Course Descriptions
You don't have to know it all to start — that's exactly what the intensive is for.
You Will Need 1-2 Years of Experience with One or More of the Following Events
Team Policy
Learn the basics of debate structure, speaker positions, argumentation, logic, research, analysis, how to run a case, and explore this year's resolution.
Lincoln Douglas
Learn how values debate differs from Team Policy, understand the debate structure, speaker position strategy, argumentation, philosophy, logic, case construction, as well as exploring this 1st semester's resolution.
Platform Speech
Learn the structure of an effective platform speech, finding a topic, researching ideas, different stages of the writing process, literary devices, and incorporating effective speaking techniques.
Interpretation Speech
Understanding what constitutes an interp, learning how to pick and cut a piece, picking a theme/message, deciding what characters to include and discard, blocking, popping, and character development with voice and movement.
Benefits of A Coach
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Speech and debate is a skill built through practice, feedback, and repetition — but it's rarely one a student masters alone. A good coach sees what a student can't yet see in themselves: the argument that needs sharpening, the pause that needs confidence, the delivery that needs polish. They turn raw effort into real growth, pushing students past the plateau they'd hit on their own and helping them find a voice they didn't know they had.
At Ascend, our coaches aren't just instructors — they're mentors invested in each student's character and confidence, both on and off the platform.
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." — Proverbs 27:17
Dr. Lisanti
Heather Simbro
Andres Flores
Our Coaches
What Students Will Experience
Speech Skills
Students learn to communicate with clarity and grace through various speech categories and creative storytelling.
Debate Foundations
Master logic, research, and respectful disagreement while engaging in structured debate practice sessions.
Christ-Centered Community
Students grow alongside fellow homeschoolers, encouraged to lead with humility and Christlike character.
Focus Points
SPEAK CONFIDENTLY
Overcome nerves and express your ideas with clarity.
THINK CRITICALLY
Learn to use words to persuade your listeners.
PERSUADE OTHERS
Learn the art of persuasion and powerful storytelling.
WORK AS
A TEAM
Collaborate, support others, and grow together.
DEVELOP WRITING SKILLS
Learn to use words to persuade your listeners.
What To Bring
Laptop
Don't forget your charger.
Paper & Pens
There will be plenty of notes to be taken.
Speech Topics
Not necessary, but if you have topics you would like to work on, bring them.
Lunch
We will provide snacks; you bring your lunch and a drink.
Upcoming Event
August 21, 2026
First Day of Class
Speech and debate isn't just a competition — it's a training ground for a lifetime. Students learn to think on their feet, defend their convictions with clarity, and listen well enough to understand the other side. They walk away able to speak with confidence in a classroom, a courtroom, a boardroom, or a church pew — not because the topic was ever easy, but because they practiced showing up prepared, week after week. That's confidence today, and leadership tomorrow.