Command The Room is...
our comprehensive communication program develops skill sets for young people to speak with confidence, listen with intention, and build genuine connections in our screen-dominated world. Students learn strategies about the art of face-to-face communication, how to handle difficult conversations, and how persuasion in communication can work in ethical and less ethical ways.
Mick Donahue
Command The Room - Course Overview for Parents
Course Structure
Duration: 40+ weeks total (with ongoing advanced opportunities)
Target Ages: 8-10, 11-13, and 14-16 (age-appropriate complexity adjustments)
Level 1 (8 weeks): Communication Foundation
Focus Areas and Skills: clear speaking, confident presentation, basic persuasion techniques, credible source sharing, opinion formation with evidence, problem-solving through dialogue, resilience in conversation, active listening, compelling questioning, social awareness, personal expression
Level 2 (8 weeks): Intermediate Communication
Focus Areas and Skills: communication style adaptation, handling challenges, argument strength evaluation, values-based connection, complex conversation navigation, collaborative solution building, style flexibility, graceful disagreement, personal authenticity, relationship building across differences
Level 3 (8 weeks): Advanced Communication
Focus Areas and Skills: research and evidence presentation, influence analysis, audience mastery, objection handling, ethical influence techniques, social dynamics, trust-building strategies, advanced persuasion, cultural sensitivity, group facilitation, sophisticated interpersonal skills
Level 4 (8 weeks): Communication Mastery
Focus Areas and Skills: advanced rhetorical techniques, advanced presentation, public speaking experience, multi-perspective communication, cross-cultural bridge-building, real world application, conversation leadership, complex viewpoint navigation, community impact creation, confident public presence
Level 5 (8+ weeks): Pro Communication & Student-Led Specialization
Focus Areas and Skills: student-chosen specialization (public speaking mastery, peer coaching, social bridge-building, digital leadership, community advocacy, cross-cultural communication), independent curriculum development, peer mentorship, community leadership, teaching others, specialized expertise development, sustainable relationship building
L5 students design their own specialized curriculum with mentor guidance, focusing on real-world communication challenges and creating positive impact through interpersonal leadership.
Course Curriculum:
Level 1 Topics
Level 2 Topics
Level 3 Topics
Level 4 Topics
Why This Program Works:
Session Structure
Every 55-minute class:
Real World Connection (5 min)
Key Question(s)/Topic Discussion (10 min)
Group & Individual Activities/Project Work (30 min)
Reflection and Next Steps (10 min)
Between sessions: Optional practice implementing communication techniques in real-life conversations and relationships
Ready to Start?
From learning to speak confidently in group settings to facilitating complex conversations and building bridges across differences, your child will develop both practical communication skills and the social confidence that creates meaningful, lasting relationships.