Public Speaking, Persuasion & Debate
Part 1: Course Identity & Standing
Course Identity & Global Standing
This intensive six-week summer program ranks among the world’s most advanced communication courses, combining the finest traditions of public speaking, storytelling, rhetorical mastery, and competitive debate.
Students train across five global gold-standard systems:
- Harvard Rhetoric: Classical + modern persuasion science
- TED Masterclass: Narrative power, idea communication, emotional design
- Toastmasters International: Practical delivery, confidence, leadership
- Oxford Union Debate: Philosophical reasoning, intellectual punchlines
- Intelligence Squared (IQ²): Evidence-based persuasion with vote metrics
Why this is unique:
This global synthesis transforms competent communicators into world-class speakers, debaters, and persuasive thinkers ready for academia, leadership, diplomacy, and international competition.
Part 2: Core Value Proposition
This course ensures deep mastery across three essential domains of elite communication, equipping students to command attention, persuade effectively, and perform with confidence on any stage, physical or digital.
Classical Rhetoric & Modern Persuasion
Students develop the intellectual and emotional tools to craft arguments that resonate universally:
Aristotle’s Ethos, Pathos, Logos: Build credibility, appeal to emotions, and reason with logic
Harvard-style argument architecture: Structure arguments for maximum clarity and impact
Audience framing & narrative positioning: Tailor content to listener psychology
Cognitive bias navigation: Identify and leverage mental shortcuts in decision-making
Evidence layering: Combine stories, data, and authority to strengthen persuasion
Outcome: Students can craft arguments that are not only compelling but strategically designed to influence diverse audiences.
Global Debate Competence
Training emphasizes the world’s most prestigious debate systems, preparing students to think quickly, reason sharply, and sway any audience:
Oxford Union Debate Style
Philosophical, witty, high-IQ reasoning
Floor speeches with memorable rhetorical punchlines
Motion analysis (e.g., “This House Believes…”)
Impactful openings and closings that leave lasting impressions
Intelligence Squared (IQ²)
Persuasion measurement pre-vote and post-vote
Evidence-driven triangular structure: Construct → Counter → Resolve
Clash mapping and audience persuasion strategy for maximum effect
Outcome: Graduates leave able to analyze motions, construct robust arguments, and sway audiences with precision.
Performance & Delivery Excellence
Mastery of content is only half the battle. This course ensures students deliver with authority and poise:
Voice mastery: Authority, modulation, projection
Breathing & performance control: Techniques to stay calm and centered
Stage presence science: Gesture, posture, anchor points for maximum impact
Digital presence: Camera communication, Zoom and virtual stage mastery
Visual persuasion: Minimalist slides, cognitive-load reduction, and impactful visual storytelling
Outcome: Students command attention, whether on a physical stage, a virtual platform, or in high-stakes debates.
This triple-domain mastery, Rhetoric, Debate, and Performance, ensures participants are fully equipped to persuade, lead, and inspire across global platforms.
Part 3: Course Structure & Key Deliverables
The curriculum is thoughtfully divided into two major phases, ensuring students progress from foundational mastery to elite-level application.
Phase I: Foundations of Mastery (Weeks 1–4)
Focus: Build rhetorical intelligence, persuasive foundations, and delivery power.
Week 1: Foundations of Rhetoric & Speech
Learn Aristotle’s rhetorical theory and Harvard persuasion frameworks
Understand thesis-driven communication architecture
Key Output: 2-minute baseline diagnostic speech
Week 2: Persuasion, Storytelling & Narrative Power
Master TED-style storytelling using the Hero’s Journey
Engineer emotional arcs and idea-centric communication
Key Output: Fully-structured 4-minute TED-style talk
Week 3: Delivery & Performance
Focus on voice projection, authoritative tone, and pacing
Learn body language, gesture, and stage presence techniques
Week 4: Digital Communication & Visual Speech
Minimalist slide design for maximum clarity
Visual storytelling and professional-level online presentation skills
Training for virtual conferences and international online stages
Phase II: Elite Application (Weeks 5–6)
Focus: Apply advanced debate techniques, global persuasion systems, and performance psychology.
Week 5: Global Debate Systems (Oxford Union + IQ²)
Deliver Oxford Union-style floor speeches with philosophical framing
Participate in Intelligence Squared–style debates using persuasion metrics
Learn clash mapping and strategies to influence pre-vote and post-vote audience positions
Week 6: Performance Psychology & Final Showcase
Build mental toughness and stage resilience
Master cognitive reframing and anxiety-management routines
Key Output: Polished 10-minute Capstone Persuasive Speech (60% of final grade)
Part 4: Professional Outcomes & Global Portfolio
Upon completing this course, each participant graduates with a 7-Speech Global Portfolio, a tangible testament to elite communication mastery and internationally recognized skill:
Your 7-Speech Portfolio Includes:
TED-Style Story Talk: Masterful narrative storytelling with emotional and intellectual impact
Oxford Union Floor Speech: Philosophical reasoning and rhetorical punchlines
Intelligence Squared (IQ²) Mini Debate: Evidence-driven persuasion with measurable impact
Persuasive Academic Speech: Argumentation tailored for scholarly and professional settings
Online Zoom / Virtual Presentation: Digital communication skills for global platforms
Refutation / Rebuttal Clip: Strategic counter-argumentation for debates and discussions
10-Minute Capstone Speech: Flagship performance integrating all course mastery
Why this matters:
Global Recognition: Showcase your portfolio for scholarships, graduate programs, and international competitions
Leadership Ready: Prepare for roles requiring persuasive communication, debate, and public speaking
Career Edge: Stand out in professional, academic, and diplomatic arenas
Graduates leave not just as speakers, but as influential thinkers and leaders, armed with proof of their elite-level communication skills.
Part 5: Assessment Framework
The course employs a global-standard evaluation system, combining continuous learning feedback with a high-stakes final assessment to ensure measurable growth.
Formative Assessment: 40%
Focus: Continuous skill development and feedback
Weekly Speeches: Practice and refine delivery regularly
Peer Reviews & Collaborative Critique: Gain diverse perspectives and sharpen argumentation
Reflection Journals: Track personal growth, insights, and challenges
Debate Rehearsal Clips: Record and analyze performance for self-improvement
Summative Assessment: 60%
Focus: Culmination of mastery in a high-impact performance
10-Minute Capstone Persuasive Speech: Integrates content, delivery, and persuasion strategy
Evaluation Metrics:
Content quality and logical structure
Delivery effectiveness (voice, presence, gestures)
Persuasion strategy and audience engagement
Visual design and slide impact
Assessment by Instructor & Peer Panel: Ensures holistic evaluation
IQ²-Inspired Persuasion Score: Measures real-world audience impact
Outcome: Students are not only graded but gain actionable insights and proof of elite-level communication effectiveness.
Part 6: Pedagogical Excellence & Teaching Methodology
This course leverages a multi-method, globally-informed instructional ecosystem, ensuring students achieve deep learning, practical confidence, and elite-level command of communication.
Core Teaching Methods
Interactive Lectures (Harvard-inspired): Rhetorical scaffolding and argument architecture
Speech Labs (Toastmasters-inspired): Real-time critique for delivery refinement
TED-Style Storytelling Workshops: Crafting narratives with emotional and intellectual impact
Oxford Union Floor Interventions: Hands-on practice in high-level debate scenarios
IQ²-Style Persuasion Analytics: Measure and refine audience impact using data-driven techniques
Performance Psychology Routines: Build confidence, resilience, and stage control
Peer-Feedback Cycles: Collaborative refinement and mutual learning
High-Level Practice Drills: Cultivate voice, presence, and persuasive impact consistently
Outcome: By combining theory, practice, analytics, and psychological mastery, students emerge as confident, persuasive, and globally competitive communicators.
Part 7: Final Note & Takeaways
Lead with Persuasion: Influence, inspire, and mobilize audiences with clarity and authority
Think Critically & Strategically: Apply debate logic and rhetorical insight to real-world challenges
Perform with Confidence: Command any stage—physical or digital, under pressure
Navigate Global Platforms: Excel in international scholarships, MUNs, graduate programs, and professional leadership roles
Key Takeaways for Readers & Aspiring Communicators:
Elite communication is a skill set built systematically, not a talent born overnight
Mastery requires integration of theory, practice, analytics, and psychology
Graduates walk away with a 7-Speech Global Portfolio, tangible proof of their global-level competence
The journey transforms individuals into leaders, thinkers, and persuasive agents of change
By the end of this program, students are not just speakers—they are globally ready communicators, equipped to influence, debate, and inspire on any stage worldwide.
Part 8: Instructor-Led Lectures & Expert Guidance
At the heart of this course is expert instruction by Riaz Laghari, Lecturer in English (NUML, Islamabad), whose teaching blends academic rigor with practical mastery. Every lecture is designed to transform theoretical concepts into real-world communication excellence.
What Makes the Lectures Unique
Interactive & Engaging: Harvard-inspired rhetorical scaffolding ensures students actively apply concepts.
Evidence-Based & Globally Informed: Combines insights from TED Masterclasses, Oxford Union debates, IQ² analytics, and Toastmasters practices.
Hands-On Practice: Every lecture is paired with exercises, live critiques, and peer interaction to reinforce learning.
Performance-Oriented: Students not only learn “what” to say but also “how” to deliver with voice, presence, and authority.
Mentorship & Feedback: Personalized guidance ensures continuous improvement and mastery at every step.
Outcome: With these instructor-led lectures, students gain access to elite-level expertise, transforming from learners into persuasive thinkers, confident speakers, and globally competitive communicators.
Lecture 1: Introduction to Global Communication Mastery
Overview:
This lecture sets the foundation for the entire course, introducing students to the global standards of elite communication and the journey from competent speaking to persuasive mastery.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:
Understand the scope and objectives of the course.
Recognize the importance of rhetoric, debate, and performance in personal and professional contexts.
Identify their baseline communication strengths and areas for growth.
Key Topics:
Course overview: 6-week roadmap and expectations
Global communication standards: Harvard Rhetoric, TED Masterclass, Toastmasters, Oxford Union, IQ²
Defining elite communication: Skills, mindset, and global relevance
Self-assessment: Current speaking and persuasion capabilities
Activities & Practice:
Icebreaker Speech (1–2 min): Introduce yourself and share a persuasive idea.
Baseline Self-Assessment: Identify personal strengths and weaknesses in speaking, persuasion, and debate.
Group Discussion: Importance of rhetoric and debate in modern leadership, diplomacy, and professional life.
Key Takeaways:
This lecture establishes expectations, mindset, and orientation.
Students leave with a clear understanding of the course trajectory and their starting point.
Lecture 2: Classical Rhetoric & Persuasion Science
Overview:
This lecture delves into the intellectual foundations of persuasion, combining classical rhetoric with modern frameworks. Students learn how to structure arguments, appeal to diverse audiences, and strategically influence decisions.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:
Apply Aristotle’s Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in crafting persuasive messages.
Design structured arguments using Harvard-style architecture.
Tailor messages through audience framing and cognitive bias navigation.
Integrate evidence layers (stories, data, authority) to maximize impact.
Key Topics:
Aristotle’s Persuasion Triad:
Ethos: Establishing credibility
Pathos: Connecting emotionally
Logos: Logical reasoning and evidence
Harvard-Style Argument Architecture: Thesis, claim, evidence, and conclusion
Audience Framing & Narrative Positioning: Adapting messaging to listener mindset
Cognitive Biases: How mental shortcuts affect decision-making and persuasion
Evidence Layering: Combining storytelling, data, and authority for robust persuasion
Activities & Practice:
Argument Mapping Exercise: Break down a sample argument into Ethos, Pathos, Logos components.
Mini Persuasion Challenge: Craft a 1–2 minute speech applying all three appeals.
Peer Review: Evaluate each other’s speeches for credibility, emotion, and logic.
Bias Spotting Drill: Identify cognitive biases in sample messages and discuss strategies to navigate them.
Key Takeaways:
Effective persuasion combines credibility, emotional connection, and logic.
Structured arguments tailored to the audience are more influential and memorable.
Mastery of classical rhetoric is the foundation for advanced debate and global communication.
Lecture 3: Narrative Power & Storytelling
Overview:
This lecture focuses on the art and science of storytelling, teaching students how to craft narratives that engage, inspire, and persuade. Using TED-style techniques and the Hero’s Journey framework, students learn to combine emotion, logic, and authenticity to communicate ideas effectively.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:
Apply TED-style storytelling principles to speeches and presentations.
Design an emotional arc that captures audience attention and maintains engagement.
Integrate data, examples, and personal stories to strengthen persuasive impact.
Craft speeches that are idea-centric and memorable.
Key Topics:
Principles of Narrative Power: Structure, clarity, and audience focus
The Hero’s Journey Framework: Stages of storytelling for persuasive impact
Emotional Arc Engineering: Building tension, climax, and resolution
Idea-Centric Communication: Ensuring the core message resonates
Integrating Evidence: Combining stories, statistics, and credible references
Activities & Practice:
Story Mapping Exercise: Identify the protagonist, challenge, journey, and resolution in a given example.
4-Minute TED-Style Talk: Each student delivers a short story applying narrative principles and emotional arc.
Peer Feedback: Evaluate clarity, engagement, and emotional resonance.
Data Integration Drill: Practice weaving in statistics and examples without breaking narrative flow.
Key Takeaways:
Stories influence minds and hearts; they are more memorable than facts alone.
A well-structured narrative creates emotional and intellectual engagement.
Mastery of storytelling is critical for persuasive speeches, debates, and professional communication.
Lecture 4: Voice, Presence & Delivery Mechanics
Overview:
This lecture focuses on how to deliver messages with authority, clarity, and confidence. Students learn the physical and vocal skills that transform content into a powerful, persuasive performance, ensuring their speeches make a lasting impact.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:
Master voice modulation, projection, and pacing for maximum clarity and engagement.
Utilize body language, gestures, and posture to reinforce messages.
Develop stage presence techniques that command attention.
Manage performance anxiety and maintain composure under pressure.
Key Topics:
Voice Mastery: Pitch, tone, volume, emphasis, and rhythm
Stage Presence Science: Gesture, posture, facial expression, and movement
Anchor Points & Spatial Awareness: How to command the stage physically
Performance Psychology: Overcoming anxiety and building confidence
Integration with Content: Aligning delivery style with the speech’s tone and message
Activities & Practice:
Vocal Warm-Up Exercises: Breath control, articulation drills, and projection practice
Mirror & Camera Practice: Record short speeches to analyze gestures, posture, and facial expression
Stage Simulation Drill: Deliver a 2–3 minute speech focusing on presence, movement, and engagement
Peer Review: Feedback on delivery, energy, and stage command
Anxiety Management Exercise: Breathing and mental framing techniques to control nerves
Key Takeaways:
Content alone is not enough; delivery determines impact.
Voice, gestures, posture, and presence combine to create persuasive authority.
Practicing performance mechanics consistently builds confidence and stage mastery.
Lecture 5: Digital Communication & Visual Persuasion
Overview:
In a world where virtual platforms dominate professional and academic communication, this lecture equips students to deliver compelling online presentations. It emphasizes digital presence, visual storytelling, and audience engagement for both live and recorded formats.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:
Communicate effectively on digital platforms such as Zoom, Teams, and webinars.
Design minimalist, high-impact visual slides that enhance comprehension.
Apply visual storytelling principles to support persuasive messages.
Engage virtual audiences and maintain attention through camera presence and delivery techniques.
Key Topics:
Digital Presence Essentials: Camera framing, eye contact, and body language on screen
Slide Design & Visual Persuasion: Minimalist design, cognitive load management, and storytelling visuals
Online Audience Engagement: Techniques to retain attention and encourage interaction
Voice & Gestures in Digital Space: Adapting physical and vocal delivery for virtual settings
Integration of Multimedia: Using visuals, data, and videos to reinforce messages
Activities & Practice:
Virtual Presentation Drill: Deliver a 2–3 minute online speech using slides
Slide Critique Workshop: Peer and instructor feedback on visual clarity, design, and impact
Camera Presence Exercise: Practice gestures, posture, and eye contact through a live or recorded session
Interactive Q&A Simulation: Respond to virtual audience questions confidently and persuasively
Key Takeaways:
Digital communication skills are critical in today’s globalized professional and academic environments.
Effective visual persuasion supports, not replaces, the speaker’s message.
Mastery of digital presence ensures students command attention, even without a physical stage.
Lecture 6: Oxford Union Debate Mastery
Overview:
This lecture immerses students in the prestigious Oxford Union debate style, teaching them how to think philosophically, reason sharply, and deliver compelling floor speeches. Students learn the art of analyzing motions, structuring arguments, and using wit strategically to sway audiences.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:
Analyze debate motions critically and strategically.
Construct philosophical, logically robust, and witty arguments.
Deliver floor speeches with impactful openings, structured content, and memorable closings.
Respond dynamically to opposing arguments while maintaining composure.
Key Topics:
Oxford Union Debate Style: Principles and historical context
Motion Analysis: Breaking down “This House Believes…” and similar motions
Argument Construction: Claims, evidence, examples, and rebuttal readiness
Rhetorical Punchlines: Using wit and philosophical insights for persuasion
Delivery Techniques: Floor presence, voice modulation, and audience engagement
Activities & Practice:
Motion Breakdown Exercise: Analyze sample motions and develop team strategies
Floor Speech Drill: Deliver a 2–3 minute Oxford-style speech with a clear thesis and rhetorical punch
Rebuttal Practice: Respond to an opponent’s argument using logical and persuasive techniques
Peer & Instructor Feedback: Evaluate structure, reasoning, delivery, and wit
Key Takeaways:
Effective debate combines philosophical reasoning, structured arguments, and rhetorical flair.
Floor speeches require clarity, confidence, and the ability to think on your feet.
Mastery of Oxford Union-style debate equips students to sway high-level audiences and excel in competitive debating.
Lecture 7: Intelligence Squared (IQ²) Debate Analytics
Overview:
This lecture focuses on the evidence-driven, impact-measured approach of Intelligence Squared (IQ²) debates. Students learn to structure arguments strategically, map clashes, and measure persuasion effectiveness using pre- and post-vote metrics.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:
Apply the triangular argument structure: Construct → Counter → Resolve.
Map clashes between arguments for maximum strategic effect.
Measure persuasion impact using pre-vote and post-vote analytics.
Integrate evidence and strategy to influence audiences persuasively.
Key Topics:
IQ² Debate Format: Overview and global significance
Triangular Argument Structure: Construct, counter, and resolve effectively
Clash Mapping: Identifying key points of contention and targeting persuasive gaps
Pre-Vote & Post-Vote Metrics: Understanding audience persuasion and impact
Evidence Integration: Using data, studies, and authoritative sources to strengthen arguments
Activities & Practice:
Construct-Counter-Resolve Drill: Develop a mini debate on a selected motion
Clash Mapping Exercise: Identify strongest points for and against a motion
Persuasion Metric Simulation: Conduct a mini-debate and track audience agreement shifts
Peer Review & Feedback: Critique argument clarity, evidence usage, and audience influence
Key Takeaways:
IQ²-style debates are analytical and data-driven, requiring strategic thinking.
Successful persuasion depends on evidence, structure, and targeted clash points.
Mastery of this format equips students to win over informed, high-level audiences and excel in professional and academic debate arenas.
Lecture 8: Performance Psychology & Elite Stage Presence
Overview:
This lecture focuses on the mental and psychological aspects of elite communication. Students learn to manage anxiety, build confidence, and maintain focus, ensuring they perform at their best under high-pressure situations, whether on stage, in debates, or during global presentations.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:
Apply cognitive reframing techniques to overcome performance anxiety.
Build mental toughness and resilience for high-stakes communication.
Master breathing, focus, and energy control during speeches and debates.
Enhance stage presence, projecting confidence, authority, and charisma.
Key Topics:
Performance Psychology Fundamentals: Mindset, focus, and emotional control
Cognitive Reframing: Transforming stress and anxiety into performance energy
Resilience & Mental Toughness: Techniques to stay composed under pressure
Breathing & Focus Techniques: Breath control, pacing, and mental anchoring
Elite Stage Presence: Using posture, gestures, and movement to reinforce authority
Activities & Practice:
Anxiety Management Drill: Practice breathing and visualization before a short speech
Resilience Simulation: Deliver speeches under timed or challenging conditions
Focus & Energy Exercise: Use mental anchoring to maintain concentration during presentations
Stage Presence Review: Record and analyze gestures, posture, and voice to ensure maximum impact
Peer & Instructor Feedback: Evaluate confidence, composure, and psychological presence
Key Takeaways:
Confidence and mental control are as important as content.
Managing anxiety and energy ensures consistent, high-level performance.
Elite stage presence, combined with psychological mastery, allows students to command attention and influence audiences effectively.
Lecture 9: Capstone Speech Integration Workshop
Overview:
This lecture is the culmination of the 6-week journey, where students synthesize every skill learned, rhetoric, storytelling, debate strategy, digital mastery, and performance psychology, into a single, polished 10-minute capstone speech. The focus is on integration, refinement, and personal style, ensuring each student emerges as a world-class communicator.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:
Integrate all core communication skills seamlessly into a flagship speech.
Tailor content and delivery for maximum persuasion and audience impact.
Receive and act on targeted feedback from peers and instructor to elevate performance.
Perform under timed, high-pressure conditions with confidence, poise, and authority.
