YOUR VOICe: public speaking for kids

Famously, Americans' number one fear is public speaking while death only ranks number two. If that's so, this profound fear probably starts at an early age. In our Public Speaking class, we take the fear out of speaking before an audience by getting kids talking in front a supportive group about things in which they are interested. They write speeches on subjects of their choice and practice delivering them to the assembled students. As the kids practice in this low-pressure environment, they learn skills like standing up tall, using a loud voice and making eye contact. We also watch famous and not-so-famous public speakers and critique what is successful and unsuccessful in their deliveries. The class concludes with students creating a TV news broadcast in which they serve as anchors. 

In this class, students will:

• Give speeches on topics that are important to them
• Learn "do's and don'ts" in public speaking
• Watch and critique the speeches of historic figures
• Participate in debates on kid-friendly topics
• Help their fellow classmates with their own public-speaking skills
• Play fun speaking games that will make public speaking less scary
• Give presentations using Powerpoint
• Give presentations using visual aides
• Give a final speech to invited families

Class Specifications:

• 12-hour program (can be extended upon request)
• Your Voice can be implemented as an after-school program, summer camp or in-class project
• Purchase includes teacher training, unlimited support as program is implemented, lesson plan, powerpoints, project guides, teacher videos and marketing materials