5 Ways To Teach Your Kids Public Speaking Skills

When we think of public speaking, we may think back to a speech class we had to take in college. However, public speaking is not just standing up in front of an audience behind a microphone. Public speaking happens every time we communicate in public.

For kids this looks like:

• Confidently providing an opinion with supportive facts in science class.

• Singing in the school musical.

• Contributing to discussion during a big family meal.

• Asking for help from a teacher or coach.

• Leading a group or collaborating with others on a school project.

Our kids have a lot of opportunities to practice public speaking on a daily basis. Here are 5 ways to teach and improve this important skill with your kids.

1. Look the part.

Speaking to people requires you to look confident as you convey your message. By using the right posture and body language, you will look confident even if you are nervous. Have your child practice "looking the part" every time they speak. Model this when you are speaking to them and model being an active listener with the same approach.

• Make eye contact with the person(s) you are speaking to.

• Use expression in your voice, body language, and facial expressions.

• Stand up straight and tall with your head up and shoulders back.

• Use a strong voice.

1. Be prepared.

If your child is preparing for a class presentation or is nervous about discussing a problem with a teacher at school, it’s good to have a plan. Having a plan calms nerves and helps with confidence. Remembering that public speaking happens every time we communicate in public, your child may need help building these skills for their daily life. Prepare them for these everyday situations.

1. Teach Persuasive Techniques

When the opportunity arrives for your child to sell items for a school fundraiser or they decide to start a neighborhood business, they will need to learn a few basic persuasive techniques in addition to looking the part and being prepared.

• State your reasoning or present your offer.

• Example: "I would really like to shovel your driveway for you on this snowy day. I will charge $10."

• Name the benefits and why it is important or useful.

• Example: "I have all of the equipment I need to get the job done and I can start right now and have it done in one hour. This way you can easily leave in your car if you need to and you won’t have to get out in this cold to shovel."

• Give several options.

• Example: "I can come back later if that would work better for you. In addition, I could shovel your sidewalk."

• Appeal to your listener’s emotions.

• Example: "I am a hard worker and I am earning money for camp this summer. I would love to help you out if you would rather stay inside and warm today."

1. Debate at home.

Another great way to improve confident public speaking at home is to use these fun debate topics for kids. Debate topics build self-confidence, increase analytical skills, and help practice listening to other people’s perspectives. Debating also helps clarify and direct thoughts while improving speaking skills.

1. Practice, practice, practice.

Keep practicing these techniques and skills at home with your child and whenever they have the opportunity to speak in public. They will turn into a more confident speaker and this skill will follow them throughout their life.

Jenn writes at her blog healthyhappyimpactful.com. She’s a mom of three looking to learn and grow. Check it out if you love helpful tips on health, family, and personal growth.