Wondering how to teach your children public speaking skills? Here are some tips and ideas to get you started with public speaking education.
Public Speaking is a very important skill to learn. Throughout life, you use it in a lot of different situations:
- Giving speeches (whether it’s while running for student office or toasting the bride and groom at a wedding).
- Answering or asking questions in class
- Giving instructions at your job
- Being a teacher or coach
- Being a leader
- Speaking up about something important
- Going on interviews (for jobs, internships, and more)
In other words, public speakings skills can open a lot of doors in life. It can also help you improve your general oral communication skills, making it easy for you to speak your mind and convey messages exactly as you intend. Last, but not least, it can be a great way to boost confidence, self-esteem, and even charisma.
So what are some fun and engaging ways to teach your kids the art of public speaking?
Here are a few ideas to help teach public speaking:
Watch TED Talks and other speeches
Learn from masters of public speaking by watching some interesting TED talks or other speeches that will keep your child’s attention engaged. Tell your child to notice the ways that the speaker keeps the crowd engrossed – including their pitch, tone, volume, pacing, body movement, hand gestures, and anything else that stands out. Also have them pay attention to whether and how the speaker gets the audience involved throughout their speech.
Start or Join a Speech/Debate Club
Being an active member of a speech or debate club can be a great way to develop public speaking skills (and meet other people with that same goal). If there isn’t a speech or debate club at your child’s school or in your area, consider starting one.
Take a Toastmasters Course
Toastmasters International is a global organization that helps members improve their public speaking skills so that they can speak fluent, confidently, and with quick thinking in front of a crowd. While membership is limited to people who are at least 18 years old, they do offer a Youth Leadership Program for school-age children. The eight-session program is run by local members of ToastMasters and follow a similar format as Toastmasters meetings. Visit the Toastmasters International Website to learn more.
Get Involved in Theater
Is there a local or school theater group? If so, encourage your child to audition for a role. Being in a stage production can be a fun way to express creativity, practice public speaking skills, and make friends. And who knows – maybe your child will discover a love of performing arts!
Practice Monologues
Not quite ready to get on a big stage? Why not do something in your own home. Have your child memorize their favorite monologues from book, TV, or movies and act it out in the living room. Have more than one child? Have them act out a scene together.
Start a Youtube Channel
This new generation of kids often have one thing in common – a love of Youtube. In fact, many Generation Z kids express a desire to become a Youtuber. Starting a Youtube channel where your child creates content for others to watch can be a less nerve-racking way to become used to speaking to an audience.
Show-and-Tell
Last, but not least, invite your child to get in front of a group of people and talk about something important to them. They can show of a physical item, share a skill they have, or discuss a topic they love.
These are just a few ideas for how to teach your child public speaking skills. To teach your kids over 500 other life skills, enroll your family as Skill Trekkers. Our customizable program has two different membership options and either one is great for the whole family. Visit our website to learn more!
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