Does your child or teen enjoy speaking or performing in front of others?  This class is for students (ages 9 -14) with ADVANCED public speaking skills.  They will learn about practice public speaking skills through delivery of different types of speeches. Students develop an outline for delivering speeches.  I provide students with an outline for each speech which includes (1) a clear introduction, (2) main points that support a topic, and (3) a strong conclusion with a call to action:  

Week #1 - ALL ABOUT ME SPEECH:  Learners will skillfully introduce themselves to others and craft a quality speech about themselves.

Week #2 - INTERVIEW SKILLS:  Learners will ask and respond to questions as they create and answer interview questions.  They will work in pairs to compose questions and practice interview skills.

Weeks #3 & #4 - INFORMATIONAL SPEECH with PRESENTATION SLIDES:  Learners will create a fact-based presentation using PowerPoint or Google slides.  They design a slide presentation that limits words and includes effective images and colors.

Week #5 - STORYTELLING without a NET:  Learners will master the art of storytelling without a script.  They will speak with expression and vocal variety skills (including volume, pitch, tempo) using props and gestures.

Week #6 - USING HUMOR in a SPEECH:  Learners will use clever words and images that connect humor to the topic of their speech.

Week #7 - IMPROVISATION:  Learners will speak with expression and use props to decrease use of filler words through improvisation activities.

Week #8 - MOTIVATIONAL STORYTELLING SPEECH:  Learners will practice personal storytelling skills by creating a speech about a personal experience.  

Week #9 - PREPARE A TEDxYouth TALK:  Learners will create a speech with an inspiring message.  They will describe a challenge they faced, what skills and tools they used to face their challenge, and what they learned from the experience.  Learners are not required to submit a video or application to TEDxYouth.

Week #10 - CREATE A VIDEO:  Learners will learn tools to plan and deliver a speech using VIDEO. This lesson will provide skills and information that can be used to make a great video presentation.  
We will NOT record individual videos in class to protect the privacy of each student.  Students can view their presentation by watching the Outschool recording of this class.

As ADVANCED PUBLIC SPEAKING STUDENTS, they will provide and receive positive feedback and encouragement from the teacher and others in the class.  Students are encouraged to turn their webcams "on" to practice eye contact with their audience and increase confidence when they engage in conversations or deliver speeches (this is a suggestion - not a requirement).

*** If your child or teen begins this class after the first meeting, consider enrolling them in "Create an Awesome OUTLINE for a Speech, Presentation, or Report."  The outline class will provide the structure they need to prepare speeches for this class. (optional)

*** NOTE FOR HOMESCHOOL LEARNERS:  Dr. Julie Connor, Ed.D., class instructor, is certified to teach elementary education (K-8) as well as secondary speech/theater and English/language arts (ages 10-18).  Arrangements can be made with the instructor to provide documentation and grades upon request.

*** NOTE: This class is not an ideal choice for everyone.  Students who choose not to participate in class discussions or prepare short speeches for this class will not gain as much out of this class as those who take part in class activities.  Please contact me if you have any questions about this public speaking class.