🎤 Speech & Debate · Bellevue, WA

Build Confidence.
Find Your Voice.

We inspire kids to develop public speaking skills in a positive, supportive environment — building confidence, communication, and the courage to express their ideas.

4+
Years of Debate
2
Expert Coaches
Aug '25
Summer Camp
Gr 3–8
Students Served
Why choose us

Coached by students who've been there

We're not just coaches — we're current high school debaters who started exactly where your student is now. We know what works.

🏆

Proven Track Record

State-level competitors in LD, Policy, Public Forum, and Parliamentary debate — including Washington State National Qualifiers placements.

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Peer-to-Peer Learning

Learning from coaches who recently competed at the same level creates a more relatable, effective, and encouraging experience.

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Personalized Feedback

Small class sizes mean every student gets real, actionable feedback tailored to their skill level and learning style.

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Public Speaking Skills

From structuring a speech to controlling nerves on stage, we build skills that help students in school and beyond debate.

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Supportive Environment

We believe every student can find their voice. Our workshops are designed to be encouraging, inclusive, and fun.

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Local & Accessible

Based in Bellevue, WA — partnering with local schools like Northwest Chinese School to bring quality debate training to our community.

📅 August 10–14, 2025

Speech & Debate Summer Camp

A one-week intensive at Northwest Chinese School's Bellevue location. Two sessions designed for different grade levels — from first-time speakers to aspiring debaters.

Our Story

Who We Are

Academy for Young Voices was founded by two Newport High School debaters who wanted to share what they've learned — and give back to the community that shaped them.

Our goal is to inspire kids from a young age to develop and explore their public speaking skills. For us, it's all about creating a positive and supportive environment for everyone to build confidence, strengthen communication, and learn how to express their ideas with courage.


We've both competed in speech and debate since middle school, and today we volunteer as coaches for middle schoolers while continuing to compete at the high school level. We started this academy because we believe every student deserves access to quality debate training — and we know exactly what it takes to grow from a nervous beginner into a confident speaker.

Meet the Coaches
H
Hannah Li
Co-Founder · Head Coach

Hannah is a student at Newport High School with 3 years of speech and debate experience. She has competed in Lincoln-Douglas and Policy Debate formats, placing 2nd at Washington State's National Qualifiers for Policy and attending the WIAA State Tournament. During the locals season, she debated both LD and Policy formats and participated in Impromptu Speaking. Hannah started speech in 5th grade and debate at Newport High School.

Outside of debate, Hannah plays piano and has competed in the PNW Chopin Festival, Sona-Fest, and SYAMFA. She also enjoys swimming.

Lincoln-Douglas Policy Impromptu WA State Qualifier
Y
Yuqi Liu
Co-Founder · Head Coach

Yuqi is a student at Newport High School with 4 years of debate experience across Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, and Parliamentary formats. She placed top 8 at Washington State's National Qualifiers for Lincoln-Douglas and earned top placements at multiple local tournaments. She also participated in Informative Speaking for the past year. Yuqi first started debating at Tyee Middle School as a 6th grader, where she placed as top speaker with a winning record.

Outside of debate, Yuqi enjoys air riffling and figure skating.

Lincoln-Douglas Public Forum Parliamentary WA State Top 8
Our Values

What We Stand For

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Critical Thinking

Debate teaches students to analyze arguments from every angle, question assumptions, and form well-reasoned opinions independently.

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Confident Communication

We build skills that go far beyond debate rounds — presentations, interviews, class discussions, and everyday leadership.

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Inclusive Community

We're committed to making speech and debate accessible and welcoming to every student, regardless of experience level.

Summer 2025

Speech & Debate Workshop

This August, we're partnering with Northwest Chinese School for a one-week speech and debate intensive in Bellevue, WA. Two sessions — designed for different grade levels.

📍 Northwest Chinese School · Bellevue, WA

Summer Debate Camp 2025

A one-week workshop with sessions tailored to your child's grade level. Students will develop real speaking and debate skills in a fun, encouraging environment — coached by experienced high school debaters.

📅 DatesAugust 10 – 14, 2025
📍 LocationNorthwest Chinese School, Bellevue
👦 Grades3 – 8
Two Sessions Available
Grades 3 – 4

Speech Workshop

This one-week class is the perfect place to improve your ability to plan, structure, and present speeches with confidence! Students will develop invaluable public speaking skills in a supportive setting.

Time: 10:00 – 11:45 AM
📅 Dates: August 10 – 14, 2025
🎯 Focus: Speech planning, structure & delivery
👦 For: Grades 3 – 4
Grades 5 – 8

Speech & Debate Workshop

Build essential public speaking and debate skills in this engaging one-week workshop! Strengthen your ability to plan, organize, and confidently deliver speeches while developing persuasive communication techniques.

Time: 1:30 – 3:45 PM
📅 Dates: August 10 – 14, 2025
🎯 Focus: Debate skills & persuasive communication
👦 For: Grades 5 – 8
Curriculum

What Students Will Learn

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Public Speaking Fundamentals

Delivery, eye contact, pacing, and stage presence — the core skills every great speaker needs.

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Speech Structure

How to plan, outline, and organize a speech that is clear, compelling, and easy to follow.

Argumentation & Logic

Building strong arguments, identifying weaknesses in opposing views, and reasoning clearly under pressure.

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Research Skills

Finding credible sources, evaluating evidence, and using facts to support persuasive claims.

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Practice Rounds

Simulated debate rounds with real-time feedback from coaches in a low-pressure, encouraging setting.

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Confidence Building

Skills and habits that translate beyond debate — into school presentations, leadership, and everyday life.

Learning Hub

Debate Resources

Free guides and links to help you start — or sharpen — your debate journey, curated by our coaches.

🌱 Getting Started

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Beginner's Guide to Debate

An introduction to what debate is, why it matters, and how to get involved.

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Debate Formats Explained (LD, PF, Policy, Parli)

A quick-reference breakdown of the most common competitive debate formats.

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How to Write a Constructive Speech

Step-by-step walkthrough for planning and delivering your first constructive speech.

⚡ Skill Building

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Argumentation & Common Fallacies

Learn how to build airtight arguments and spot weaknesses in your opponent's case.

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Cross-Examination Strategies

Tips and tactics for asking smart questions and staying composed under pressure.

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Research & Evidence Guide

How to find, evaluate, and cite evidence effectively in competitive debate rounds.

🔗 Useful External Links

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NSDA — National Speech & Debate Association

Official rules, current topics, and resources for competitive speech and debate.

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Northwest Chinese School

Our partner school hosting the August 2025 summer camp in Bellevue, WA.

Get In Touch

Contact Us

Feel free to reach out with any questions about our programs, summer camp, or coaching!

Ways to Reach Us

📍
Location Bellevue, WA
📅
Summer Camp August 10–14, 2025 · Northwest Chinese School

🏕️ Interested in the Summer Camp?

Email us with your child's name, grade, and any prior speech or debate experience and we'll get back to you with registration details!

Send a Message