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FOunder's MESSAGE: SPEECH & DEBATE as A life changing JOURNEY
Mr Rajiv Kacholia - public speaking and debate courses

As the back to back Debate Champion two years in a row in the State of Illinois in the late 1980's, speech and debate truly changed my life. It is distinct from other extracurriculars – as a powerful academic journey that can open opportunities throughout life. It is valued by Highly Selective Colleges and helped me gain admissions at 7 Universities ranked in the Top 15 Nationally by US News & World Report. The skills gained in debate helped land roles at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs' Mergers & Acquisitions Group, and DE Shaw, which hires only 1 in 500.

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Academic researchers have proven that no other activity stimulates a child's development across so many core academic and life skills. Growing up as a shy kid, debate transformed my ability to exceed:

  • equipped me with training and confidence to learn anything rapidly

  • improved speed in outlining and writing

  • note-taking and attentiveness in School and at Stanford University

  • learned to communicate key ideas in interviews, discussions and presentations

  • research skills and quickly processing information during my time on Wall Street

  • balanced leadership, persuasion and creativity to negotiate $22 Billion of deals across 5 continents

  • critical thinking and collaboration as an Entrepreneur

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No other extra-curricular academic activity compares to the proven, multi-faceted long-term academic benefits and life skills gained. It is a journey deeply needed for our next generation to become leaders and visionaries across the United States and impacting the world. It is a journey that can help change student lives, as it did for me and a broad range of successful alumni.

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Speech and Debate has been embraced by hundreds of thousands of students annually. Alumni include successful entrepreneurs, CEOs, entertainers and government leaders, including four US Presidents.

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Introverts, extroverts, across passions and subject preferences can benefit as there are speech and debate programs designed for different personalities and interests.

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So, why now? 

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The combination of core academic skills and soft skills can empower our students with confidence, adaptability, and an edge to succeed amidst a rapidly changing world. This journey has given me a VOICE. I aim to empower students globally to find and develop theirs in the coming years.

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No experience required - just a passion to learn. We welcome students of all backgrounds and interests to begin this exciting journey by applying for an admissions interview for our GC course.

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And learn more from experts and academic research studies on the life changing benefits of Speech and Debate. Read the research.

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– Rajiv Kacholia

OUR MISSION AND EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

SpeechDebateUSA.com empowers youth across the United States and internationally through competitive speech, drama, and debate coaching and tournaments. We provide an engaging and rigorous interdisciplinary U.S. curriculum to foster each child's communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity skills, to magnify their Voice!

Students in speech and debate having fun
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