Children as
young as kindergarten can learn techniques that allow them to speak
successfully in front of an audience. They like the idea of
acting grown up, and I have found that “show and tell” time
is a great venue for public speaking. The following will be taught and
all children will know and use the terms below:
• Eye contact
• Voice Projection
• Posture
• Content
• Program Direction
• Social amenities of public speaking
The students will learn how to emcee a program. They will learn that
emcee means mistress or master of ceremonies. The emcees will learn how
to introduce and express thanks to speakers. Phrases such as give
him/her a warm welcome, give him/her a round of applause, give him/her
a big hand will be used when introducing speakers. Speakers
will learn how to deliver a presentation, and ask for questions and
comments. The audience members will learn how to listen
attentively and learn the kinds of questions and comments to make. All
will learn and practice social amenities, such as please, thank you,
etc. If a microphone is available they will be taught how to use
and be comfortable with it. Personally I invested in a karaoke
machine so that the children could practice with a microphone. It
is particularly useful when children with soft voices are speaking. |
