When it comes to equipping your child with the tools to deliver an exceptional speech, the magic lies in the process’s bookends. The ‘top’ of the process involves preparation before you even start writing, while the ‘tail’ entails ample practice once the speech is penned. Developing the skills of thorough preparation and practice is essential for children. It not only ensures a clear and well-organized message but also bolsters their confidence and reduces anxiety.
Here are some valuable tips for kids to prepare and practice effectively before their presentation:
- Brainstorm Ideas. Encourage your child to brainstorm ideas before diving into speech writing. Often overlooked, this initial stage is a fun and creative exercise that helps them generate ideas and crystallise their thoughts. It’s also a vital step in teaching the skill of research.
- Craft a Clear and Organized Outline: Once your child has gathered their ideas, guide them in creating a clear and well-organized outline for their speech. This ensures that their thoughts flow smoothly from one point to the next. You can find various speech structures outlined in our Super Speak public speaking blog for reference.
- Practice Aloud: After drafting their speech, encourage your child to practice it out loud. This exercise allows them to grasp the rhythm and pacing of their presentation and helps identify areas requiring additional explanation or clarification.
- Time the Speech and Adjust: As they practice, suggest that they time themselves to ensure they stay within the allotted presentation duration. If they find themselves exceeding or falling short, motivate them to make necessary adjustments to align with the time constraints.
- Rehearse in Front of a Mirror or a Small Group: After multiple practice rounds, have them rehearse in front of a mirror or a small group of friends or family. This offers insight into how their presentation appears and sounds to an audience, facilitating any required refinements. Recording the practice for later review can also be beneficial.
- Utilize Visual Aids and Props: Encourage your child to incorporate visual aids, props, or costumes to enhance their presentation. Whether it’s a slideshow, a prop, or a handout, these tools can make their presentation more memorable and engaging.
Whether delivering a school presentation or addressing a community event, cultivating the skills of thorough preparation and practice empowers children to convey their message effectively.
At Super Speak, our award-winning program introduces children aged 6-14 to public speaking and presentation skills. Our innovative curriculum combines public speaking and drama, offering students broader learning outcomes that benefit them both inside and outside the classroom. With our experienced teaching team and comprehensive curriculum, we foster a fun, supportive, and high-energy learning environment. Our students emerge as more confident and proficient public speakers and communicators, ready for life’s challenges. Explore Super Speak Public Speaking Program and join over 65,000 children who have placed their trust in us since 2006.
