Original Oratory and Informative Speaking

The Public Speaking session will offer classes centered around Original Oratory and Informative Speaking. During our time at camp, students will develop the fundamental skills to write an impactful speech on a topic of their choice, taking ownership in the writing process. In order to accomplish this, students will learn how to:

• Identify a topic and develop a thesis
• Identify universality
• Implement effective research methods
• Utilize clear speech structure to direct their writing
• Develop strong presentation and delivery skills
• Including VA tips and tricks for Informative Speaking

Our goal is to have students actively researching and writing throughout the week so that by the camp's end they will walk away with a completed manuscript ready for competition. In addition, students will walk away with fundamental skills to continue to develop their work throughout the competitive season and mentor others on their team.

Public Speaking is all about providing a platform to students to take their worldly observations and turn them into actions. What stories and experiences do you have to share with the world? What do you feel is important for us to learn about? How can we better connect with our communities? Find your passion and share it with others! Engage with your community, do the work, share your voice. This is the power of public speaking events such as Oratory and Informative Speaking. I look forward to helping you find and tell your story!

Divisions, Date and Pricing

Division Co-Directors

Alaia Snell

Alaia Snell is a recent graduate from the University of North Texas, where she majored in English Literature and Economics, minored in Spanish and History, and earned a certificate in Latino/Mexican-American studies. During her time there, she served as president of the Speech and Debate team for three years and earned awards in Lincoln-Douglas debate, IPDA debate, communication analysis, informative speaking, persuasive speaking, and extemporaneous speaking. In 2021, Alaia was a national champion in JV Lincoln-Douglas debate and has qualified for nationals in extemporaneous speaking all four years of her college career. She was a two-time national semifinalist in extemporaneous speaking at the National Forensics Association (NFA) tournament, and she placed as a national quarterfinalist in persuasive speaking in 2024. Alaia also has experience competing internationally, where she received two gold medals in IPDA debate and placed fourth in extemporaneous speaking at the 2024 International Forensics Association (IFA) tournament. With experience teaching public speaking, public forum debate, and extemporaneous speaking, Alaia is excited to co-direct this year’s original oratory and informative speaking camp. In the fall, Alaia will be attending Northwestern University to begin her PhD in Literature.

Aaron Delgado

Aaron Delgado competed for over 8 years on the high school and collegiate level. Aaron has been to TFA for multiple years as a competitor, coach, and judge. As of 2024, Aaron started his master’s in communication at UNT where he finished his bachelor’s and now coaches the speech events at UNT. Aaron has coached multiple national semifinalists and out-rounders in addition to being a national out-rounder themselves. Aaron loves thrifting, plants, and good a book and his number one coaching philosophy is “Anyone can excel in speech and debate you just need to find your voice and style and remember to enjoy every moment you get to perform as if it were you last.

Director's Statement

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