Platform Curriculum

(Scroll below for more information about each division)

What Makes Platform Speech Competitive (Not Just Persuasive):
Understanding how judges evaluate platform events and how winning speeches differ from strong classroom presentations.
Topic Selection & Thesis Precision:
Refining ideas into clear, arguable theses that are appropriate for competition and sustainable across a season.
Organizing a Winning Speech:
Structural models for OO, Advocacy, and Expository; building logical progression, narrative flow, and strategic emphasis.
Evidence, Storytelling & Support:
How to balance data, examples, and narrative so speeches feel authentic, credible, and judge-friendly.
Writing Powerful Introductions & Conclusions:
Crafting openings that establish authority and focus, and endings that reinforce ballot-level impact.
Delivery as Strategy:
Using pacing, emphasis, vocal variation, and physical presence intentionally rather than performatively.

Revision as a Competitive Skill:
Learning how to revise speeches based on feedback, ballots, and judge paradigms.
Judge Adaptation:
Adjusting tone, depth, and emphasis based on different judge expectations without losing core message.
Professionalism & Tournament Etiquette:
Understanding dress, demeanor, round presence, and how to read and use ballots effectively.
Performance Polishing:
Refining gestures, transitions, timing, and emphasis for consistency across rounds.
End-of-Camp Platform Tournament:
Students compete in a camp-wide platform tournament judged by experienced coaches and speech champions, receiving detailed feedback.

What Is Competitive Platform Speaking?:
Introduction to Original Oratory, Advocacy, and Expository events and how they differ.
Finding a Topic That Works:
Identifying ideas that are meaningful, appropriate, and competition-ready.
Basic Speech Structure:
Learning how to organize introductions, bodies, and conclusions clearly.
Research & Support:
Using evidence responsibly and effectively to support claims.
Delivery Fundamentals:
Building confidence through posture, eye contact, vocal clarity, and pacing.

Strengthening Arguments:
Improving clarity, depth, and focus.
Introduction & Conclusion Practice:
Learning how to clearly frame and close speeches.
Practice Speeches & Feedback:
Multiple performance opportunities with coach guidance.
Mock Tournament Experience:
A structured final event to help students feel confident entering the season.