Speech & Debate: Crush Stage Fright & Be Effective at Public Speaking
What's included
8 live meetings
8 in-class hoursClass Experience
This incredibly interactive, fun, and engaging 8-week course will prepare students to be effective and compelling public speakers in any situation. Students will learn the basics of speech organization, powerful communication strategies and public speaking techniques, as well as how to be competent and respectful listeners. Students will have the opportunity to write and deliver several different styles of speeches. The course will wrap up with students debating a topic. Students will learn about how to draw their audience's attention, the importance of topic and closing sentences, how to create compelling arguments, how to support a main idea, and more! Presentation style and format for each speech and debate will be clearly communicated to students. How we differ from other online debate classes: 1) In addition to the art of debate, students will also write speeches, and deliver recitations written by others. We'll focus on a style and structure that is easy to deliver and helps the audience retain more of their speech. 2) What makes a speech great? We will look at historical speeches and understand why they have stood the test of time. 3) We'll play fun and interactive games that will help the students open up and feel comfortable engaging with their peers. 4) We'll practice our speeches by delivering them on Zoom - and use specific exercises and games that make delivering speeches on camera more effective - an increasingly important skill as students take classes online, and in future workplaces. Week 1 Importance of public speaking Zoom tips Public speaking tips (IRL) How to do an oral interpretation How to be a good listener Homework-- Students will pick out and practice an oral interpretation Week 2 Deliver oral interpretations How to be a good listener Tips for getting over stage fright Week 3 How to write a clear informative speech Impromptu Speaking Games Homework-- Students will need to write and practice an informative speech Week 4 Students will deliver an informative speech How to do a demonstration Homework-- Record a demonstration to share with class Week 5 Watch Demonstrations How to write a persuasive speech Homework-- Students will write and practice persuasive speech Week 6 Deliver Persuasive Speeches Impromptu Games Week 7 Policy Debates-- writing and delivery Homework-- students will write and practice their portions of the debate Week 8 Deliver debates This class will focus on writing and delivering informative speeches and demonstrations, as well as sharing tips on effective public speaking. Many impromptu public speaking games will be played through. Guidance and feedback on students’ speeches and debates will be provided. SEG has strong teacher-led classes that are always beyond-the-textbook, and utilize a state-of-the-art, interactive approach. Student creativity and initiative in presentations and discussions are highly encouraged. Please see Mrs. Jones's credentials under the Teacher Expertise tab. Cameras must be on, and students on camera, for all classes. All learners must be enrolled students; if two learners are sharing a device, both learners must be enrolled per Outschool policies. SEG does not do last minute transfers or refunds, after the limited cancellation period has expired.
Learning Goals
Students will learn the basics of speech organization, powerful communication strategies and public speaking techniques, as well as how to be competent and respectful listeners. Students will learn about how to draw their audience's attention, how to open/close with topic and closing sentences, how to create compelling arguments, how to support a main idea, and more!
Other Details
Supply List
Needed supplies include paper and pencil/pen. Students will be required to record themselves delivering a speech and submit it to class.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Teacher Teresa Jones has extensive expertise in public speaking; as a former anchorwoman, reporter and producer, she understands how to teach others how to appropriately address sensitive topics in an informed and neutral manner.
Teresa Jones enjoyed a successful career in broadcast news after graduating with a degree in Political Science from Ball State University. She’s worked as a producer, reporter, and anchor in South Bend, Indiana, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Albany, New York before settling in Utica, New York and anchoring one of the highest rated newscasts in the nation.
Teresa has covered major news events from senate races, a bridge collapse, and the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies. She’s moderated a congressional debate and has appeared on CNN and CSPAN. She’s also hosted multiple telethons, Boilermaker live coverage, and American’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk.
After leaving the news business, Teresa worked as the Director of Marketing for Presbyterian Homes and Services and was the press secretary for a 24th Congressional District candidate.
Teresa has served in various volunteer positions including Girl Scouts, The United Methodist Church, and various figure skating clubs. In her free time, Teresa enjoys sewing, embroidering, and doing puzzles. Teresa lives in New York with her husband, and has been homeschooling their daughters for the past six years.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$112
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
60 min
Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
6-12 learners per class