By Julia Cooper

Joe Hu/Town Crier Communication Academy’s debate instructor Karen Williams asks parents to vote for or against a mock stem cell initiative offered by students who participated in a debate. The initiative passed by one vote.

Watch out, Toastmasters. Los Altos children won’t be intimidated by the idea of public speaking if Communication Academy has anything to say about it.

The Cupertino-based company teaches children speech and debate skills, partnering with Bay Area recreation departments to offer classes for improved communication. The Los Altos Recreation Department held Communication Academy camps this summer at Hillview Community Center.

Many list public speaking as their number one fear, according to academy Director Jackson Chow, who added it’s scarier than death for some.

“At a funeral service, people would rather lie in a casket than say a eulogy,” Chow said.

Communication Academy classes, which average about 12 students, include debate, public speaking, creative writing and grammar and composition for kids ages 5 to 14.

“We’re here to help students communicate better,” Chow said.

Chow created Communication Academy in 2002 after his son expressed an interest in a law career but had trouble finding a communications instructor. The lack of teachers inspired Chow to assemble a half-day communications camp.

“Kids like to voice their opinions, but here they are learning how to voice them in a way that is strong,” said instructor Karen Williams.

Williams taught debate camp for 11- to 14-year-olds at Hillview Aug. 7 - 11. Children learned how to form arguments, research topics and rebut opponent’s ideas. Students choose their own debate topics, including abortion, sweatshop labor and stem cells.

“We tend to draw very intellectual students just because of the area we are in,” Chow said.

The most enjoyable aspect of debate camp for many children was the chance to rebut opponents’ arguments. Santa Rita student Vik Bhagat was so eager to state his case that it was challenging to stay patient.

“You need to wait to shoot down someone when they make a mistake,” Bhagat said.

With the debate format the camp follows, kids learn how to argue for both sides, which provided additional challenges.

“It’s hard to argue for a side you don’t believe in,” Evan Reed said.

Classes also focus on the physical properties of speaking, like body language, gestures and eye contact, in addition to speech content.

Communication Academy will hold classes this fall at Hillview, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos.

For a schedule, call 947-2790 or visit www.ci.los-altos.ca.us/recreation. For more information about Communication Academy call 408-777-8876 or visit www.communicationacademy.com.