engage your Grade 2-12 gifted child online with debate
critical thinking creativity collaboration
U.S. COACHING FOR GIFTED CHILDREN:
Learn directly from our Founder – two time U.S. State Debate Champion and Stanford University alumnus, Rajiv Kacholia. Read about our Founder's background and why he has brought this exciting social impact initiative for high achieving students in India, by clicking here.
Join gifted students already participating in Speech and Debate India's high energy, live online classes, practices, and small group competitive team debates! We leverage technology to deliver an exciting, personal experience. We limit debates to small groups and every child has a speaking role within debates to express their evidenced-based views. We have limited seats and this is a competitive activity - please review the FAQs below and sign-up to engage your child socially and intellectually.
​
Select up to 5 intensive two week Summer Course program tracks. Each track is Rs. 14,900+GST and includes 20 hours of live sessions over two weeks. Sign-up per your child's convenience and interests.
-
Grades 4-12, Summer Course Program Tracks & Debate Topics:
-
Healthcare & Disease [SOLD OUT]
-
​April 6th - April 17th​
-
-
Global Leadership [SOLD OUT]
-
​April 20th - May 1st​
-
-
Reimagining Our World [NEW]
-
​May 11th - May 22nd​
-
-
Environment & Climate Change [LIMITED SEATS]
-
​June 15th - June 26th
-
-
Business & Entrepreneurship
-
​June 29th - July 10th
-
-
Technology & Artificial Intelligence
- ​July 13th - July 24th​
-
Custom - Select 10 Sessions
-
​​Example: Mondays or Tues/Wed or 1 week across multiple tracks. Inquire here.
-
-
-
Grades 4-12, Divisions and Times:​
-
Elementary School (ES) - grades 4-5, Monday - Friday, daily, 4-6pm
-
Middle School (MS) - grades 6-8, Monday - Friday, daily, 6-8pm
-
High School (HS) - grades 9-12, Monday - Friday, daily, 6-8pm
-
-
Grades 2-4, Young Explorers Course [LIMITED SEATS]
-
​Maggi versus Macaroni, Peanut Butter versus Jelly, and other debates in Food, Space Exploration, Sports, and Technology
-
​May 6th - June 2nd
-
Watch a 3 minute video clip further below on this page
-
Daily Monday - Friday, 20 sessions of 1 hour each, 2:45pm - 3:45pm
-
Limited seats, Signup to reserve space for this special program. Seats will be allocated on a first come basis upon payment receipt - priced at Rs. 14,900 + GST
-
-
-
Grades 2-4, Divisions and Times:​
-
Young Explorers (YE) - grades 2-4, Monday - Friday, daily 2:45-3:45pm (see details further below, under "Customized Courses")
-
-
Our Unique Approach - This is not an elocution class, and we don't write or memorize essays. Debate is fun, competitive, and we help advanced kids expand how they think critically about topics beyond their grade level. Students gradually gain confidence to speak out, starting with smaller groups where they collaborate with teammates. Students research evidence and data under time pressure, and we look for structured position outlines to be prepared faster, enhancing writing speed, information processing, and decision making. Review our Benefits section for academic research on why there is no academic activity that can train young minds in the four C's as well as long-term participation in Debate. See FAQs at the bottom of this page for more details.
-
Demo Courses - Apply Here to be waitlisted for 5, one hour demo sessions in May at Rs. 5,000 + GST.
Sample Video: Watch a video clip of some of our older students from a recent debate on postponing the Olympics due to Coronavirus:​
Sample Video: Watch a video clip of some of our Young Explorer students debating fun topics like Amusement Parks, Homework, and Superheroes! See how they react when Mr. Kacholia teases them about not picking a winner...
PARENT REFERENCES:
-
"We are really thankful to you and your team members for engaging children in this tough time. My child is really enjoying your session." - Parent, Ahemdabad.
-
"The session was quite interactive. My child liked it." - Parent, Gurgaon.
-
"Just pass on my message to Mr. Kacholia... It was really wonderful interaction. I was hearing the way he was analysing every aspect related to the child. Very impressive. It will also help the kids to analyse themselves." - Parent, Gurgaon.
-
"Thanks for organising this. Kudos to you and team." - Parent, Mumbai.
-
"Thank you so much! They're so excited about this class, and we couldn't have asked for a better teacher." - Parent, Mumbai.
-
"This is so interesting. What an awesome idea to make a solid contribution. Such a great thing for a child!" - Parent, Mumbai
​
​
CUSTOMIZED COURSES:
-
Young Explorers (Grades 2-4) Special Course - MAY 6th - JUNE 2nd​
-
Maggi versus Macaroni and more fun debates!
-
​May 6th - June 2nd, daily, Monday - Friday, 2:45pm to 3:45pm
-
20, one hour daily sessions course for Rs. 14,900 + GST
-
A special 4 week live Zoom online course for one hour per weekday starting Wednesday, May 6th to Tuesday June 2nd that introduces newly enrolling younger students to debate using our unique approach.
-
Debate topics are fun and relatable to help students become comfortable with our format. Students in this special introductory program will discuss and debate these topics: Food, Space Exploration, Sports, and Technology.
-
This course is designed to help younger kids comfortable and started through shorter one-hour sessions with instruction, time to collaborate with teams, and engage in debate games in a smaller group setting live online.
-
Select the "Young Explorers May 6 - June 2" option on the sign-up form - Register here.
-
-
​​​​
-
SAT Test Prep, 1 on 1 custom 10 session course to raise your SAT English and Math scores. This private course is taught by a perfect scorer in SAT Math and near-perfect scorer in SAT English. Includes evaluation of a full diagnostic test plus customized plan for 10 hours of private, 1 on 1 Zoom instruction and practice test homework assignments for Rs. 30,000 + GST. Score at your peak potential. Inquire here.
​
-
SAT Approach? We help students understand how the College Board structures and formulates problems. Every question on the SAT has one and only one correct answer. There are no "trick questions". We work personally with each student and customize learning to help shift how they approach the test and think like the SAT examination preparers. We also work to bridge gaps in areas that we identify after students take a diagnostic full SAT test. Before the first one hour of sessions begin, we build a custom plan for your success! We will never use your session time to administer SAT Tests. Instead, our approach is to use each hour of personal session time productively reviewing questions, answers, skill gaps and strategies and assigning homework to target growth in each subsequent class. Classes may be scheduled once or twice a week.
​
-
Speech and Debate Personal Consultations - 1 on 1 customized sessions over Zoom. Inquire on WhatsApp.
​
SPEECH DRAMA & DEBATE EVENTS in india
debate events
NSDA Debate is an elegant, modern form of debate which involves a team of students working to effectively convince a judge that their side of a resolution is, as a general principle, more valid. Students in debate develop balanced leadership skills by researching multiple perspectives extensively to understand both sides of the resolution, and learn to think critically about every argument that could be made on each side. Below are two exciting forms of debate for our Indian students. These events facilitate student collaboration.
1
​
PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE
Public Forum Debate involves opposing teams of two, debating a topic concerning a current event. Proceeding a coin toss, the winners choose which side to debate (PRO or CON) or which speaker position they prefer (1st or 2nd), and the other team receives the remaining option. Students present cases, engage in rebuttal and refutation, and also participate in a “crossfire” (similar to a cross examination) with the opportunity to question the opposing team.
IN THEIR WORDS | Learn what to expect competing in Public Forum Debate from NSDA South Dakota alumnus Brett Ries.
More About Public Forum Debate:
As a team event, students who compete in Public Forum need to be able to work well with a partner. Balanced teams, both in terms of preparation before debates and contributions within a debate, help provide a competitive advantage during tournaments. PF is a newer form of debate and has become highly popular in the United States. PF is focused upon debating varying resolutions that change frequently, which exposes students to a variety of topics during a single competitive season. Topics in PF look at current events, with students examining issues in depth and learning about key global concerns and debates. Students learn to carefully understand multiple perspectives around the topic and arguments, and deepening the development of their persuasive skills. Students who do Public Forum must be prepared to debate in front of judges who do not have any formal debate training. Being able to persuade a range of judges is a central component to this event.
WATCH A SAMPLE | Public Forum video clip.
2
​
WORLD SCHOOLS DEBATE
World Schools Debate features a dynamic format combining the concepts of “prepared” topics with “impromptu” topics, encouraging debaters to focus on specified issues rather than debate theory or procedural arguments. This highly interactive style of debate allows debaters to engage each other, even during speeches. This challenging format requires good teamwork and in-depth quality argumentation.
More About World Schools Debate:
World Schools Debate is a three-on-three format. Three members of each team participate as speakers advocating their team's position, and are supported by two additional members who lead research and idea generation, working collectively as a five member team. Teams rotate roles and positions so that all five team members learn to effectively collaborate and are exposed to different skills and challenges. Resolutions come in two types: prepared motions and impromptu motions. Teams will be assigned one of two sides in each round- either the government team proposing the motion, or the opposition team advocating the rejection of the motion. Debaters present their position on a topic, refute their opponents, and respond to questions throughout the course of the debate. This is an exciting debate format and rapidly growing globally.
WATCH A SAMPLE | World Schools Debate video clip.
SPEECH events
Speech involves a presentation by one, two, or sometimes a group of students, judged against a similar type of presentation by others in a round of competition. Speech events range from limited preparation events that require extensive knowledge of current events, to prepared presentations which inform an audience about topics like science, innovations, news and other topics. Below are three exciting forms of speech for our students in India.
3​
​
INFORMATIVE SPEECH
Students author and deliver a ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Competitors create the speech to educate the audience on a particular topic. All topics must be informative in nature; the goal is to educate, not to advocate. Visual aids are permitted, but not required. The speech is delivered from memory.
IN THEIR WORDS | Learn what to expect competing in Informative Speaking from California student Cynthia Yang.
More About Informative Speech:
Informative is a speech written by the student with the intent to inform the audience on a topic of significance. Informative gives students the unique opportunity to showcase their personality while educating the audience. An Informative is not simply an essay about the topic—it is a well researched and organized presentation with evidence, logic, and sometimes humor to convey a message. Topics are varied and interesting. Whether it be a new technological advance the audience is unaware of or a new take on a concept that everyone is familiar with, Informative is the students opportunity to teach the audience. Types of topics and structure vary greatly.
WATCH A SAMPLE | Informative Speech video clip.
4​
​
EXPOSITORY
Crafting an original speech, Expository students should describe, clarify, illustrate, or define an object, idea, concept, or process. The speech includes research and is aimed at informing the audience; the goal is to educate, not to advocate. No visual aids are permitted. The time limit is five minutes. The speech is delivered from memory.
More About Expository:
Expository speaking is an informative speech that is five minutes long without the use of a visual aid (note: some tournaments permit the use of visual aids but at Nationals none are used). Students who participate in Expository provide unique and interesting information to the audience. An effective Expository introduces them to either a completely new topic or something new about a topic people may know a lot about. The speaker should provide unique insights and explore interesting implications. At its core, Expository Speaking is an informative speech. Students doing Expository may cover topics ranging from an organization to a product , a process or concept.
WATCH A SAMPLE | Expository video clip.
5​
​
IMpromptu speech
Impromptu is a public speaking event where students have seven minutes to select a topic, brainstorm their ideas, outline and deliver a speech. The speech is given without notes and uses an introduction, body, and conclusion. The speech can be light-hearted or serious. It can be based upon prompts that range from nursery rhymes, current events, celebrities, organizations, and more.
​
WATCH A SAMPLE | Impromptu video clip.
6​
​
INTERNATIONAL EXTEMP
Students are presented with a choice of three questions related to international current events and, in 30 minutes, prepare a seven-minute speech answering the selected question. Students may consult articles and evidence they gather prior to the contest, but may not use the internet during preparation. Topics range from country-specific issues to regional concerns to foreign policy. The speech is delivered from memory.
IN THEIR WORDS | Learn what to expect competing in International Extemporaneous Speaking from Arizona student Vincent Jasso.
More About International Extemp:
Extemporaneous Speaking, typically called extemp, is a speech on current events with limited preparation time. A student’s understanding of important political, economic, and cultural issues is assessed along with critical thinking and analytical skills. Students report to a draw room (often referred to as extemp prep) where all of the extempers gather at tables, set out their files, and await their turn to draw topics. Students may access research brought with them to the tournament during the 30-minute preparation period. When prep time is up, the student reports to the competition room to deliver a 7 minute speech.
Students have a lot to do in 30 minutes—they must select a question, review research, outline arguments with supporting materials, and practice at least part of the speech before time expires. Many tournaments prohibit the consultation of notes during the speech in which case speech structure and evidence need to be memorized during prep time as well.
WATCH A SAMPLE | International Extemp video clip.
7​
​
US EXTEMP
Students are presented with a choice of three questions related to current events in the United States and, in 30 minutes, prepare a seven-minute speech answering the selected question. Students may consult articles and evidence they gather prior to the contest, but may not use the internet during preparation. Topics range from political matters to economic concerns to U.S. foreign policy. The speech is delivered from memory.
IN THEIR WORDS | Learn what to expect competing in United States Extemporaneous Speaking from California student Joshua Tran.
About United States Extemp:
Extemporaneous Speaking, typically called extemp, is a speech on current events with limited preparation time. A student’s understanding of important political, economic, and cultural issues is assessed along with critical thinking and analytical skills. Students report to a draw room (often referred to as extemp prep) where all of the extempers gather at tables, set out their files, and await their turn to draw topics. Students may access research brought with them to the tournament during the 30-minute preparation period. When prep time is up, the student reports to the competition room to deliver a 7 minute speech. Students have a lot to do in 30 minutes—they must select a question, review research, outline arguments with supporting materials, and practice at least part of the speech before time expires. Many tournaments prohibit the consultation of notes during the speech in which case speech structure and evidence need to be memorized during prep time as well.
WATCH A SAMPLE | US Extemp video clip.
DRAMA events
Drama involves a presentation by one, two, or sometimes a group of students that is judged against a similar type of presentation by others in a round of competition. Drama events range from dramatic to humorous interpretation, which challenge students to find powerful moments in literature and recreate them for an audience. Pieces can be drawn from existing works of literature or can be original creations.
8​
​
DRAMATIC INTERPRETATION
Using a play, short story, or other published work, students perform a selection of one or more portions of a piece up to ten minutes in length. With a spotlight on character development and depth, this event focuses on the student’s ability to convey emotion through the use of a dramatic text. Competitors may portray one or multiple characters. No props or costumes may be used. Performances can also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance, and state the title and the author.
IN THEIR WORDS | Learn what to expect competing in Dramatic Interpretation from Ohio student Rachel Rothschild.
More About Dramatic Interpretation:
Dramatic Interpretation, contrary to its name, is not all about drama. While dramatic elements are key aspects of the event, melodramatic, or overly-sad selections are not ideal choices for performance. DI lacks props, costuming, sets, and other luxuries seen in various forms of performance art. There is a set time limit of ten minutes, with a thirty second grace period. Students who choose to compete in Dramatic Interpretation should focus on suspending the disbelief of the audience by portraying a realistic, emotional journey of a character(s). The performance should connect to the audience. Students who do Dramatic Interpretation may perform selections on topics of serious social subject matter such as coping with terminal illness; significant historical situations, events, and figures; as well as racial and gender discrimination, suppression, and oppression. Students should select pieces that are appropriate for them. Considerations for selecting a DI topic should include the student’s age, maturity, and school standards.
WATCH A SAMPLE | Dramatic Interpretation video clip.
9​
​
HUMOROUS INTERPRETATION
Using a play, short story, or other published work, students perform a selection of one or more portions of a piece up to ten minutes in length. Humorous Interpretation is designed to test a student’s comedic skills through script analysis, delivery, timing, and character development. Competitors may portray one or multiple characters. No props or costumes may be used. Performances can also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the title and the author.
IN THEIR WORDS | Learn what to expect competing in Humorous Interpretation from Florida student Jordan Singer.
More About Humorous Interpretation:
Humorous Interpretation, as its name indicates, is humorous. Competitors often use multi-character selections to tell relatable stories using humor as a device to connect with the audience. Think about your favorite comedian’s latest stand up routine, or something funny that recently happened. Ask yourself why it’s funny. Then ask yourself if that joke would be funny to, say, your mom, or Uncle. Humor is a complex human quirk. Each individual’s sense of humor is unique. However, other aspects of humor are more universal in nature. So, when choosing an HI, it is imperative to consider not only the humorous elements of the selection, but also to keep in mind how the story itself will appeal to the audience. Not everyone will laugh at the same joke, but if a character’s plight is relatable, the audience will identify with him or her. Humor in a Humorous Interpretation should be tasteful and motivated.
WATCH A SAMPLE | Humorous Interpretation video clip.
10​
​
ORIGINAL ORATORY
Students deliver a self-written, ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Limited in their ability to quote words directly, competitors craft an argument using evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. Topics range widely, and can be informative or persuasive in nature. The speech is delivered from memory.
IN THEIR WORDS | Learn what to expect competing in Original Oratory from Indiana student Lia Thayer.
More About Original Oratory:
Original Oratory is a speech written by the student with the intent to inform or persuade the audience on a topic of significance. Oratory gives students the unique opportunity to showcase their voice and passion for their topic. An Oratory is not simply an essay about the topic—it is a well researched and organized presentation with evidence, logic, emotional appeals, and sometimes humor to convey a message. Topics may be of a value orientation and affect people at a personal level, such as avoiding peer pressure, or they can be more of a policy orientation and ask an audience to enact particular policies or solve societal problems.
WATCH A SAMPLE | Original Oratory video clip.