ENG 3316 Debating

Introduction to the course

This short course introduces advanced spoken-performance formats—pitches, debates, crisis updates, interviews, and more—and develops the techniques required to handle them under realistic time and audience pressure.
Learners will focus on one demanding task, make an initial attempt, engage actively in targeted practice activities, and re-perform the task in the final session, demonstrating the progress achieved.
Across structure, language, delivery, interaction, and self-reflection, learners will aim to craft a coherent message, deploy precise vocabulary, control prosody and body language, manage audience attention, and adapt smoothly to unexpected challenges.
By course end, participants will improve their confidence, fluency, clarity, persuasive impact, and real-time responsiveness in high-stakes academic and professional speaking situations.