Introduction to Public Speaking

Service Description

Begins 8/27/25- 12/10/25 @ 12-1pm It is vital for our kids to be good communicators. We spend a lot of time teaching our kids how to write, but teaching them the basics of public speaking is often overlooked. No wonder most adults report public speaking as their number one fear! No matter what vocation they find themselves in, good public speaking skills will serve our kids well. This class will help children develop the basics of public speaking and will give them plenty of practice honing those skills. We will learn about the different genres as well as the fundamentals of public speaking - such as speed, volume, pronunciation and hand gestures. We will watch great public speakers and see these skills practiced. Students will learn tricks on memorizing material through completing class presentations and other activities. We will practice, practice and practice some more! We will perform persuasive, informative, impromptu and honor speeches. All of this will be done in a positive, supportive environment where we cheer on each others' successes and hone each others' skills to improve. The final project will be a showcase for the kids to highlight their public speaking. This class is appropriate for kids who are confident in public speaking as well as kids who are terrified (which is most of us!) This class will have required homework ranging from .5 to 1 hour a week on average. During "speech weeks", there will be more homework. **This class is worth 5 units for high school students and will be an excellent elective on their transcript!**