National Level Speech and Debate Coach

Scott W.

Debate

I specialize in coaching middle and high school students in speech and debate. I was the assistant coach at Claremont High School for 5 years, and the assistant coach at El Roble Intermediate School (a Jr High) also for 5 years. I guided the debate teams at Claremont High to state and national recognition. In my 5 years, my LD, PuFo, and WSD entries to NSDA Nationals have continued to elimination rounds. A few student achievements: LD debater 5th at NSDA Nationals, WSD team went to octos finals, PuFo was also in octafinals. My teams have won many tournament championships and the past three years under my guidance Claremont High has recieved the Excellence in Debate sweepstakes awards at Nationals. I have over fifteen years of experience as both a competitive coach and private instructor, I’ve guided students to success at district, state, and national tournaments. My expertise spans events has an emphasis on clarity, authenticity, and structured argumentation. I create a supportive learning environment that empowers each student to find their unique voice and express ideas with confidence.

Public Speaking

I specialize in coaching middle and high school students in speech, debate, and public speaking, helping them develop persuasive writing, confident delivery, and critical thinking skills. With over fifteen years of experience as both a competitive coach and private instructor, I’ve guided students to success at district, state, and national tournaments. My expertise spans events such as Original Oratory, Informative Speaking, and Extemporaneous Speaking, with an emphasis on clarity, authenticity, and structured argumentation. I create a supportive learning environment that empowers each student to find their unique voice and express ideas with confidence.

Speech

For over a decade, I’ve coached middle school and high school students in competitive speech and debate, helping them develop clarity, confidence, and strong analytical thinking. I am an alumnus of the Claremont High School Speech & Debate program, where I competed nationally, and I now serve as the head assistant coach for the same team. In this role, I coach students across multiple events including Congressional Debate, World Schools Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking, Original Oratory, Informative, and Interpretation events. My background also includes extensive experience guiding students through high-stakes tournaments such as NIETOC, NSDA Nationals, and CHSSA State. My coaching style is supportive, structured, and highly individualized. I specialize in helping students build strong argumentation, organize their thoughts, and use rhetoric effectively in both prepared and impromptu settings. Many of my students come to me for help with anxiety, pacing, fluency, delivery, and overall confidence, and I use targeted drills and personalized feedback to help them grow quickly. Whether a student is preparing for tournament competition, class presentations, interviews, or general public speaking skills, I design each lesson around their strengths, goals, and learning style. Above all, I’m committed to helping students find their voice — loud, clear, and authentic. My coaching is rooted in real competitive experience, professional communication training, and years of working with students of all skill levels. I take pride in helping young speakers become more articulate, confident, and empowered communicators.