Debating & Public Speaking
From classroom debates to international competitions — discover public speaking, debating, and communication programmes for young people.
Your Debating & Public Speaking Journey
ESU, Model UN, and school debating societies provide pathways from first arguments to national and international competition.
First Voice
Ages 7-10
Speaking circles, show and tell skills, and structured discussion in a supportive environment.
The Theatre Club Northwood – LAMDA 1-to-1 Lessons Online (Zoom)
The Theatre Club Northwood
debatingThe Theatre Club Northwood – LAMDA Musical Theatre Exams (Monday 5–6pm, Northwood)
The Theatre Club Northwood
debatingTalkMaze – Public Speaking & Debate Coaching, Advanced Plan (48 Classes / 12 Months, Ages 5–17, Online)
TalkMaze
debatingJunior Debating
Ages 10-13
School debating club, ESU Junior competitions, and first impromptu speaking.
The Theatre Club Northwood – LAMDA 1-to-1 Lessons Online (Zoom)
The Theatre Club Northwood
debatingThe Theatre Club Northwood – LAMDA Musical Theatre Exams (Monday 5–6pm, Northwood)
The Theatre Club Northwood
debatingTalkMaze – Public Speaking & Debate Coaching, Advanced Plan (48 Classes / 12 Months, Ages 5–17, Online)
TalkMaze
debatingCompetitive Debating
Ages 13-15
British Parliamentary format, regional competitions, and Model UN conferences.
The Theatre Club Northwood – LAMDA 1-to-1 Lessons Online (Zoom)
The Theatre Club Northwood
debatingThe Theatre Club Northwood – LAMDA Musical Theatre Exams (Monday 5–6pm, Northwood)
The Theatre Club Northwood
debatingTalkMaze – Public Speaking & Debate Coaching, Advanced Plan (48 Classes / 12 Months, Ages 5–17, Online)
TalkMaze
debatingNational Level
Ages 15-17
ESU National Championships, Schools World Debate, and national Model UN conferences.
The Theatre Club Northwood – LAMDA 1-to-1 Lessons Online (Zoom)
The Theatre Club Northwood
debatingThe Theatre Club Northwood – LAMDA Musical Theatre Exams (Monday 5–6pm, Northwood)
The Theatre Club Northwood
debatingTalkMaze – Public Speaking & Debate Coaching, Advanced Plan (48 Classes / 12 Months, Ages 5–17, Online)
TalkMaze
debatingInternational
Ages 17-18
World Schools Debating Championships, international MUN, and university debating preparation.
The Theatre Club Northwood – LAMDA 1-to-1 Lessons Online (Zoom)
The Theatre Club Northwood
debatingThe Theatre Club Northwood – LAMDA Musical Theatre Exams (Monday 5–6pm, Northwood)
The Theatre Club Northwood
debatingTalkMaze – Public Speaking & Debate Coaching, Advanced Plan (48 Classes / 12 Months, Ages 5–17, Online)
TalkMaze
debating
Where Debating & Public Speaking Can Take You
The skills developed transfer to many careers in and around the field.
Barrister
Advocating in courts and tribunals
Key Skills
Typical Route
Law degree → Bar course → Pupillage → Tenancy → KC
Politician
Representing constituents and making policy
Key Skills
Typical Route
Party involvement → Councillor → Parliamentary candidate → MP
Public Relations
Managing communications and reputation
Key Skills
Typical Route
PR assistant → Account executive → Manager → Director
Public Speaking Coach
Helping others become confident speakers
Key Skills
Typical Route
Speaking experience → Coaching training → Private practice
Salary data from Office for National Statistics, Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2024
Debating & Public Speaking Heroes
These stars started at local clubs just like yours. Their journeys show what's possible.
Shami Chakrabarti CBE
Debating
Liberty Director, Shadow Attorney General, House of Lords
“Debating gave me the confidence to argue for what is right in the face of power.”
Rory Stewart
Debating
Former MP, Oxford Union President, governor of two Afghan provinces
“The Oxford Union taught me that every argument has a counter. Humility in debate is a virtue.”
Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE
Public Speaking
Stephen Lawrence Foundation, changed British race law
“I found my voice through grief. Speaking truth to power changes things. Never be silenced.”
Baroness Helena Kennedy KC
Public Speaking
Leading barrister, House of Lords, champion of access to justice and free speech
“Debating taught me that words are power. Every young person who learns to argue well gains a tool for life.”
Featured Debating & Public Speaking Providers
These organisations offer structured programmes for young people across the UK.
Lite Regal Education
29 programmes
Summer school programmes in London, Cambridge and Oxford for ages 10-18. Courses in STEM, medicine, law, business, creative arts and more.
View provider page →Sample Programmes
Public Speaking and Debate (Ages 13-15)
📍 London
Ages 13–15
Public Speaking & Debate (Ages 15-18)
📍 London
Ages 15–18
Find Debating & Public Speaking Near You
Search by location, age, or programme type to find clubs and courses in your area.