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Our Approach

About Speakers League

Are you looking for a fun way to develop your child's confidence? Speakers League is a great place to develop public speaking, critical thinking, leadership, and organizational skills.

Practical, hands-on experience is where real learning happens. In Speakers League, members jump in almost immediately to manage the meetings and present before the group.

Bypassing or conquering a fear of public speaking can position children to succeed on many levels in life. Social phobias often start with shyness in childhood or early adolescence, and progress during adolescence, according to scientific studies. By deciding to join a Speakers League Club you are giving a gift to your child, positioning him or her to become a confident and poised leader of the future.

Our goal with our Speakers League clubs is to develop the public speaking and leadership skills of homeschoolers ages 10 and up. Serious-minded younger ones are welcome too. Or, check out our link for Junior Speakers League for kids 7-9!
Click here to find out if your child is ready.
We welcome students of every stripe. Our clubs include all students, from traditionally schooled students from private and public schools, to homeschoolers, both independent and charter-affiliated. We are a very diverse group. Clubs often include a mix of children of different ages, adding to the variety and diversity.

Our Story

ALL MEETING TIMES ARE PACIFIC

JUNIOR SPEAKERS LEAGUE - Online Only

1st & 3rd
Tuesdays
4:00pm-5:30pm
(Sept. - May),
plus
Annual Conference
Late May / Early June

Tuesday After-School (formerly COC) -- ONLINE

1st & 3rd
Tuesdays
6:00pm-7:30pm
(Sept. - May),
plus
Annual Conference
second Sat. in June

Pasadena Homeschool - TBD Fall 2023

1st & 3rd
Wednesdays
12:30pm-2:00pm
(Sept. - May),
plus
Annual Conference
Late May/Early June

ONLINE ONLY After School - WED - TBD FALL 2023

TBD FALL 2023
1st & 3rd
Wednesdays
5:00pm-6:30pm
(Sept. - May),
plus
Annual Conference
Late May/Early June

South Bay Homeschool Thursday- IN-PERSON

1st & 3rd
Thursdays
10am-11:30am
(Sept. - May),
plus
Annual Conference
Late May/Early June

Westside Homeschool Thursday- IN-PERSON

1st & 3rd
Thursdays
1pm-2:30pm
(Sept. - May),
plus
Annual Conference
Late May/Early June

ONLINE ONLY After School - Thursday

1st & 3rd
Thursdays
5:30pm - 7:00pm
(Sept. - May),
plus
Annual Conference
Late May/Early June

Friday Homeschool (formerly NOC) - ONLINE

1st & 3rd
Fridays
10am-11:30am
(Sept. - May),
plus
Annual Conference
Late May/Early Juine

What happens at a typical Speakers League meeting?

Watch this 23-minute, annotated, meeting-highlight video, featuring kids in the South Bay club from May 2015. They range in age from 8 – 14. You’ll see how Speakers League provides training not only in presentation techniques, but also in leadership, meeting management, mental agility, critical thinking, and organization.

Watch this video to see our online Speakers League meetings!

Until I figure out how to embed this, just click here and it will take you to the video - Speakers League Online Meetings

In addition to all the skills they learn through their time in the program, our members are picking up experience and skills specific to online meetings and presentations. More and more companies and schools are meeting virtually. Speakers League gives children a great introduction and lots of practice with enhancing their online presence!

Please copy and paste this link for now - https://youtu.be/sY115lz1F4Y - I'm a horrible web designer and haven't figured out how to embed it yet...

What's involved?

Speakers League clubs meet for an hour and a half, twice per month, between September and May (plus our annual conference on the second Saturday in June). Members receive a 45-page member handbook with details on meetings and how to do the club roles. There are also training videos. Members are scheduled in advance for roles at the meetings and newer members start with easier roles like Timekeeper, and Vote Counter, as they familiarize themselves with the club. There is an adult supervisor, but the  kids essentially run the meetings themselves.

As space permits, we accept new members throughout the year.

Scroll down for more info in our FAQ section.

Join our mailing list here to receive more details. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)

Speakers League FAQs

Can I visit the club before I decide about joining?

Yes, we welcome, and encourage, visitors to the group to “check us out.”  To arrange for a visit, call or text us at 310-809-7507, or email doreen@socalspeechanddebate.com.

If I visit, do I have to speak?

Guests are seated with the members, and are usually given the opportunity to answer an off-the-cuff question during the Impromptu segment of the meeting. Guests have the option to say, "I pass," if they would rather just observe the meeting. Guests do vote after the major segments of the meeting, so should pay close attention to determine who did the best job during each segment (Impromptus, Prepared Speeches, and Evaluations).

What happens at a typical meeting?

Members help set up the meeting room. The meetings begin with a short business session where we acknowledge guests and run through any housekeeping items. Parents are welcome to stay and watch throughout.

The meeting is then turned over to the day’s MC (Master of Ceremonies) who is in charge of introducing segments of the meeting and key participants.

During the first segment of the meeting, called “Impromptus,” members and guests have the opportunity to think on their feet and talk on a topic, off-the-cuff, within a 2-minute time limit. Guests have the option to pass.

Following Impromptus the prepared speeches segment begins, during which the scheduled speakers make their presentations. Most of the speakers are giving specific types of speeches to complete requirements for level promotion.

During the final segment of the meeting, each speaker is evaluated by a fellow club member, following club guidelines for evaluation.

After each segment, club members (and guest students) cast votes for the winner of each segment -- Best Impromptu, Best Speaker, and Best Evaluator. At the end of the meeting, ribbons are awarded to the winners.

You can watch or skim a 23-minute "Typical Meeting" highlight video, as well as other videos, by clicking on this link.

If I join, how will I know how to be the MC, or the Wordmaster, or an Evaluator, etc?

photo (2)When you join, you will receive a 45-page member handbook that, among other things, describes how to do each role at a meeting. Plus, you will have the opportunity to learn by observing at the meeting. If you have questions, you can always ask the Chairperson (the adult supervisor of the club), or one of the other members. You can also get a pretty good idea about how a meeting works by watching our "Typical Meeting" highlight video at the Video tab on this website.

How much homework/preparation time is involved?

Giving a speech would be the only role at a meeting that requires substantial preparation time. Members are generally scheduled for 4-5 speeches per year, so they are usually a couple of months apart, giving anyone enough time to put together a good speech.
Some of the other roles do require a little preparation, for example, the Wordmaster chooses a Word of the Day and comes with a definition of it. The Impromptu Master prepares enough questions to ask the group. The Humorist brings some jokes. The Poet Laureate a poem. The ideal MC will reach out to speakers for introductory material before the meeting and fill in the MC’s worksheet.

That’s about it. Other than preparing speeches which can be done in small bites, there’s not a lot of homework.

Who teaches me how to write speeches?

Your member handbook has a section devoted to speech-writing. It gives you a worksheet to help you plan your first speech, called the "Getting to Know You" speech. There are suggestions for types of speeches to avoid, and a 5-step process we outline for how to write a great speech. You'll also learn by observing, doing, and being-evaluated. We endeavor to videotape all speeches. These are generally made available to the member on an unlisted page on YouTube. As part of "completing" the speech, you will view and complete a self-evaluation form. The Chairperson, members Level III-and-above, and current club officers, may also provide a written evaluation to you.

The speeches in Level I do emphasize the development of specific presentation skills. These include using gestures, vocal variety, visual aids, and organization. The member handbook gives specific tips and guidelines for these speech. During Levels I & II, parents may assist you as you craft your speeches.

IMG_3089How long does it take to complete each Level?

Completing each Level in Speakers League (there are four), involves giving seven speeches and doing each role in the club at least once, during that Level. Some of the higher Levels (beyond Level I) have additional requirements. It usually takes 12-18 months per level, to advance, though members that tend to have speeches ready to go, and can substitute in case of a no-show, tend to advance more quickly.

I'm not ten, yet. Can I still join?

If you are ready for Speakers League, you may join even if you are younger than ten. Click here for our readiness guidelines. There also may be a Junior Speakers League Club near you.

I'll be turning 18 this year. Can I still join?

You may stay in Speakers League until you graduate high school, or turn 19, whichever is later.

How much does it cost to join? 

There is a one-time, non-refundable, $75 registration/materials fee per child when you join a Homeschool Speakers League club. Dues, if paid annually, are $450. If you would prefer a month-to-month arrangement, you may opt to pay dues of $40 per month, year-round, until you withdraw from the club.

Why are monthly dues collected during the summer when the club doesn’t meet?

All of our dues are essentially annual. You can either pay $450 per year all at once, or $480 per year in $40/month increments. There are three reasons:

  1. We found that parents like the flexibility of a paying a smaller month-to-month figure.
  2. We found that stability in our membership and scheduling was enhanced by a year-round arrangement.
  3. We are able to keep our dues lower because there is less paperwork, staffing, and marketing involved in managing membership.

Is there a sibling discount?

Yes. Siblings receive a 10% discount on both registration and dues.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept payment through PayPal, but on that payment page is the option to pay with most major credit cards. If paying annually you may use these same methods, or cash, or check. Charters school funds accepted, as well (see next question).

Do you accept Charter School Funds?

Yes, we are an approved vendor for numerous charter schools including Compass, Excel College Prep Academy, Inspire, iLead, National University Academy, Peak Prep, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain, Summit, and Valiant. If you don’t see your charter listed, let us know and we will apply for approval.

First semester begins in September - $250
Second semester begins in mid-January - $250

No registration fees apply for charter school students. If you are joining mid-semester, request a prorated PO figure from us. Families of charter members who wish to secure ongoing their enrollment through summer break can choose to pay a $25 place holding fee. Without this fee your child will be considered a new student in the fall and may be subject to joining the waiting list if the class is full.

What do my class costs cover?

Any registration fees, tuition, or dues cover such items as room rentals, equipment and supplies, ribbons, staffing, videotaping, database entry, member handbooks, forms, etc.

How often does the club meet?

Most of our Speakers League clubs meet twice per month between September and May, plus our annual conference on the second Saturday in June.

Should I wait to join in September?

There is no difference in experience joining in September or any other month. It is commonplace for new members to join year-round. Membership goes up and down. The best time to join is when there is an opening in the club.

Do we have to come to every meeting?

No. However, if your child is scheduled for a role but unable to attend, it is customary to find a replacement.

How do we withdraw from the club?

You may withdraw your child from the club at any time by notifying the club Chairperson. Payments up to that point are non-refundable. Future scheduled payments are immediately halted. If fewer than 10 days before the next meeting, charters will be billed through the next meeting.

Do you offer financial aid?

If you feel that you could not otherwise participate in Speakers League without some financial assistance, we do make special arrangements for families that request it. Many of our students receive assistance. We want everyone to be able to partake of this great program! We offer partial scholarships, and they are based solely on need, not merit. To request a scholarship, we ask that the parent submit a statement in writing, or verbally, describing the reason assistance is desired, and what amount is requested. Members/parents who receive scholarship assistance may be asked to contribute volunteer time, on occasion.

When we’re ready to join, what should we do?

The quickest way is through our online enrollment portal at this link. (If you are requesting financial aid, contact us at the email or phone number at the bottom of this page, and a different ordering method will be used.)

What happens after my child joins?

Once you have paid and completed our online member data form, an automated, short series of emails will start to come to you to help your child get ready for the club. Your child will gain access to our training portal, where they can find training videos, quizzes, forms for meetings, and much more. A member handbook will be provided by mail or at the first meeting, and your child will be added to the club schedule which we will send a link to.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call or text us at 310-809-7507, or email doreen@socalspeechanddebate.com.

CAN'T FIND A CLUB IN YOUR AREA? HOW ABOUT STARTING ONE OF YOUR OWN! Click this link to find out how!