class is developing each student's personal presentation style. Participants receive individual attention and personal direction and advice regarding their presentations.
Outside Classwork: Students are expected to research topics, write speeches, and rehearse presentations outside of class.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 11:15-12:30
8 Weeks: October 15, 22, 29 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10
(No class November 26)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition $225
Public speaking is routinely listed as the thing Americans are most uncomfortable doing—we’re here to change that! In this fast-paced, fun, and interactive class, students learn to communicate with confidence and clarity in front of a group. While practicing key delivery skills, students learn the art of capturing an audience’s attention from the start and staying connected with their listeners. The focus of this class is developing each student's personal presentation style. Participants receive individual attention and personal direction and advice regarding their presentations.
Outside Classwork: Students are expected to research topics, write speeches, and rehearse presentations outside of class.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
Course Descriptions
Speech and Debate: Winter And Spring 2021
Tuesdays YMCA

Speech and Debate Semester 2
6th+ Grade and 12+ years old
Tuesdays 11:15-12:45
14 Weeks: January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23 March 2, 23, 30 April 6, 13, 20, 27
(No Class March 9, 16)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $350 FULL- Email infoc3classes@gmail.com to be placed on a waitlist
This class is the continuation of the first semester speech and debate class; however, new students are welcome to join. Students continue to learn and practice the art of speech and debate, develop research, reasoning, organizational, and essay writing skills. Students refine leadership skills while becoming more confident speakers and debaters.
While collaborating with other students, your student can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the power and responsibility of a well trained voice, increase their confidence, and consistently use critical thinking skills. Through games and meaningful application, students learn proper speech techniques and polished delivery. Students engage in structured argumentation, learn how to research and support their developing perspectives and apply their learning through debates. Using our unique teaching approach, we incorporate several team and partner assignments, along with key concepts from the renowned National Forensic League.
Please note: If your child has taken speech and debate with us before, each year follows a new curriculum, so the class may be taken multiple times.
Outside Classwork: Students are expected to research topics, write speeches, and rehearse presentations outside of class.
Instructors: Adrienne Collins and Laurie Weir
6th+ Grade and 12+ years old
Tuesdays 11:15-12:45
14 Weeks: January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23 March 2, 23, 30 April 6, 13, 20, 27
(No Class March 9, 16)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $350 FULL- Email infoc3classes@gmail.com to be placed on a waitlist
This class is the continuation of the first semester speech and debate class; however, new students are welcome to join. Students continue to learn and practice the art of speech and debate, develop research, reasoning, organizational, and essay writing skills. Students refine leadership skills while becoming more confident speakers and debaters.
While collaborating with other students, your student can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the power and responsibility of a well trained voice, increase their confidence, and consistently use critical thinking skills. Through games and meaningful application, students learn proper speech techniques and polished delivery. Students engage in structured argumentation, learn how to research and support their developing perspectives and apply their learning through debates. Using our unique teaching approach, we incorporate several team and partner assignments, along with key concepts from the renowned National Forensic League.
Please note: If your child has taken speech and debate with us before, each year follows a new curriculum, so the class may be taken multiple times.
Outside Classwork: Students are expected to research topics, write speeches, and rehearse presentations outside of class.
Instructors: Adrienne Collins and Laurie Weir