Public Speaking for Teens - 8-Week Course (Ages 14-18)

Good speech organization is essential for anyone who wants to deliver a meaningful speech.  Many students are nervous to speak in front of others because they do not feel equipped with skills to speak with confidence.  This course provides students with opportunities to (1) organize their ideas for a speech in an orderly manner, (2) deliver a quality speech, and (3) give and receive positive speech feedback.

The (1) opening (or introduction) of a speech captures the audience's attention, (2) the body (or main points) supports the topic, and (3) the conclusion provides a summary.  They will understand how a "call to action" challenges the audience to remember or do something with the information they provide in the conclusion of their speech.

On DAY 1, they (1) learn about a variety of formal or informal speeches, (2) select a topic, and (3) prepare a short speech.  Students can submit their outline or speech to the teacher for feedback via email.  They will also practice nonverbal communication skills such as eye contact, posture, and use of gestures.

On DAY 2, students will deliver their speeches to the group. They need not memorize their speeches.  They will learn how to give and receive positive feedback and encouragement.  The primary purpose of the class is to empower students with public speaking and communication confidence.

My name is Dr. Julie Connor and I am a confidence builder.  I help students discover their unique talents and speak in front of others with confidence. I am a TED speaker, school assembly speaker, and award-winning Toastmaster.  I help students develop writing skills to organize information, craft a quality speech, and deliver a strong presentation. Students also learn how nonverbal communication such as eye contact, voice, and body language can strengthen (or weaken) a terrific speech.  I have prepared students to compete in local and national speech competitions as a coach and critiqued presentations as a speech contest judge.  

My doctoral degree is in education. I am certified to teach elementary education (K-8) as well as secondary communication arts, speech and theater, English, and science education. I have more than 30 years of teaching experience in traditional and online classrooms.  I empower student teachers and seasoned educators with the same creative and interactive strategies I use with students. 

As a school assembly speaker and mental health advocate.  I help students throughout the country talk about tough topics.  I equip teens with skills to communicate and resolve conflicts. I empower them with skills to create SMART personal goals that prepare them for success. I am the author of an award-winning personal goal-setting book, Dreams to Action Trailblazer’s Guide.  Visit www.DrJulieConnor.com for more information.

Students will choose a specific speech topic on DAY 1.  They will develop the content of their speech throughout the week and deliver their speeches on DAY 2.  The amount of preparation time will vary for each student (typically 20 - 120 minutes).  Students will be encouraged but not required to use an outline for the development of their speech (provided after enrollment in the class).

Class discussion, thumbs up / thumbs down, brainstorming, read aloud sharing, step-by-step check-ins of the outline progress throughout the class, guided practice to check for understanding, independent writing practice; self-assessment, positive feedback to and from students in the class

1 hour 30 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.

* "My Speech Outline" (provided to students before class)
* Additional resources related to the week's topic will be provided to each student prior to class.
* Speech topic PowerPoint presentations