Public Speaking

Service Description

This class is designed to help children ages 10-14 develop the tools and confidence necessary to speak well in public. While learning to articulate themselves well to others, students will also enhance their critical thinking skills, memory, concentration, and develop tools to navigate the fear and anxiety associated with public speaking. Children who are hesitant to speak publicly are especially encouraged to take this class, as students will gradually get used to speaking in front of other people. The class will be divided into four sections: Section 1: Listening and Organization (weeks 1-4) In the first few weeks of class we will watch videos of successful public speakers, play games, and break into small groups. Through these activities, students will learn skills of active listening and understanding, as well as how to organize and outline a speech. Section 2: Speaking as a Performance (weeks 4-8) Once the students are comfortable speaking in front of one or two students, we will move on to a section on poetry. In this section, we will discuss the art of performing a speech. We will again watch videos of successful performances of poems and engage in a fun improv workshop! This section will culminate in students reciting rehearsed poems in front of the class. Section 3: Nonverbal Communication (weeks 9-11) This section picks up on theme of body language, something we will have already touched upon in Section 2. To engage this topic, we will watch and dissect some silent movies. Students will then work in groups to write and film their own silent movie! Section 4: Putting it all together (weeks 12-15) In this last section, students will begin brainstorming for their final "You in a Box" speech, which will be performed for parents during the final week of the semester.