Age range 10+ Welcome to the world of school debating and public speaking, the best training ground for speaking, reasoning, arguing and looking critically at the big issues of today. Claire Duffy not only demystifies the process of debating and public speaking, but makes it fun by drawing on her many years of experience working directly with students, using language to which they relate. Learn all about the best way to prepare, the persuasive power of reason, the art of argument and rebuttal, and how to lose graciously. Including tips from the pros and a wealth of examples throughout, this guide is the essential handbook for making every spoken word count.

An essential handbook to the world of school debating and public speaking that will guide students, parents, and teachers through the art of reasoning, arguing, and thinking critically about big issues. Claire Duffy demystifies and entertains as she teaches public speaking with confidence, passion, and persuasiveness.

Age range 12+ Do you ever think about the structure and arrangement of what you say and write? And why it’s said and written like that and not some other how? Has anyone ever asked you to catch a red big ball? No. Because in English we would say ‘big red ball’. Why is that? After the success of her bestselling The Australian Schoolkids’ Guide to Debating and Public Speaking, Claire Duffy turns her hand to helping students write well. In this easy-to-use and fun guide to writing and grammar, children (aged 12+), their parents and teachers will learn all they need to know about the elements of grammar, punctuation, spelling and sentence construction. With practical tips and helpful step-by-step examples, this book will help students master everything from apostrophes to essay writing. ‘Any mention of grammar, punctuation and spelling can make students take fright. This clear and cheerful guide makes writing easy and will soothe any fear or dread.’ — Sue Butler AO, former editor of Macquarie Dictionary

Offers students an overview of the world schools style of debating, with expert advice for every stage of the process, including preparation, rebuttal, style, reply speeches, and points of information.

Everything students, parents, and teachers need to know about debating and public speaking. Welcome to the world of school debating and public speaking, the best training ground for developing self-esteem and learning to look critically at big issues. Speaking well builds confidence and opens up a world of opportunity, in education, leadership, careers, and community and political engagement. In an increasingly competitive world, being a convincing, passionate, and persuasive speaker is essential to standing out from the crowd. Claire Duffy not only demystifies the process but makes it fun. Learn all about the best ways to prepare for a debate or speech, the persuasive power of reason, the art of argument and rebuttal, and, when worse comes to worst, how to be gracious in defeat. Including practical tips from the pros and helpful step-by-step examples, this is the essential handbook for making every spoken word count.