Students’ Testimonials
Speech has given me opportunities to have conversations with people from cultures outside of my own, as well as to prove my ability to represent myself and my community in the face of controversy and disagreement. Over the last four years, speech has not only taught me professional public speaking, but also confidence, how to hold meaningful conversations, and how to take criticism effectively. Outside of competitions, I have been offered stages to share my words with industry professionals and audiences beyond the speech world — a significant step on my journey to Harvard. Speech is an important activity for your future. It offers meaningful tools and opens up life-changing pathways and opportunities.
Isabelle Appelwick
J.Z., Crofton School (Vancouver, Canada)
While being coached by Ivan, I always felt immersed in learning... His fun games, activities, and supportive feedback helped me improve my debating and public speaking tremendously.
B.T., Deerfield Academy (Deerfield, USA )
The aspect that sets Coach Ivan apart from most other coaches I’ve worked with is the level of detail his teaching delves into. Not only did I receive a comprehensive public speaking and debate program, but I also gained a deep education in history, politics, and economics. Coach Ivan’s feedback was more akin to lectures, teaching me topics ranging from North African colonialism to Kenyan economics. I attribute a large part of my success in debate, as well as in my academics at school, to this kind of holistic education.
O.W., Shanghai American School (Shanghai, China)
Coach Ivan’s talent goes far beyond his outstanding ability to teach debate fundamentals, it is his ability to motivate students to become passionate in debate. In my 5 year long debating journey, Coach Ivan was the one that made me enjoy the activity that I initially did for stronger speaking skills. He will not disappoint through his unique methods of coaching that focuses on making debate as fun as possible fostered through years of dedication to his craft. Many coaches can teach you how to debate, but few, like Coach Ivan, can truly make you love debate, and I believe that is the most valuable aspect.