The ability to speak in public is not something that everyone has. Many people feel nervous before giving a speech, and children are no exception. But with good planning and preparation, you can help your child make a speech successful.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Helping Your Child Prepare for a Speech
Step 1. Think about the subject to be covered
The best speeches are those that can engage the listeners by discussing relevant and interesting topics. The speech topics that your child has to prepare may be predetermined or you can choose for yourself.
- If your child gets an assignment to give a speech on a predetermined topic, try asking if your child understands the subject of the topic. If your child doesn't quite understand the subject, you can help him learn this subject by reading books, articles, websites, or other sources of information. If your child already understands the subject of his speech, you can simply talk about how to develop this topic based on what he already knows.
- If your child can choose the topic, invite your child to look for inspiration about the topics that you want to discuss together. Decide on a topic that is appropriate for this task and that interests your child.
Step 2. Remind your child to consider who will be listening to the speech
Does your child have to adapt their speech to a particular audience, are they students, adults, or both? The material and style of the speech should reflect the audience and the situation.
Step 3. Discuss the structure of the speech
Your child's assignment can be about anything, but in general, a speech should have an introduction, a developed and persuasive discussion, and a conclusion. Your child should also include facts and opinions in his speech.
Step 4. Have your child draft his speech
Once you have chosen a theme, your child should write an initial draft of his speech. Examine this draft, indicate if it is an underlying problem, and make suggestions for improvement.
Step 5. Teach the importance of revision
Your child should revise his speech using your suggestions as a guide. Teach your child how important this step is, because the best writers and public speakers all draft, revise, and revise again.
Step 6. Suggest to use visual aids
Your child's speech will be clearer and more effective if it includes some photos, diagrams, or pictures as well. Remind your child to be careful using these visual aids by choosing relevant pictures that can grab the listener's attention.
You can also explain to your child that if he is nervous the visuals will take the listener's eyes off him because they will see these pictures
Step 7. Prepare note cards
Whether your child is using a visual device or not, having a few note cards can provide a sense of security in case a sentence of speech is forgotten. Have your child write down the basic structure of his speech, plus a few sentences that are a bit difficult to remember.
Depending on the situation in which your child is giving a speech, some children (especially young children) will want to write their entire speech on a note card and read it directly from this card. Find out what your child wants
Part 2 of 4: Helping Your Child Practice Speech
Step 1. Perform a demonstration
If your child isn't sure how to make a speech, do a demonstration so he can pay attention to you and ask questions.
Step 2. Listen as your child practices speech
Let him do it over and over again. If this speech has to be memorized, listen to it while reading the script and remind your child if there are any missed sentences.
Step 3. Suggest that your child practice in front of a mirror
You can support your child to improve his appearance by practicing in front of a mirror. This exercise allows your child to see body language and facial expressions to make adjustments.
Step 4. Gather the people who will be listening
Once your child has mastered his speech, get your friends and family members together, and give him a chance to practice in front of them. If there will be a question-and-answer session after your child has finished speaking, ask listeners to ask questions in this exercise.
Don't forget to give your child a round of applause and praise after he finishes practicing. Your child will do even better if you build his confidence before he makes a speech
Part 3 of 4: Helping Your Child Develop Better Speaking Skills
Step 1. Teach your child that public speaking is a form of performance
He must be able to speak in a way that will capture the attention of the listeners.
Step 2. Practice the volume
Many children speak very quietly at first, so you may need to encourage your child to speak loudly and clearly. Remind your child to let listeners hear every word he says.
Step 3. Set the speaking speed
Your child should speak slowly enough, but not so slowly that the listeners get bored. If he speaks too fast, listeners will have a hard time understanding what he is saying in his speech.
Step 4. Remind your child to take deep breaths
Long speeches may be exhausting, and if your child is nervous, he may breathe too fast and become heavy. Do deep, calm breathing exercises to keep your child calm and his speech sounds clearer.
Step 5. Suggest that your child has a glass of water nearby
If your child is going to be talking for a long time, his mouth may feel dry and he will need to drink water every now and then.
You can also suggest that your child sip some water for strategic purposes. If at any point in time he forgot a part of his speech, drinking can give him time to remember what his speech was all about
Step 6. Emphasize the importance of making eye contact
Instruct your child to look at the listeners and connect with them. Staring at an imaginary point in the distance is usually less effective.
Step 7. Pay attention to body language when giving a speech
Help your child remember to stand up straight and speak in a quiet and loud voice while looking at the listener. Hand gestures can help, but you don't want your child to use hand signals that appear nervous and undirected.
Step 8. Seek inspiration with your child on how to deal with difficult situations
Your child may be concerned that someone in the audience will behave rudely or may not be sure if he or she is able to keep the listeners' attention. Remind your child that he ignores the rudeness of his audience with a smile and that he only needs to correct him if he makes a mistake.
Step 9. Build your child's confidence
The best public speakers are confident people who know they have mastered the material well. Remind your child that he has a great speech and has practiced enough to master it, so he is ready to succeed!
Part 4 of 4: Setting Strategies for Success in Speech
Step 1. Choose the appropriate clothes
Depending on the situation, your child may have to wear more or less formal clothing. Wearing clean and attractive clothes will also build his confidence. Let your child choose their own favorite clothes that can make him feel comfortable and safe when wearing them.
Step 2. Perform the last exercise one more time
Let your child do the speech practice one more time, this time wearing clothes of his own choosing and using all the visual aids. Emphasize how well your child has prepared and how great he looks.
Step 3. Check and recheck all of your child's speech material
Make sure he has everything he needs before he leaves the house, his speech script, visual aids, and note cards.
Step 4. Give some words of encouragement
Tell your child that anxiety and fear are natural and natural, as these feelings can actually be a good sign that he or she is taking the speech task seriously. Remind your child how persistent he is and how great his speech is.
Step 5. Praise your child
Before your child performs, say that you are very proud to be his mother. Repeat this praise again after your child has finished his speech and celebrate his success.
Tips
- Learning to deliver a great speech can be a very important skill in life, so even if you don't mean to stress your child out, you should take this opportunity seriously. Help your child so that he always tries to give his best.
- Remember that this is your child's speech, not you. You should always be there to help, but don't complete this task for your child.
