I did! My curriculum has been inspired by multiple sources, but most importantly, from my own personal experience studying communications and working in the radio industry for nearly 18 years. Additional resources include: Mr. David Yastremski’s (incredible, outstanding, award-winning!) speech & debate program at Ridge High School where I am fortunate enough to be both an alumna and a coach, Steve Meadows’ National Speech & Debate Association Public Speaking Course Guide, "Speak Out! Debate and Public Speaking in the Middle Grades" by Kate Shuster & John Meany, and various internet articles/videos.
I developed my curriculum alongside my mother, who was an educator in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school system for 37 years. She also holds two Master’s Degrees, one of which focuses on the different types of learners. I am certain my curriculum encompasses the skills your child needs to become a more confident, charismatic and compelling speaker.
If your child needs help preparing for an interview or a forensics competition, you do not need to enroll in a course; I am happy to offer a la carte sessions. Please note I am unable to coach high schoolers who might be competing against the Ridge High School speech & debate team, as it would be a conflict of interest.
It’s all good! I want your child to feel comfortable in my class, so no hard feelings if you choose to move on. After our first session, you have until 24 hours before your second session to withdraw from the class, and you will be refunded for hours 2-8.
Any cancellations must be made at least 12 hours before the scheduled appointment, either via email loren@lorenraye.com or call/text at (908) 419-9536. If your child is late for a session, the session will still end at the scheduled time. You will not be prorated or refunded for the session, nor will you be able to make up the session. If you miss class without advance notice, you will not be entitled to a refund or a make-up session.
My family is the most important thing to me. Please help me keep them healthy. Any last-minute cancellations due to illness or emergencies will be made up on the date specified for your particular session.
Please arrive no more than 5 minutes early for class. Any families who pick up 5 minutes late more than once will be charged a late pick-up fee of $20 per incident.
You will receive a personalized Google doc once class starts. It will be updated after each class with syllabus info, student feedback and a link to their final speech performance.
I am! In order to coach the Ridge High School Forensics Team, I had to obtain my substitute certification. That also means I've been fingerprinted and background checked by the State of New Jersey.
It depends on your class. It will be clearly listed under the "Class Info" tab. We'll practice either at my home near Cedar Hill School in Basking Ridge, or at Dance Local in Bernardsville.
You will receive an invoice via Ludus upon registration. You can choose to avoid processing fees by paying me via PayPal or check. Otherwise, you are welcome to pay online while registering.
PayPal: loren@lorenraye.com
Check made out to: Badass Chick Productions, Inc. Mailing address provided on invoice.
Please note if you choose the "pay later" option to save on processing fees (I hate them too - I would do the same!), your spot is only held for 14 days and not confirmed until payment is received.
That's the name of my S-CORP, and your payment will likely show up that way on your credit card statement.
My online course was created specifically to give students an overview of the six essential skills of public speaking. While I offer worksheets, exercises, observations and demonstrations, it is not the same as working with me live, and is not a suitable replacement for the whole Public Speaking 101 course. However, if you're unable to work with me live, it serves as an excellent self-paced option to enhance your basic skills! Learn more here.