Public Speaking for Kids is a great way to help children overcome their fears.

Public speaking for kids can be a wonderful experience. Most people, adults and children alike have some fear towards standing up and speaking to others.

But instead of giving in or adding to your child’s fear of speaking in public, tell them to do it anyway. Public speaking for kids can be a great opportunity to grow. Acting in spite of fear does wonders for the self esteem. If you are scared to do something, usually after it is completed you think, “What was I so scared of.” It is good for children to feel the fear, (which is a natural emotion,) and do it anyway.

Fear is nothing more than the anticipation of pain. The mind often tricks us with its favorite saying, ”What if.”

What if I forget my lines? What if no one laughs at my jokes? What if I open my mouth and nothing comes out?

Acknowledging your child’s fear and supporting them is the best thing to do. My first major speech presentation was in grade 7. I had to go up in front of the whole school to speak. My mind came up with a lot of “What ifs.” Of course none of them happened. But a couple words from my mom helped ease the nervousness. She said, the audience will be on your side. Don’t think about it. Accept the fear and do it anyway.”

The following steps will help make public speaking for kids more enjoyable for all.

Step 1: What is your Speech Trying to do?

Find out the purpose of the speech. Is it to entertain, to convince, to explain or to inform the audience of something. Determine how much time you will have. (5 minutes doesn’t sound like much, but can be a lifetime if you only prepared for 2 minutes.) Who is your audience? And where will you be speaking?

Step 2: Narrowing Down Your Topic

Make a list of topics you may wish to talk about. Using that list choose the best 3. From the top 3 list, write down what you know off the top of your head about each. (Having more information before researching will make things easier from the start.) Also think about what you are most passionate about. Choose the best one and stick with it. Don’t start second guessing yourself the day before the speech. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just the make it the best that you can.

Step 3: Finding Facts

Write out what you already know about the topic. Find some books that are relevant. Use the internet for additional research. I say additional because some like to only focus on the internet, but since not all sources are can be verified some of the information may not be accurate. Ask your parents for help. Interview someone on your topic.

Step 4: Go Through All the Information

Now that you have amassed a bundle of information it is time to sort through and determine what to use.

Step 5: Write It Out

Using the information from step 3, arrange the information in a logical order. You want your speech to flow smoothly.

Step 6: Adding Some Visuals

Once you have everything flowing smoothly, look for places to add in some visuals. Use pictures, charts or diagrams and keep it simple.

Step 7: Practice, Practice and Practice

Once you have finish writing out your speech, you now need to learn it. Just standing up and reading from a piece of paper or cue cards won’t cut it. You don’t need to memorize everything either. But you want everything to come out smoothly, so reading over you speech, and practicing is very important. And don’t wait for the last day. Start early.

Step 8: Relax

If you have completed steps 1 through 7 then finally presenting will be a snap. You have adequately prepared so all that is left is to take a deep breath, face your fear and speak.

Speaking to others plays such a big part of our lives. We do it every day, (unless you've taken a vow of silence.) Public speaking for kids is a wonderful opportunity to take it to a higher level. Support and encourage your children to give it their all, no matter what they are trying.

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