speaking tips

Sweaty palms, red face, fidgeting feet and lots of "um-ing" are all signs of the distress most elementary students feel when they are asked to give a speech. You can teach your child the art of public speaking by helping him to construct a thoughtful, well-organized speech and by affording him the opportunity to practice, practice, practice before the formal event.

Step 1

Brainstorm topic ideas. You will feel more confident making a speech if you are passionate about, or at least familiar with, the subject matter. Topics might include a favorite hobby, memories of a family vacation or a persuasive speech on why your child thinks he needs a bigger allowance.

Step 2

Create a preliminary outline. write down everything you knows about your chosen topic. For instance, you might write down instructional details or tips and personal feelings about your favorite hobby.

Step 3

Research online or at the local library. Fill in what you knows with facts. For instance, if you are giving a speech about soccer, you might research the history of the sport. If you are describing a family vacation, you might look for information about the geography and culture of the vacation site.

Step 4

organize the material into an introduction, body and conclusion. The introduction should be short, but catchy. Include a joke or anecdote to catch the audience's attention. The body of the speech should include two to five main points accompanied by supporting facts. 

Step 5

write short notes on cards to help him if he gets lost during his speech. Don't write the entire speech on cards, though, or you will be tempted to read and avoid eye contact.

Step 6

Assemble an audience of friends and family so that you can practice his speech in a non-threatening environment. speak slowly and engage his audience with eye contact. 

Step 7

Address your  concerns before  gives speech to a formal audience.  that it is okay to feel nervous or scared. you doesn't have to give the speech perfectly. relax and simply tell the story.

• Record practice sessions so that you can watch himself speak. It may be easier for yiu to correct mistakes if you catches them yourself.