Public Speaking Guidelines for Kids

Young children build confidence by performing in front of family members.

Many people have an intense fear of public speaking. When kids are taught public speaking skills at a young age, they can learn to be at ease despite feeling nervous. Once they know what they are going to say and how they are going to say it, the anxiety will lessen as they continue forth with their speech. The more kids speak in public, the easier it will become. They may never be completely free from the jitters, but they will not be phobic-stricken.

Putting Your Child at Ease

If your child wants to talk about his anxiety, let him vent. This may be the first step to putting him at ease. Just take note if he seems to be working himself into a frenzy, as that will only increase his fears and may paralyze his efforts. If needed, teach him relaxation tips, like deep breathing or visualization. Do your best not to pass any of your own public speaking fears onto your child. No matter how you feel, your child is a unique individual with a fresh perspective.

Preparation Tips

To be a successful public speaker, your child must possess the ability to stand up and speak to an audience with self-confidence. To begin teaching this valuable skill, have your child speak to you while you are sitting and she is standing. If your child does not have a topic, help her choose one, preferably about something she already has knowledge of. Allow your child to choose what she is going to say and write it down together. If you must correct, gently use constructive criticism.

Rehearsal

Practice makes almost perfect. Have your child practice in front of siblings, grandparents, friends and neighbors. This will help build self-confidence for the big day. Practicing in front of a mirror enables your child to see what he looks like and practice a relaxed stance. Encourage your child to memorize his speech so he is able to look up often while speaking. Remind him to smile and let him know that his audience is on his side. If it seems too scary for your child to look at someone in the audience, encourage him to focus on the top of someone's head or the back wall.

Presentation

Remind your child on the big day to breathe, and the nervousness will fade as she relaxes into her speech. Encourage her to smile and remember that she has friends in the audience. If other kids are giving speeches on the same day, they are just as nervous, if not more, than she is. Remind your child that her hard work and preparation will pay off and to avoid rushing through her speech.

References

• The Cute Kid: Public Speaking

Resources

• Public Speaking Solutions: Public Speaking for Kids