In the one-cycle Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion journey, mentees will develop essential skills in public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking. Through engaging activities and interactive discussions, participants will learn to craft persuasive speeches, construct well-reasoned arguments, and present their ideas with confidence. They will explore techniques for effective communication, refine their ability to think critically under pressure, and practice responding to diverse perspectives in a structured setting.
Mentees will learn how to persuade audiences on issues that matter to them. By the end of the journey, they will not only gain confidence in self-expression and analytical thinking but also develop and deliver a final speech that showcases their growth in civil discourse and persuasive communication.
Learning Objectives
- Express Yourself Authentically – Develop confidence in public speaking by using your voice unapologetically to share your ideas, experiences, and perspectives. Build a strong presence, speak with clarity and conviction, and master persuasive communication by appealing to emotions, ethics, and logic to effectively engage any audience.
- Think Critically and Improvisationally – Develop strong argumentation techniques by constructing well-reasoned arguments using logic, evidence, and rhetorical strategies. Strengthen your ability to analyze different perspectives, adapt quickly, and respond effectively in the moment while refining active listening skills to engage thoughtfully and meaningfully in discussions.
- Strengthen Your Persuasive Communication – Develop clarity and organization in your ideas, effectively critique arguments, and support your points with well-researched evidence. Enhance your fluency in rhetorical language to communicate persuasively and confidently in any setting.
- Empower Women and Gender-Expansive Youth – Build awareness of global events and develop the skills to engage in civil discourse thoughtfully and respectfully, even in challenging situations. Strengthen your ability to be heard, taken seriously, and advocate for yourself and others with confidence and clarity.
Requirements
- 2 pair sessions per month
- Attend all live Journey Meetings (see the Engagement Dates section below)
- Complete all lessons and assignments provided in the course
- Develop and present a polished speech (see the Submissions section below)
- Record a 2 min. speech at the beginning and at the end of the cycle
- Participate in the final showcase
Asynchronous Coursework
Complete each lesson in the the following course. As you progress through each lesson, make sure to press complete before moving on to the next.
- The Art of Civil Discourse (Summer 2025)
This course explores how to engage in respectful, thoughtful, and productive conversations, even on difficult or controversial topics. Participants will develop active listening skills, learn to express their perspectives with clarity and empathy, and practice techniques for fostering meaningful dialogue in diverse settings.
Engagement Dates
Participants will attend one Journey Live Meetings each month as part of the course for the cycle. Additionally, you can schedule 1:1 office hours with the Journey Instructor for individual assistance as needed.
The cycle will conclude with a Presentation Celebration.
Summer Cycle Journey Meetings:
Saturday, July 12th, 1 pm ET
Saturday, August 9th, 1 pm ET
Saturday, September 13th, 1 pm ET
Summer Cycle Presentation Celebration:
September 27th, 1 pm ET
Submissions
- Record a 2 min. speech at the beginning and at the end of the cycle that you upload to this folder.
- Construct and Deliver a Final Speech – Develop and present a polished speech that demonstrates growth in persuasion, argumentation, and public speaking. Submit your speech through the submissions section in the portal.
