I am an experienced Speech and Debate coach who specializes in Congressional, Lincoln-Douglas, and Parliamentary style debates in addition to Extemporaneous and Interpretive speaking categories. I also have significant experience with Public-Forum and Policy Debate in addition to Original Oratory and Declamation.
As an academic tutor, I strive to make my students comfortable with and excited about large projects with complex topics. While this naturally applies to debate, I apply this same strategy while teaching writing, history, philosophy, or religious studies.
I have been a member of the National Speech and Debate Association since 2009. In high school, I competed in both speech and debate categories at national, state, regional, and invitational competitions. Since 2013, I have coached students at the high school and middle school levels and served as a for-hire judge in various leagues around the country (including the NJFL, CFL, PSSDL, OMSSDL, NSDL). I have offered 1:1 private debate coaching for about a year. See what my students have said about my coaching below!
” Patient, Upbeat, Professional”
Parliamentary Debate
“…D is extremely patient, consistently supportive in tone, and does a great job in teaching with a more Socratic method as opposed to spoon-feeding the information. They have discussed the reliability of source material, logical formation of arguments, debate strategies, and practiced public speaking…”
-7 lessons
“Patient and enthusiastic”
Storytelling, Prose, Interpretation
“…public speaking and story telling. D is quite experienced, with a solid background in speech competition. The kids are progressing well and learning good techniques. In person or online lessons are available and the rates are reasonable.”
-12 Lessons
“Knowledgeable and Communicates really well”
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
“…is guiding my kid on LD debate. My daughter looks forward to each of her sessions and is excited and confident to participate in competition…”
-10 Lessons
D M Cicchiello 