Event description
Parma Agorà of the Word promotes young people's political and social participation through a programme devoted to classical rhetoric and the culture of public debate. Designed for students in the final three years of upper-secondary school, it develops argumentation skills, active listening, critical thinking and civic responsibility. Rhetoric is presented not simply as a technique of persuasion, but as a tool for informed communication and democratic dialogue, capable of strengthening young people's agency and improving the quality of participation in public life.
The programme follows the structure of ancient rhetorical education by combining theory, practice and public performance. It includes eight lessons on rhetoric, argumentation, listening and ethical dialogue; two sessions in which PhD candidates and university students support participants in writing their speeches; and a CAPAS workshop on the bodily and gestural dimensions of communication. The project culminates in a public simulation, hosted in the City Council chamber, of a debate on a youth-policy proposal. Divided into two groups, students argue for and against its adoption, after which a panel of experts provides critical and formative feedback on their performances.