Public Speaking for Teens with a TED Speaker (Ages 14-18)

In this class, teens (1) practice public speaking skills such as vocal variety, pacing, and body language, (2) organize their thoughts and write a speech using an outline provided by the teacher, and (3) participate in conversation.  Through conversation, students become more comfortable with one another in a safe environment that is free of judgment or criticism.

Great speakers are prepared speakers.  Their speeches always include (1) a clear introduction, (2) main points that support a topic, and (3) a strong conclusion.  Every speech provides students with opportunities to practice different speaking skills:

Speech #1:   "All About Me" Speech / Create an Outline
Speech #2:  "Someone I Admire" Speech / Inspiration
Speech #3:  Demonstration Speech / Organize Your Speech
Speech #4:  Storytelling / Vocal Variety
Speech #5:  Report / Using Facts to Support Your Topic
Speech #6:  Debate Skills / Using Facts to Support Your Opinion or Position
Speech #7:  Motivational Speaking / Storytelling & Inspiration
Speech #8:  Impromptu Speaking  / Imagination & Acting Skills
Speech #9:  Persuasion / Using Words to Influence Others
Speech #10: SMART Goals / Using a Process to Pursue a Goal

Speeches are typically 1 - 4 minutes long and address a variety of topics,  including the demonstration speech, persuasion, storytelling, debate, and motivational speaking skills.  Teens can also practice speeches for special events and receive feedback from the class.

As this is an ongoing class, students are not required to attend classes in order.  Teens may also take this class more than one time to practice different types of speeches and public speaking skills.  Teens interested in learning advanced speaking techniques may be interested "Advanced Public Speaking for Teens with a TED Speaker."

Teens use an outline to help prepare speeches.  The speech outline will be posted in the Outschool classroom and can be downloaded as a PDF.  

As students practice public speaking skills, they receive positive feedback and encouragement to boost their speaking confidence.  

*** NOTE for TEENS ENROLLED FOR CLASS CREDIT:  Contact me if your teen would like to receive credit for this class.  I am an experienced teacher with a doctorate in education. My elementary and secondary teaching certifications include Speech/Theater, ELA (English/Language Arts), and science education. I provide state standard alignment information, grades, rubrics (grading and point criteria), and outlines for speeches.  Contact me for more information

*** NOTE:  Teens can also learn how to craft a speech outline in my class, "Create an Awesome OUTLINE for a Speech, Presentation, or Report." ***