Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, all BTL workshops will be held online via Zoom and Discord. Upon registration, your student will receive information about how to use these online platforms.

What is Be the Light's Spring Workshop?

Every year, BTL offers a comprehensive, 12-week long program for students to learn public speaking and debate skills! ​This year, we are expanding to an online program, available to students across the nation. With these course, we hope to improve your child's confidence, enhance their critical thinking, and boost their competitive performance! Registration is currently full, but you may register for our waitlist here.
Program Information
*Class has been cancelled on February 21st due to inclement weather and power outages. To guarantee a total of 12 classes for all students, an additional class has been added on May 16th.
Pricing Information
One Course Only (Either Speaking or Debate)
$165.00​
Two Courses (One Speaking, One Debate)
$310.00 ($20 off!)
New students now get 15% off!

We provide financial aid and scholarships for those who are struggling/cannot afford our classes - learn more here!
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​Furthermore, don't forget about our referral discount of $20 per referral OR 50% off for 3 referrals!
We offer three different courses:
Students can register for up to 2 courses (1 Speaking and 1 Debate) that fit their age group.
​Courses will be split into labs based on grade and skill level.
​Public Speaking (4th - 8th grade)
Note: This course is intended for students with little to no prior experience in Public Speaking. Classes will be split based on grade level.
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​​Public Speaking is intended for students looking to gain both confidence and skill when it comes to addressing audiences in a variety of settings. Students will learn speaking techniques, such as tonal variation, speech structure, body posture, persuasive speaking, and facial expressions. Most importantly, this semester-long course will instill a sense of confidence in students when it comes to their future presentations, projects or speeches. This course focuses on casual versus professional communication. In addition, the online format allows for more one-on-one time with instructors & personalized lesson plans towards their skillsets.
​Extemporaneous Speaking (5th - 10th grade):
Note: Students enrolling in Extemporaneous speaking are strongly recommended to have some prior experience in public speaking. Class placements will be decided based on first day performance and prior experience level. 

Beginning Extemp is for students wishing to learn more about the event Extemporaneous speaking, a limited-prep event in middle and high school. Students will learn how to write, practice, and deliver a 7 minute speech based on any current event topic within 30 minutes. The course will help students develop critical skills such as impromptu speaking, fluency, formulating logical ideas, and speaking with confidence. Topics can cover US or Foreign issues. Overall, this class will help students become more eloquent speakers as well as broaden their understanding of issues around the world. ​
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Advanced Extemp is geared towards students who already have a foundation in Extemporaneous speaking and/or have participated in the competitive event before. The class will focus on sharpening their skills in areas such as researching content, writing point structure, and improving delivery. Not only will students learn how to tackle more advanced topics and how to develop their own unique style as a speaker, but they will also learn how to better manage their allotted preparation time. Moreover, instructors will allow for more one-on-one time focusing on each individual’s needs and are aiming to help prepare students to compete in a tournament-based setting.
​​Debate 1 / Competitive Debate (4th - 10th grade)
Note: This course is intended for students with any range of experience in debate, who would like to develop analytical, persuasive, technical, and critical thinking skills.
Debate 1 will focus on developing widely applicable debate skills through a format of debate similar to Public Forum Debate. During the session, students will learn how to structure a compelling argument, research effectively, and speak persuasively. Skills that are applicable beyond the scope of debate such as critical thinking skills, analytical skills, argumentation abilities, and confidence and eloquence will be emphasized in the workshop. Each class will include interactive lectures along with specialized drills and activities designed to reinforce the lectures.

This course teaches Public Forum Debate, a competitive activity at the high school and middle school level. Some experience with debate is required, as this course is more rigorous and fast-paced than Debate 1. 
Competitive Debate is intended for students seeking to compete in a tournament setting. Instructors, who are highly experienced in competitive debate, will share strategies and lectures through the lens of Public Forum Debate. Students will learn how to construct cases, research effectively, and deliver well-crafted speeches. This course will be much more intensive and research-focused compared to the Debate course. 
Meet our Nationally Ranked Instructors!

​​All of our instructors have years of experience on the national and state circuit, where they have learned the ins and outs of what makes a good speaker or debater. Many have gone on to accomplish incredible things, like championing state and national tournaments. Rest assured, your child will be getting the highest quality education from our knowledgeable and talented group of teachers!
Additional Information and Links:
ABOUT US
Our Mission
Meet The Team
​Our Impact
OUR PROGRAMS
Past Events
2020 Fall Workshop
2020 Fall Tournament