Children usually find public speaking scary at first. However, with the right focus and support they can learn to structure great speeches and deliver them with confidence. Here are 6 public speaking tips for kids to help them deliver great speeches more confidently.
Tip #1 – Hook your audience (especially if they are children)
This is our first tip for an important reason. Many studies show that a speaker has approximately 10 seconds to grab your audiences attention. Otherwise many will switch off. This can be even shorter if you have an audience made up of children! Be sure you hook your audience from your very first sentence so they engage in the rest of your speech. To grab your audiences attention consider using rhetorical questions or interesting facts that relate to their topic.
Tip #2 – Encourage kids to speak their passion
No matter what style of speech a child delivers, they can find a way to include a topic they are passionate about. You may be able to make a passion subject the main topic of your speech. Even if you can’t, you may use it for supporting anecdotes or facts. There are many ways to incorporate passion topics. By choosing a topic your child loves – whether it be fishing, chess, climate change or rainbows – they will be more excited about their speech. Usually this translates into less nerves and a more convincing and engaging delivery.
Tip #3 – Repeat the key message
What is the one key message you want your audience to remember? Your audience usually only retains a few key pieces of information. So keep your message simple & repeat it regularly throughout your speech. Keep your message simple & repeat it regularly throughout your speech. See what we did there? 😉
Whilst the structure of your speech & your key message are usually the areas many children spend most of their time, other areas need even more time. If you want to ensure your child’s speech is delivered most effectively allocate plenty of time to the next tips…
Tip #4 – Express your best!
Research shows that over 80% of your message is delivered not through what you say (your words) but through how you say it. After your child has written their speech, make sure plenty of time is spent practising your delivery. Focus on your facial expressions, body language and vocal variety & expression. This is where the magic will REALLY happen!
Tip #5 – Teach kids perfect posture
Looking confident can actually help you feel confident. Be sure to stand with your feet shoulder width apart (not swaying), shoulders back, head up and eyes looking at the audience, or slightly above their eyes. The simple act of striking a confident posture will help make the audience be more engaged in your child’s speech!
Tip #6 – Power of practice & experience
Practice is very important when preparing to deliver a great speech. There is no getting around it. So allow plenty of time for this. Practice in front of a mirror and in front of your family to receive feedback. Consider video recording your speech to self-assess areas of potential development as well. The more you practice, the more confident you will find yourself becoming.
Practicing with a qualified teacher is even better! If you consider this option, be sure to find a qualified and experienced teacher who is skilled at teaching children. Just like being a good sport person requires regular & consistent practice over time with an experience teacher, so too does being a great speaker or communicator. A great teacher will provide opportunities to speaking in front of others to build your child’s confidence over time.
Public Speaking Tips For Kids
How Super Speak can help
Congratulations for making the first step by researching public speaking tips for kids. If you are looking to support your child further you may wish to consider Super Speak’s award winning public speaking, presentation skills & drama program for kids.
Super Speak have taught public speaking to over 50,000 children since 2006 across Australia. We can help your child develop their confidence, communication skills and creativity in the classroom and life beyond.
We have experienced and qualified teachers and hundreds of proven methods to help children become more capable and confident communicators for life.
What makes our award winning & proven curriculum unique is our carefully selected public speaking PLUS creative drama elements. These combine to ensure our students learn a broader range of practical communication skills to help them in all areas of their life. This includes both formal speeches and everyday communication with others.
Check out our face-to-face classes and online classes here.