Learning on how to develop public speaking skills is important for every child. It helps you to express your thoughts with clarity and confidence. Speaking in front of others is a great skill that allows you to communicate clearly and confidently.

Whether you’re sharing your thoughts in class, telling a story at a family gathering, or taking part in an online competition like EduJunior, public speaking can boost your confidence and help you achieve success. Many children feel anxious about speaking in public, and that’s okay!

Why Public Speaking Matter?

Public speaking involves more than just speaking in front of others. If you’re wondering how to develop public speaking skills, it starts with why they matter.

• Express your ideas Clearly: It allows you to communicate your ideas clearly, so that people can easily understand your thoughts and emotions.
• Build Confidence:Speaking in public helps you to gain confidence and become more self-assured.
• Make new friends:It also enables you to make new friends by connecting with those who have similar interests.
• Do better in schools and Competitions: Developing good speaking skills can also help you excel in school and competitions, allowing you to win contests and perform well in presentations.
• Prepare for the Future:Whether you aspire to be a teacher, actor, scientist, or anything else, public speaking will prepare you to share your knowledge and aspirations with others.

How to Develop Public Speaking Skills?

Some children worry they might forget what to say. Others fear being made fun of while speaking. Many are concerned about speaking too quickly or too slowly. Feeling anxious is also very common.

It’s normal to have these feelings. Even top speakers feel anxious at times. The key is to practice and have confidence in yourself.

•Practice Speaking at Home to develop public speaking skills

Before you speak in front of a big group of people, it’s a good idea to start with small steps. You can practice at home by talking to your family about what you did during the day. You can also share a story or play a game with your brother or sister.

•Another way to practice is by speaking in front of a mirror and watching your facial expressions.

You can even record yourself on a phone or tablet and listen to how you sound. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become- this is essential for how to develop public speaking skills

•Prepare Your Speech:

Proper preparation is essential for delivering a successful speech. To get ready, first select a topic that you enjoy or are knowledgeable about. Then, create a list of the key points you plan to discuss.

•Create a simple structure:

Begin by saying hello and introducing the topic you will discuss. Next, present your main ideas in an organized manner. Conclude your speech by expressing gratitude or sharing a final thought. Creating a plan will assist you in remembering key points and ensuring that your speech is coherent.

•Practice Speaking Slowly and Clearly:

When we feel nervous, we tend to talk quickly, which can make it difficult for others to follow. To speak clearly and at a slower pace, try taking a deep breath before you begin, pause between your sentences, pronounce each word carefully, and remember to smile while you talk to make your voice sound more welcoming.

•Use Good Body Language:

Body language is all about how you use your face, hands, and body while speaking. Having good body language can make your speech more engaging and help the audience grasp your message easily.To improve your body language, remember to look at your audience and make eye contact, smile to show your happiness and confidence, use hand gestures to emphasize points, maintain good posture by standing or sitting up straight, and avoid fidgeting with your hair or clothes to prevent distractions.

•Make Speaking fun:

Have fun while you’re speaking. You can share jokes or funny stories, use pictures or props, talk about something interesting about yourself, and celebrate even small achievements. When you have fun speaking, your audience will have fun listening- and that’s a key step in how to develop public speaking skills.

• Ask for feedback and keep improving:

Get your parents, teachers, or friends to listen to your speech and let you know what you did well and what you can improve on. Remember: Feedback is a great way to learn. Click to Replace Suggestion Don’t be discouraged by mistakes. Just keep practicing and trying your best.

•Handle Nervousness like a pro:

It’s completely normal to feel nervous. Here are some ways you can manage it: Take deep breaths by inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Stay positive by telling yourself “I can do this” or “I’m ready.” Try relaxation techniques like stretching your arms or shaking your hands before speaking. And remember, it’s okay to make mistakes – just keep going.

What are some Fun Practice activities to build public speaking skills ?

Here are some fun activities to help you practice and improve your skills:-

• Tell a story that you enjoy to your family or friends.
• Choose a toy or object that you like and explain why you enjoy it in a Show and Tell activity.
• Try Impromptu Speaking by talking about a random topic, such as your favorite food, for one minute without any preparation.
• Practice reading your favorite book or poem out loud to improve your reading skills.
• Take on different roles, like pretending to be a teacher or news reporter, to enhance your communication abilities.

Final tips to remember :- Anyone can get better with practice – even famous speakers once started as beginners. Remember to be yourself because your individual voice is important.

Make sure to prepare thoroughly, speak confidently, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Participate in EduJunior’s competitions to hone your skills and learn how to develop public speaking skills effectively.

Conclusion

Speaking in public is an important skill that can benefit you in school, competitions, and everyday life. While it may be intimidating initially, with practice and helpful advice, you can learn how to develop public speaking skills and grow into a confident speaker.

It’s essential to begin with small steps, be well-prepared, utilize your body language effectively, and participate in enjoyable online competitions such as those offered by EduJunior.

Above all, remember to have fun along the way and acknowledge your improvements! Get started on practicing today, and before you know it, you’ll be speaking like a pro!