Debating Coach

• Programme Dates: 5 July – 16 July, 20 July – 31 July, 4 August – 15 August
• Number of Positions: 1
• Compensation: £25-30 per hour (depending on experience)
• Contract Type: Short-term
• Total
  
  Hours:
  
  30 hours across the summer

The Debating Coach will be contracted to deliver coaching across all three programmes, with the number of hours varying per cohort based on the size and structure of each competition cycle.

Through OSP, students gain the exceptional opportunity to engage in debating sessions. Under the guidance of experienced mentors and guest speakers, participants develop confidence, clarity of thought, and persuasive communication skills. These sessions encourage intellectual curiosity and respectful discourse, allowing students to exchange ideas in the very chambers where global leaders, thinkers, and changemakers have spoken.

Deliver effective debating instruction per programme, following a three-session structure that includes foundational training, applied practice, and final competitive debates.

Introduce students to the purpose and ground rules of debating, highlighting respect, sensitivity, and intellectual curiosity.

Guide students through:

• Watching and analysing a model debate speech
• Understanding debate substance (types of debates, forming arguments)
• Participating in group exercises where teams identify debate types and construct initial arguments
• Facilitate reflective discussion and group feedback.

Teach students collaborative preparation strategies, including actor analysis, anticipating rebuttals, and structuring team arguments.

Run multiple rounds of timed preparation sessions where:

• Students receive a motion
• Teams allocate roles and prepare in 15 minutes
• Different team members deliver one‑minute speeches
• Other teams provide feedback
• Each round focuses on a different skill (e.g., crafting an effective introduction).
• Close with group reflection and briefing for the finals.

• Lead three final debates, applying consistent rules and providing fair, constructive adjudication.
• Offer holistic feedback to teams and individual speakers.

Support students in developing argument formulation, critical thinking, lateral analysis, strategic planning, and confident public speaking.

Ensure debating remains respectful and intellectually safe.

Reinforce the importance of kindness, sensitivity, and constructive engagement—especially when addressing controversial topics or positions students may not personally support.

Request and review student lists to pre-assign balanced groups for all debating sessions.

Maintain consistent groupings to support teamwork, familiarity, and progressive skill-building.

Create and share slides ahead of sessions to promote active listening, fostering a more conversational and interactive environment.

Offer actionable feedback at every stage—from exercises to prep rounds to final debates.

With OSP’s approval, share follow‑up resources to help students continue exploring debating after the programme.

Uphold OSP’s safeguarding standards, monitor student welfare throughout sessions, and escalate any concerns promptly.

• Debate Training Sessions: 6 hours total
• Debating Competition: 3 hours
• Debate Training Sessions: 8 hours total
• Debating Competition: 4 hours
• Training Sessions: 6 hours total
• Debating Competition: 3 hours

• Strong and comprehensive understanding of debating principles and practice
• A genuine passion for helping students grow and improve
• Strong organisational abilities and attention to detail
• Confidence when delivering sessions to large groups
• Flexibility, patience, and a supportive approach to coaching
• The capability to design high-quality presentations and learning materials
• Comfort working with young students across a range…