Public Speaking
Rediscover Rhetoric.
Inspire Confidence.
Effective communication is a vital tool in almost every area of life, from learning in school, to creating friendships, to building a career. Public speaking remains the number one fear among young people and professionals alike. At Mr A, we believe that practicing effective communication deserves investment.
In our public speaking program, students will have fun while:
- Growing in confidence.
- Practicing peer-to-peer communication.
- Thinking critically and learning to speak persuasively.
- Studying speech writing and the practice of rhetoric.
Our public speaking programs are offered for grades 4-12, with each group arranged by age and experience level.
We emphasize frequent practice and personalized constructive feedback.
Debate
Think. Speak. Win.
Today, critical thinking and effective debating skills are more essential than ever before. At Mr A, we have developed techniques and content to foster these skills in our students, sharpening their minds and bolstering their confidence in communication.
In a debate program, students will enjoy:
- Learning principles of debate theory, research, and effective argumentation.
- Practicing persuasive rhetoric with organization and signposting.
- Competing in practice debate rounds with live feedback.
- Achieving mastery over one or more of the following debate formats: World School Debate, Public Forum, Parliamentary
Our debate programs are offered for grades 4-12, with each group arranged by age and experience level. For more experienced debaters, we delve into topics concerning current events, helping our students apply principles of debate to their lives. We hold frequent practice debates and give personalized feedback.
Competitive Speech
For students who are interested in competing in speech and debate, we host our competitive speech clubs. We train our students in a variety of competitive speech events and provide a platform and constructive feedback to hone their skills in unique ways and receive recognition for their accomplishments.
In our competitive speech program, students will have fun:
- Learn the ins and outs of effective interpretive speaking, including Humorous, Dramatic, and Duo Interp
- Research effectively and think critically for limited prep events such as Extemporaneous Speaking and Impromptu
- Compete in a tournament at the end of the program.
Competitive Speech is available for grades 7 and up. We emphasize live feedback and personal mentorship.
Competitive Writing
Our Competitive Writing Program is crafted to elevate middle and high school students’ abilities as writers and critical thinkers, preparing them for prestigious competitions like the John Locke Global Essay Prize, Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards... In a supportive, collaborative environment, students work with experienced instructors, including award-winning writers, to:
- Master essential writing techniques, including thesis development, narrative structure, and persuasive argumentation.
- Experiment with diverse genres and styles to enhance versatility and creative confidence.
- Strengthen research and analytical skills to craft compelling, evidence-based essays.
Receive tailored feedback in intimate, workshop-style sessions to refine their unique voice.
Designed for grades 6-12, this program adapts to each student’s skill level, fostering growth through personalized coaching and practice submissions. Students will build the skills and confidence needed to excel in competitive writing arenas and beyond.
Creative Writing and Literature
Our Creative Writing and Literature Program is designed for middle and high school students eager to grow as writers and thinkers. Tailored to foster creativity and intellectual development, this program allows students to balance their academic and extracurricular commitments while honing their craft under the guidance of accomplished instructors.
Through the program, you will:
- Build a strong foundation in creative writing and literary analysis, exploring genres like narrative essays, poetry, and short stories.
- Develop advanced communication skills to craft compelling stories and essays for academic and personal expression.
- Cultivate critical thinking through in-depth study of literary traditions, enhancing your ability to analyze and interpret texts.
- Engage in workshop-style sessions, receiving personalized feedback to refine your unique voice and elevate your writing.
Crafted for grades 4-12, this program offers flexible, age-appropriate curricula to support students at all skill levels. Whether seeking to deepen their literary passion or explore new creative avenues, students will gain the tools and confidence to succeed.
Academic Writing
Our Academic Writing Program is designed for middle and high school students seeking to excel in scholarly writing and critical analysis. Perfect for those aiming to strengthen their skills for school assignments, standardized tests, or personal growth, this program offers a supportive environment to refine writing abilities under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Through the program, students will:
- Master the fundamentals of academic writing, including thesis development, essay structure, and evidence-based argumentation.
- Enhance research skills to locate, evaluate, and integrate credible sources effectively.
- Develop clarity and precision in written communication for various academic contexts.
- Receive individualized feedback in small, workshop-style sessions to polish their unique voice and style.
Tailored for grades 6-12, the program provides flexible, age-appropriate curricula to meet students at their current skill level. Whether preparing for advanced coursework or exploring intellectual passions, students will build the confidence and expertise to produce impactful academic writing.