Open discussion, group activities, and 1-on-1 coaching; every other weekend, not competition-driven. To compete, see Speech & Debate competitions.
How workshops run
Workshops enroll in rolling short terms: one seat lets a child rotate through 3 to 4 domains in a year, 7 to 8 weeks each, with a finished piece every session.
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Contact a course advisorFrequently Asked Questions
How often do Irvine students meet?
Every other weekend, in a club format, for students in grades 5 to 10. That cadence suits students who already carry a full school load but want to keep working on expression over a long stretch, and the gap between meetings leaves room to read up and prepare.
What format does the Irvine club use?
Three formats combined: open discussion, 1-on-1 coaching and group activities. EDUBUS is based in Irvine and the club meets as a small in-person group. Each format serves a different end, with discussion for exchanging views, coaching for problems particular to one student, and group work for collaboration.
What does an Irvine student take away?
The ability to analyze a debate topic, gather source material and organize it, plus practice in logical reasoning, critical thinking and leadership among peers. The research and sorting step is the one most often skipped elsewhere, and it is what makes an argument hold up.
Does joining mean competing?
No, the club is not competition-driven, and its activity centers on open discussion, research and the practice of expression itself, at whatever pace a student sets. Students who want to enter tournaments should look at Speech & Debate competitions, which is the competition track.
Voicemakers Club or Speech & Debate Intro?
It depends on the current need. Speech & Debate Intro is a 35-week foundational course that moves a student from daring to speak toward speaking clearly. The club meets every other week and centers instead on discussion, research and leadership among peers.
