ISDS Masterclass

ISDS Masterclasses

All our masterclasses are targeted at students aged 10-18 (Overseas high school students may also register, but will need to note additional terms during registration). University students may also attend our knowledge-based sessions. We deliberately keep the size of each masterclass small, to keep quality and attention per student high, so please book early.

Registrations Open

Series of 4 Masterclasses for Juniors (Skill-based)

Overview:
Our Junior masterclass series is a starter kit for young minds to start their journey in the world of debating. Designed for students in grades 5-7, this series of 4 masterclasses introduces students to the core skills required to research, prepare, and deliver argumentative speeches.

Audience:
School students in grades 5 – 7

Cost per student:
Per Class: Rs. 1,200/-
For 4 Classes: Rs. 4,320/-

March 6th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 1:
Setting up Debates

Description:
Students will learn how to simplify complex terms in a debate and apply real world knowledge to speeches

What you will learn:

Thinking about debate topics
Building context to a debate
Clarifying confusing terms

March 13th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 2:
Fundamentals of Argumentation

Description:
Students will learn to substantiate opinions using logic, and explain real life implications of government policies

What you will learn:

Claim vs argument
Steps to construct an argument
Identifying and impacting stakeholders

March 20th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 3:
Fundamentals of Rebuttal

Description:
Students will learn to identify flaws in their opponents speech and deliver strategic responses

What you will learn:

Listening & note-taking
Identifying strengths and weaknesses in an argument
Formulating responses and structuring rebuttal

March 27th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 4:
Making your Speech Stylistic

Description:
Students will learn how to integrate various verbal and non verbal elements of public speaking to connect with the audience, and increase the impact of their speeches

What you will learn:

Pacing, diction & voice modulation
Using illustrations and analogies
Making your speech concise

Series of 4 Masterclasses for Seniors (Content-based)

Overview:
This series of masterclasses will be delivered over four 1:45 hour long sessions for the students from grades 8 onwards studying in India.

Audience:
School students from grade 8 onwards

Cost per student:
Per Class: Rs. 1,200/-
For 4 Classes: Rs. 4,320/-

March 24th | Mon
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 1:
Fundamentals of the Criminal Justice System

Description:
Students will be introduced to the basics of the criminal justice system and related debate topics

What you will learn:

Components of the Criminal Justice System
Civil vs criminal wrongs
Criminal justice policy

March 26th | Wed
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 2:
Fundamentals of Economic Policy

Description:
Students will be introduced to the key factors in implementing economic and fiscal decisions, outlining the role of governments and central banks in doing so

What you will learn:

Monetary policy vs fiscal policy
Measuring growth, employment, and inflation
Govt responses to economic crisis

March 28th | Fri
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 3:
International Relations: The Middle East Right Now

Description:
Students will get an overview of recent political events in the middle east, and the interaction between different players

What you will learn:

Political unrest in Syria
Israel’s occupation of Palestine
Role of international organisations in maintaining political stability

March 31st | Mon
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 4:
Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Description:
Students will be introduced to the latest developments in AI and technology and regulations surrounding the same

What you will learn:

Overview of Artificial Intelligence tools
Regulatory provisions surrounding AI
AI’s impact on climate change

Registrations Closed

ISDS Public Speaking Beginner Module: Series of 4 Masterclasses

Overview:
This is an introductory module to public speaking delivered over four 1:45 hour long sessions for students from grades 5-6.

Audience:
School students in grades 5 & 6

Cost per student:
For the 4 Class Package: Rs. 4,500/-

Please Note:
There is mandatory pre-work involved that students have to complete to get the full benefit of the lessons.

January 23rd | Thu
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM IST

Session 1:
Essential Principles of Public Speaking

Knowing the important elements of public speaking
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Stance, clarity, and projection (online and in person) exercises

January 24th | Fri
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM IST

Session 2:
Crafting Impactful Speeches

Choosing the content of your speech
Developing a structured speech
Tips for prepared v. extempore speeches

January 25th | Sat
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM IST

Session 3:
Delivering Impactful Speeches

Developing intentional gestures
Tailoring your voice for emotive delivery
Theatre exercises

January 26th | Sun
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM IST

Session 4:
Practice Makes Perfect – Speech Delivery and Feedback

Speech delivery practice and feedback

ISDS Public Speaking Beginner Module

Overview:
This is an introductory module to public speaking delivered over four 1:45 hour long sessions for students from grades 5-6. Please note that there is mandatory pre-work involved that students have to complete to get the full benefit of the lessons.

Audience:
School students in grades 5 & 6

Cost per student:
For the 4 Class Package: Rs. 4,500/-

October 4th | Friday
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM IST

Session 1:
Essential Principles of Public Speaking

Knowing the important elements of public speaking
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Stance, clarity, and projection (online and in person) exercises

October 5th | Saturday
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM IST

Session 2:
Crafting Impactful Speeches

Choosing the content of your speech
Developing a structured speech
Tips for prepared v. extempore speeches

October 6th | Sunday
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM IST

Session 3:
Delivering Impactful Speeches

Developing intentional gestures
Tailoring your voice for emotive delivery
Theatre exercises

October 7th | Monday
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM IST

Session 4:
Practice Makes Perfect – Speech Delivery and Feedback

Speech delivery practice and feedback

Selections Prep - WSDC Skillbuilders

Overview:
This series of masterclasses will be delivered over eight 1:45 hour long sessions for the students from grades 7 – 12 studying in India.

Audience:
School students in grades 7 to 12

Cost per student:
For the 8 Class Package: Rs. 8,640/-
For Individual Lectures: Rs. 1,200/-

August 8th | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 1:
Generating and Constructing Arguments

August 15th | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 2:
Crafting Pointed Rebuttal

August 22nd | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 3:
Delivering Effective Third Speeches

August 29th | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 4:
Approaching Narratives Motions

September 5th | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 5:
Constructing Principled Arguments

September 15th | Sunday
10:00 AM – 11:45 AM IST

Session 6:
2024 US Elections

September 19th | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 7:
Developing Strategic Second Speaker Arguments

September 26th | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST

Session 8:
Artificial intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges

Why should you register?

You want to learn from the best. Our trainers are not just top speakers and coaches from around the globe. They also come from the world’s top universities and *literally* think about these topics for a living.
You want to become a better debater and speaker. Just because face-to-face sessions and competitions aren’t happening at present, doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. So, let’s adapt and learn together – whether you are debater, MUNner or public speaker, we’re always here for you. These sessions will help sharpen your critical thinking, allow you to approach complex topics more easily, and enable you to express your opinions more clearly and confidently.
You want a transformational educational experience. The knowledge you gain, and the life skills of verbal and written communication, problem solving, and teamwork will help you in your academics, and your life beyond. Plus, you get to meet and interact with diverse and passionate peers from around India and the globe.
You want to pay it forward: The additional skills and knowledge you gain can help you take more back to your own debate clubs and communities.