Debate/Public Speaking Classes/Skills for Teens

CrypticM on 30/01/2026 - 10:37
Last edited 30/01/2026 - 10:45

Good morning all from Sunny Brisbane.( Ipswich)

My kid just started his secondary school.
He is academic kid and this is on of the top selective school.

He wanted to become a lawyer. We are immigrant family from non english speaking country.

Though my son's English skills are on par with his peers, considering his goals and his background, I strongly believe he might be benefited from extra class on debate/public speaking skills. He seems interested in this too when I suggested this.

Are there any institutes/centres which provide these kind of classes for early teens? We live in Ipswich council.

I just wanted to give him a helping hand, that's all. No stress or pressure.

Thanks in advance.

P.s. Posted in other forum as well for better reach.

Education & Work

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  • Cheaplikethebird on 30/01/2026 - 10:54
    +15

    Toastmasters

    • jv on 30/01/2026 - 11:40
      +5

      In particular, the French chapter…

      French Toastmasters

  • soan papdi on 30/01/2026 - 10:55
    +4

    Try your local toastmasters clubs, e.g. youth leadership programs

  • AustriaBargain on 30/01/2026 - 12:21
    +3

    Yeah probably Toastmasters, it's not free but it's a lot cheaper than any formal assistance with speech and there's no waiting lists, and everyone is there for the same reasons. It's a little weird, but it's a judgement free and supportive zone to practice public speaking, and it's not exactly a cult or anything, it's all about speaking. I guarantee he won't be the least confident speaker there.

  • Benoffie on 30/01/2026 - 13:35
    +2

    Toastmasters for public speaking

    Debate team for, well, debating.

    Debating is more important and relevant to law. Law school, if decent, should offer Moot Court as a training tool.

    Also be aware that the majority of lawyers (solicitors) never end up in court. In this respect, having skills in ADR are vastly more superior.

    https://adelaideuni.edu.au/study/courses/laws-1026/

    There is non university training for Advocacy and ADR but it's expensive and needs constant updating.

    Relevance? Not a lot to a teen, but to a parent, just be aware that law in Australia isnt a fancy job, it's not high paying, it's a slog and will quite likely take your child in a direction you didnt foresee.

    • CrypticM on 30/01/2026 - 13:51
      +1

      Thank you for taking time to provide this info.

      Yeah Law is not fancy. for now , ' Lawyer's is what he wants to be. I know things will change.

      • Gunnar on 30/01/2026 - 14:18
        +3

        That’s very good advice that @Benoffie gave you. Yes your child still has a long way to go but law is a difficult profession to crack - and humour lawyers are very disposable. Good that you’re trying to help them with some of the practical skills!

        I wanted to be a lawyer many years ago then I had my work experience placement in high school where I did law. I absolutely hated it!

        Not now but if you’re able to get them to speak to professionals in the chosen industry it’s actually good to give them an overview of what they do

      • Benoffie on 30/01/2026 - 22:02

        Not trying to disuade and it's great that you're so supportive.

        Law degrees are immensely versatile even if they are never used in law.

        But, like medicine, it's full of scut work, long hours, cliques and 'who you knows'.

        So many professions in Australia are the same. No excusing it. Personally I hate it and find it incredibly frustrating. But it is the reality.

        If they are really super keen on legal, they should learn French and Latin. I teach legal up to Year 12 and for those that come late (no Civics since Year 8), learning complex legal jargon, French and Latin terms is a barrier, especially for EALD students.

        Look for modern versions of 'Law French' and 'Law Latin' or L.L.

        Equally, they should aim for high level English and History, taking the opportunities to double down on essays, especially free choice. This way they explore legal related topics and improve their written arguments

        Contact Legal studies teachers assoc Qld for state specific information. Heaps online also. SA and NSW tend to have best 👌

        https://www.lawhandbook.sa.gov.au/go01.php

        • Muppet Detector on 31/01/2026 - 07:12
          +3

          This is the Latin I recall from Law School

          Mens rea (guilty mind)
          Actus reus (guilty act)
          Ratio decidendi (reason for the decision)
          Obiter dictum (remark in passing)
          Bona fide (in good faith)
          Ultra vires (beyond the powers)
          Prima facie (at first sight)
          Subpoena (under penalty)
          Caveat (warning)

          This is the French that I recall from Law School

          Voir dire (a trial within a trial)

          With the exception of mens and actus rea, the rest are not very common.

          What else do you really need to know?

          Sure, it could be useful if you were overly interested in the historical development of law, but the few terms that you really do come across are covered in class and easily incorporated into your study (just like any unfamiliar industry jargon), particularly as Australian legal practise is continuing to shift towards plain English standards and archaic legal language is actively discouraged and is inevitably being weeded out/replaced as our own body of precedent continues to develop and the older generations of our legal practitioners retire and or leave the profession.

          English. Have an extraordinary command of all aspects of English. A law degree is not very hard, it is just that there is a lot of reading, copious amounts of reading.

          Learning speed and skim reading techniques that do not sacrifice comprehension would be extremely beneficial skills to develop.

          Note taking. Summarisation skills.

          Memorisation skills/techniques would be great too, though with increasing reliance on technology and AI, I'm not even sure if that will be a deal breaker moving forward. It could be that even legal research skills (will be covered at uni) will not be as arduous as they have been in the past.

          But my advice is to concentrate on English. Reading, writing, comprehension, communication. Including note taking and summarisation.

          Those students who took legal studies in high school did seem to have a small (but enviable) advantage over other students in the first semester of uni as they had already covered some basics of some first year subjects, so weren't as overwhelmed during that initial transfer period from school to university life.

          Start reading over prominent cases, attend court in the public gallery (particularly sentencing hearings) (to get an understanding of legal language and reasoning) and perfect your English skills.

          Start reading the major legislation applicable to your state to gain an insight to how these are structured and worded.

          I cannot emphasise that enough, perfect your English skills.

          IMO these will be of the greatest benefit if wanting to broaden the scope of preparation whilst still managing the other requirements of your education, extra curricular and just growing up.

          I learned Latin at school for nine years. I learned French from Grade 8 at school but then continued to further develop it during my international hospitality career. I honestly do not believe that I had any meaningful advantage over other students.

          • Muppet Detector on 31/01/2026 - 07:37
            +1

            @Muppet Detector: If you are really keen, a bit of Shakespeare could help as we do still refer to some older English cases and statute and some of the old English vernacular can be a bit awkward.

            • Muppet Detector on 31/01/2026 - 08:25

              @Muppet Detector: Another tip.

              There were a few paralegals in my class at law school. They definitely had an advantage over other students.

              Not only were they already engaged in some of the practicalities and legalese of a legal career, but they had access to mentors, resources, technology, qualified legal tutoring and assistance if they wanted a hand with any aspects of their studies, including assignments and their research and their proof reading before submission.

              I was quite envious of those few students.

              If a part time job is in contemplation for your son when he is of age, consider one like this.

          • Benoffie on 31/01/2026 - 13:49

            @Muppet Detector: Yes, I wouldn't take them as subjects. Just EALD students, who may already struggle with going from native language to English, then have added hurdles with additional language barriers.

            Priorities should be:

            English
            Humanities (Legal Studies, History etc)
            Any language, preferably Romantic

            Benefits at Year 12 (in SA) - English Lit, English, Languages all trigger bonus points for ATAR.

            Seems strange, for most of us, learning foreign language terms is more about rote. But English native speakers have a greater exposure to other languages than we believe. Greek and Latin roots is still part of our curriculum (despite what people think)

            The added benefits of the language uptake is also the verbal capacity, oral presentation and writing skills, especially understanding non English comprehension.

            • Muppet Detector on 31/01/2026 - 14:16

              @Benoffie: By the time I got to law school, the High Court had changed the history I was taught in school.

              (Mabo - terra nullius). <= another Latin term. I forgot about that one.

              Though granted, other parts of it were useful in Property Law and maybe Legal Philosophy (I really struggled with both subjects in Legal Philosophy, but did in sociology in BEd as well, so perhaps a pattern/established weakness there - not for history).

              If one of my children were interested in becoming a chef, then I would encourage them to study French (and German) as they are like the common native language in kitchens. I was definitely more advantaged knowing those languages in that industry.

              Latin we learned because in catholic boarding school, morning and evening Chapel was compulsory (except for days you were in swim squad). Chapel was completely in Latin (including the Bible). Regular Mass and school religious instruction was in English though and day girls obviously didn't go to Chapel, so no Latin for them.

              But as for law school, we learned a few specific terms or labels in Latin (and barely used those) - no different to say "Opportunity Cost" or "Allocative Efficiency" in Economics, but we never had to read entire sentences of it (Latin).

  • jv on 30/01/2026 - 11:35
    +1

    Public Speaking Classes

    All you need to know is:

    • "Let me be very clear"
    • "Doing what is right, not what is popular"
    • "I don't recall"
    • "Hope always defeats hate"
    • "We're getting things done"
    • "It is not a lockdown, it is a stay-at-home order"
    • "Get on the beers"
    • soan papdi on 30/01/2026 - 11:42
      +5

      You forgot: Be bold

    • Gunnar on 30/01/2026 - 12:27
      +1

      What about “it’s not about Dollars, it’s about dignity”

    • expertreader on 30/01/2026 - 13:13

      But and Except fixes everything if you start with Truth is….

  • MS Paint on 30/01/2026 - 12:47
    +1

    this is on of the top selective school.

    You must be proud, unlike this dude.

    • jv on 30/01/2026 - 12:55

      The scores selective schools get are misleading…

      Most of those kids would have done just as well at any other school.

  • Muppet Detector on 30/01/2026 - 15:10
    +1

    There is an organisation called Trinity of London. Within that, they have a Speech and Drama curriculum. A further subset of that is their Communication curriculum. This will be useful, it is not about acting or performing arts.

    AMEB may also offer similar, they are the Australian version of Trinity, but you would need to check what they offer in this area as our teacher preferred the Trinity of London curriculum for your stated purpose.

    There is also a course called The Unfair Advantage which addresses public speaking, but not so much Debating. It was an extra course provided to us for law school at university, but is available to the general public.

  • nissa on 30/01/2026 - 20:16
    +1

    Rostrum clubs offer public speaking in a less competitive environment than Toastmasters. https://www.rostrum.com.au/state-club/qld/#club

  • cngu0803 on 31/01/2026 - 10:56
    +1

    Let him speak to my wife and he will be the best debater in the world.

  • Noblejoker on 01/02/2026 - 16:04
    +1

    Something free (to start) and easy is YT tutorials and practice
    I have watched a lot of content from Vinh and think he is excellent
    https://www.youtube.com/@askvinh
    He also has paid courses etc of course at his site
    https://www.vinhgiang.com/

    Depending on your child's preference and personality THE best way to get confident in front of an audience is Improv Training
    He is still young but i imagine there are theatre groups and improve troupes aroung Ipswich
    Cheers

    • CrypticM on 01/02/2026 - 16:22

      Thanks you. Looks good content.

      • Muppet Detector on 01/02/2026 - 19:40

        Was that you who got caught out sock puppeting on Whirlpool forums?

        • Noblejoker on 03/02/2026 - 12:06

          Nope - rarely go on WP - I agree that lately Vinh has got a bit clickbait so not surprised he is active promoting
          But I have been watching his stuff for a while
          As someone who regularly speaks to large groups, I have learned stuff
          Never bought anything though - just watched his free stuff - YMMV
          I am sure there are others - YT will recommend

          • Muppet Detector on 03/02/2026 - 12:13

            @Noblejoker: You using another sock puppet here, on this forum? The question to which you responded was directed towards CryoticM, not Notablejoker.

            This thread is not a coincidence.

            P.s. Posted in other forum as well for better reach.

            That was even included in the opening post of this thread in this forum.

            So, are you "Notablejoker" on this forum and also "CrypticM", the OP of this thread?

  • singlemalt72 on 30/01/2026 - 10:56

    Where are you located?
    Looking for online resources or class-based?

    Debate club (Epping NSW) is supposed to be good, and a few capital cities have SpeaksCraft (more drama and public speaking than debating)
    Edit: read through and saw Brisbane.
    You may look at the Queensland debating union academy or Speaking Schools Australaisia

    • CrypticM on 30/01/2026 - 11:43

      Thank you. Will look into it.

  • brendanm on 30/01/2026 - 11:17

    Surprised they wouldn't offer this sort of thing at school?

    • CrypticM on 30/01/2026 - 11:42

      They were offered. There was a conflict of timings with other class.

  • Dollar General on 30/01/2026 - 11:22
    -1

    Attend the endless and pointless protests on the weekend in the city

    • CrypticM on 30/01/2026 - 11:43
      +3

      Lol. No thanks.

  • Wiadro on 30/01/2026 - 11:08
    -8

    I just wanted to give him a helping hand, that's all. No stress or pressure.

    let your kid decide then, instead of asking ozb

    • CrypticM on 30/01/2026 - 11:42
      +9

      I am sorry, you never had someone to guide you when you were a 'Kid'.

      • Muppet Detector on 31/01/2026 - 13:13
        +2

        You are being wonderfully supportive.

        Also, if you can't find/afford classes specific to an area of interest or your child doesn't necessarily enjoy what is available, it can be helpful to "think outside the box".

        For example, one of mine struggled with crowds. The direct therapy the experts advised was simply too labour and cost prohibitive in the quantities they suggested. Incredibly boring, tedious and just awful for him too.

        One way we addressed this was to have him join a choir. He liked to sing/was musical etc. Standing on risers once a week among 80 men, eventually got him over his crowd and tactile phobias. Led to International travel, awards and recognition for competitions and two appearances on Australia's Got Talent.

        Fabulous way to contribute to his public speaking skills too!

        Led to thoroughly enjoying school musicals (participating in school extracurricular is awesome for job applications) and local musical theatre groups (which he still enjoys today) and enabled one of his side hustles (barbershop quartet for hire, including working as a roaming quartet on weekends at Dreamworld!). Whilst at uni, he created their youth chorus (director and manager) and still operates it now.

        All fabulous boosts to his resume too.

        • CrypticM on 31/01/2026 - 17:32
          +1

          Thanks you.

          That's wonderful idea and great outcome.

          Will sure follow and see how it goes.

    • Muppet Detector on 31/01/2026 - 12:55
      +1

      let your kid decide then, instead of asking ozb

      I found this quite weird.

      I am the first to acknowledge that you usually can't force a child to engage in very much in any meaningful way against there will, but

      Any parent looks for things that may interest or engage their child, particularly those helping them to prepare for life after school.

      None of these skills will be a waste in any aspect of this child's life, including the law degree, even if he doesn't end up pursuing that pathway.

      Why not expose a kid to as many opportunities that are possible, if it doesn't become applicable to their career, it may help them to discover a new interest or hobby area that will follow them through the rest of their life.

      But if they don't know about it or never have the opportunity to engage with it if they want to, how will they know all the things that are available to them?

      Despite a BEng, one of my kids is currently earning $360k pa from a cert III he did in year 10 or 11. He's 27.

      • Wiadro on 31/01/2026 - 13:36

        i earn 240k from an advanced diploma, plus youtube revenue

        • Muppet Detector on 31/01/2026 - 13:40

          That is sensational! I won't ask personal questions though, but if you're happy doing what you're doing, that is awesome.

          I don't know enough about my kid's industry to know if that will be sustainable forever or what else is available if he gets married and has kids (or sick or injured I suppose) His current job has lots of international travel, which for now, he totally enjoys.

          So we will see. But he has an education and other skills to fall back on if required.

          • Wiadro on 31/01/2026 - 14:11

            @Muppet Detector:

            international travel

            this gets sick after a few years or he has a family.
            i had a old job which just had interstate travel and it was annoying.
            now i WFH 90% of the time and its great with a family

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