Start Early: Help Children Learn Public Speaking Skills that Will Last a Lifetime

In the US and the UK, the fear of public speaking outranks even the fear of death! Unfortunately, our new global, technologically advanced society pretty much mandates that public speaking is an essential requirement for professionals in all walks of life. Even for those that were once considered to be quiet, introverted jobs. There are presentations to give, training to undergo, briefings to deliver. Therefore, it only seems logical that to improve the public opinion about public speaking, we've got to get at the root of the problem - the fear. And one of the most effective stages in life to do this is in early childhood development.

Build your child's confidence and communication skills early and they'll never have to stand shaking at the podium in high school or later in life. Fortunately, you can start today. Start early. Help children learn public speaking skills that will last them a lifetime!

The Benefits of Starting Early…

There are innumerable benefits to helping your children learn the art of public speaking early on in life. First of all, children have minds like sponges, and have a much easier time learning new things than adults do. They're also un-jaded by life and its failures and challenges, so their skins are a bit thicker than ours are. Additionally, by starting early in childhood, your child will have the benefit of extensive practice, training and learning that most adults would envy.

Children also have the benefit of NOT knowing that public speaking is probably the single-most greatest fear in the world. And if we can get the children to accept their speech and presentation skills early on, they'll never have to experience this fear for themselves. Perhaps in a decade or two, the overwhelming fear of public speaking will be, if not eradicated, lessened in its impact.

In the next segment of this article, we're going to cover several different tips, tricks and techniques that will help you raise children that are confident, gifted public speakers.

What Should I Do?

Parents and teachers often wonder how in the world they're supposed to be able to train their children or students to be effective public speakers. This is especially true for adults that have struggled with their own public speaking skills. There's no need to have your children poring over Cicero's speeches, or rehearsing Shakespearean verse. All you really need to be able to do is show them that they can communicate with others through words - whether one on one or in group settings.

Here are a few practical, easy to integrate tips that you should try to work on with your kids:

• Take advantage of "Show & Tell." Elementary school aged children are often presented with public speaking opportunities early on in life. One instance includes Show & Tell time. This is an excellent chance to help your child gain confidence in their communication and public speaking skills. Not only will they have a chance to share something that's very special to them with their classmates, it's also an opportunity for them to stand up in front of a group and learn to keep them interested in the subject at hand.
• Don't neglect science fairs. Science fairs are an awesome chance for you to teach children of all ages how to be a better public speaker. Most students spend weeks, even months, working on their science fair project. By the time the fair arrives, though they may be nervous about the competition involved, the chances are that they're fairly confident in their background and knowledge. This may prove to be a little bit scarier for your child, simply because the audience will be formal adults as opposed to an informal classroom situation. Take time to work with your child about what they'll say to the judges, how they'll show their hypothesis and results, etc.
• Do some drama. Most schools or communities have a drama program for children to participate in. Check out what's available in your town or city. Enrolling your child in a dramatic arts course or guild is a great way for them to learn simple things like voice projection, memorization, managing stage fright and using things like props and visuals to strengthen the force of their words. It's a great opportunity to develop their natural talents and build a sense of accomplishment and confidence.
• Encourage your children. When we say "encourage your children," we're not just talking about when it comes to public speaking. Confidence is an important key to powerful presentation skills, and can be built around just about anything. Any time your child makes an accomplishment, meets a goal, overcomes an obstacle, succeeds or fails, be there to offer your support and encouragement. It'll make a bigger difference than you could ever imagine!

Of course, the few ideas we've listed here have more than likely prompted you to think of other unique and creative ways that you can help your children become better public speakers long before they're called upon to actually give a formal speech or presentation. And in addition to your own ideas, don't forget to ask your kids for a few of their own. Working together, you can help your child learn the fundamentals of effective public speaking long before they ever learn to fear it!

Speaking and Speeches Resources