Hello, friends, you all are welcome in today’s blog post in which we are going to talk about a topic which is very important. Yes friends, today we will talk about how to improve the public speaking of children, so if you also want complete information about this, then definitely read today’s article.
Why is Public Speaking important for children in today’s era?
In today’s competitive world, just being good at studies is not enough.
Children’s communication should be strong, their self-confidence should be visible. And all this is possible only when they are confident in public speaking.
Whether it is a speech competition in school, classroom presentation or talking in front of the mic in a family function – if the child can speak in a fluent and bold manner, then he can make his impression everywhere.
But the problem is that most children are either shy or afraid of speaking in front of people.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how you can improve your child’s public speaking – without any pressure, in a natural and fun way.
Table of Contents
Start practicing public speaking from childhood
Public speaking is a skill that improves with practice.
When your child is small, if an environment of speaking in front of people is created for him, then his fear gradually ends.
Often parents think, “He is still young, we will see when he grows up a bit,” but that is the biggest mistake.
If the habit of speaking is inculcated from childhood, the child naturally becomes confident. Asking him about small things daily, like “what happened in school today?”, or telling him a story at the dinner table, helps the child to express his emotions.
Another important step could be to encourage him to make short speeches at home. Like preparing a paragraph for Independence Day or reciting a short poem.
Make the home environment practice friendly
Confidence in public speaking comes only when the child feels safe.
If the home environment is supportive, the child will not dare to make mistakes. The role of parents is very important that instead of criticizing the child, they should appreciate his efforts.
You can create a “home stage” – a small platform or chair where the child can practice speaking anything for 2-3 minutes daily.
The topics can be anything – cartoon characters, school trip, his/her favourite food or how was your day yesterday.
When the child speaks freely on any topic every day, his/her flow improves.
You can also create a small audience by involving family members. Have a “Mini Speech Day” on weekends where every family member gives a short speech, this will encourage the child even more.
Reading Habit Improves Vocabulary and Expression
Public speaking is not just a skill of speaking – it is also a game of content and expressions of speaking.
If the child develops the habit of reading books, his vocabulary naturally becomes strong, and it becomes easy for him to express his thoughts.
You can start with picture books, moral stories, and age-appropriate comics.
You can ask him to retell the story in his own language after reading it. For example, “Tell your uncle the story you read in your own words.” This is a fun and effective exercise.
Reading helps a child learn phrases and sentence structures that are used in speech. Apart from this, reading also develops his imagination – which is a bonus for any speaker.
Show positive visual content – role models for children
Visuals are great for inspiring children. Show them videos of public speakers their age – such as tedxkids, school debates, or clips from storytelling competitions.
When children see speakers their age speaking confidently, they relate to them. They think “if he can do it, so can I.” This is a powerful psychological trick that fuels motivation.
Encourage them to analyse the videos – such as what the speaker’s tone was, how he used gestures, and how he connected with the audience.
Role-play games – make learning fun
Serious practice can be boring for children. That is why role-play games are the best tools for public speaking. You can play pretend games with them like:
Shopkeeper and Customer – The child becomes a customer and you become a shopkeeper
News Reporter Game – The child becomes a reporter and tells the daily news
Storytelling with Props – The child holds a toy and makes a story
These games improve their expression, tone and gestures. Apart from this, children do not feel the “fear of the audience” due to these games, because all this happens in a play mode. Learning happens along with fun.
It is also important to develop listening skills
To become a good speaker, it is also important to be a good listener.
When the child learns to listen actively, only then he understands how the matter is being presented.
You should encourage them to develop the habit of listening attentively to anyone – be it a school teacher or a family member.
After that, teach them to give feedback – such as “What good thing did they say?”, or “Which part was everyone laughing at?”
This habit trains a subconscious speaker in their mind – which automatically makes them articulate.
“To be a good public speaker, you must first be a good listener.” – Calvin Coolidge
Take advantage of Public Speaking Clubs and School Activities
Many schools have debate clubs, elocution competitions, or drama societies. The role of parents is to motivate the child to participate in these things.
Even if the child is nervous the first time, he or she overcomes his or her fear when you support him or her.
If these options aren’t available at school, you can explore local speech clubs, online zoom groups or weekend workshops.
In such sessions, trained professionals teach children real tools and tips for public speaking.
Don’t be afraid of mistakes – Celebrate her effort
The most important rule is – let kids fail. Children will make mistakes – they will get agitated, forget or stop in the middle.
But if they are scolded or made fun of for every mistake, their confidence will be shattered.
You should celebrate every effort. If a child goes on stage and is able to say something – you should applaud him. Slowly he will learn that “it is allowed to make mistakes” – and this will end his fear.
Public speaking is a journey, not a destination. At every step the child learns something – give him time and be patient.
Use modern tools, recordings and feedback
In today’s digital era, mobile phones have become a powerful tool for practice.
Whenever the child tells a speech or story, record a video of it. Later, watch it with the child – this will give him an idea of your expressions, gestures and voice.
By watching the video, the child will himself understand in which part he was strong and where he needs improvement. You can also give soft feedback – like “This part was very good, speak this point more clearly next time.”
This is a non-judgmental and effective technique that improves the child’s self-evaluation.
Conclusion
Public speaking is such a skill that is useful everywhere, from school to career.
The child who is confident in speaking, his overall personality is also strong.
That is why it is important that we parents and teachers together guide them in this journey.
Practice, patience and a positive environment – if these three things are around children, public speaking becomes a natural habit.
And most important – let children enjoy this process. When they enjoy it, only then will they excel in it.