3 Public Speaking Tips for Kids
I'm giving you 3 public speaking for kids in this week's episode of MasterTalk. Follow me on Instagram: @masteryourtalk
1. Presenting back books & topics of interest. (1:00).
One easy way to get children used to the idea of speaking in public is to have them make presentations on their favorite topics. So, let’s say a 7-year-old is passionate about cupcakes. Start by asking them why you like cupcakes and they might answer with because they’re tasty. Ask them to write a half paragraph on that and present it to a cheerful, engaging audience which is you that is watching this video. This is one of 3 public speaking tips for kids I have to share.
The issue with the educational system is presentations are not designed to be fun, interesting or engaging. It’s like cleaning your car, you do it because you need to and nothing more. That’s why we set such a lower bar for presentations and why most of us grow up to hate public speaking and not want to do it, so I encourage you to make it fun for them so they have a strong incentive to want to practice it.
2. Force them to build a case for the things that they want (2:47).
I won’t be having kids in a very long time, but when I do some day, one of the exercises I’m going to make them do is explain clearly why they want me to buy something for them. If they want a chocolate bar, they need to make a presentation explaining why. This creates a strong incentive for them to try really hard and present really well for the thing that they want whether it’s a video game, a trip or a chocolate bar, you’re helping them practice putting themselves in someone else’s shoes.
Here’s some questions you can ask them. This is one of 3 public speaking tips for kids I have to share.
1 – Can you list a few benefits to us if we decide to get you this or buy you this?
2 – What are some reasons that you can think of why I don’t want to buy you this and how can you address those concerns for me?
3 – How would our lives be better by buying this?
We don’t give kids enough credit, they’re really smart and if we take the time and energy to just believe in them and create a space where presenting really well is just a normal thing to do, then that’s exactly what they’ll come to be.
3. Get kids involved in group level extracurricular activities (4:41).
Getting kids used to working on a project that’s interesting to them in groups, even if its not educational, can still be very helpful like volunteering at a non-profit. The more social interaction you have with others, the more comfortable kids will become. A great way to think about this is having them present a subject in front of others like at a community center or joining a choir, but honestly any activity will do and then as you discover what the kids end up enjoying, you can also build presentations around that as well. This is one of 3 public speaking tips for kids I have to share.
As Lady Bird has taught us, children are likely to live up to what you believe of them and if we create a space where they actually want to present their topic, where they aren’t presenting to bored audience members (their students) and to teachers who are trying to get through so many presentations, we can create a world where our fear of public speaking is a thing of the past.
As always, if you enjoyed this week’s episode of MasterTalk, be sure to SMASH the LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel as well to see more videos like this and if you know anyone who works with a kid, who parents one or IS ONE, send them this video so that they’ll be one step closer to a better world filled with phenomenal speakers.
For business or one-on-one public speaking coaching inquiries, you can reach me at [email protected].
Special thanks to Maison Leporem for letting me use the space.
https://maisonleporem.com/