Spencer Chaisanguanthum, 16, of Tenafly, New Jersey, got involved in debate when he was in fourth grade. He loved participating in debate tournaments but was bothered by the high costs, from registration fees to the required attire. So he started Eloquence Academy, a nonprofit that provides free public speaking education for students in rural and underserved areas.
Q: What do you like about debate?
A: I’ve met people from all over the country. And it’s taught me so many skills. In class, I’m more comfortable raising my hand and offering a thought, even if I’m not sure if it’s right or if others will agree.
Q: What programs do you offer?
A: We do free debate classes and school programs, and we publish resources online so anyone can learn from them. And we do tournaments with significantly lower pricing than other national circuit tournaments.
Q: Do you believe Eloquence Academy is helping people?
A: It’s been a tremendous success. Right now we are in 40 states and 20 countries. One of my favorite programs is bringing debate into international rural schools. We’re one of the only organizations—if not the only one—teaching debate to students in Somaliland in Africa.
Q: Any public speaking advice?
A: You’re not only practicing public speaking when you’re at a podium in front of 500 people. Anytime you’re talking to one or two other people, those are moments in which you can practice and improve.
This interview was edited and condensed for length and clarity.)