Beginner Public Speaking

In this beginner public speaking course, students will learn the basics of public speaking, along with some tips and tricks to feel better while speaking in front of people. As a student, I was terrified of public speaking. I understand how difficult it can be, which is why I care deeply about providing young students a safe, understanding, and positive space to start. 

Each class will focus on a new public speaking topic. Students will be asked to speak during EVERY class meeting. I ask that they bring a book, article, or other print material of their choice to our first four class meetings which they would be comfortable reading aloud. Our final meeting will consist of each student presenting a speech that they prepare. 

Week 1: Planning for a public speaking event. The planning portion involves generating ideas for a speech, creating main points, and determining the purpose of the speech.

Week 2: Preparing your speech for the correct audience and format. The preparation portion consists of gearing the speech for the correct audience and format. Students will consider the environment where they will be giving their speech and the tools that they might utilize.

Week 3: Practicing your speech correctly and consistently. Practicing a speech involves deciding exactly what they will say, and saying those words out loud multiple times before speech day. We will discuss using minimalistic notes.

Week 4: Performing your speech in an engaging way. Performance is huge! Students must decide where they will pause, how and when they will move, and where they will add inflection or changes in intonation.

Week 5: Speech presentation! In our last meeting, students will present what they have been working on during the past 4 weeks through a speech that they have created.