I don’t know about your child, but mine talks all day long…on the phone, with her sister, and even with me to debate “mommy’s rules.” She is never at a loss for words or shy about expressing her opinions! So when I asked her to come up with a speech to present in front of her classmates, I figured how hard could it be?
I was shocked. My loquacious daughter was suddenly tongue tied and lost. It was the fear of public speaking. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. If adults can get flustered speaking in front of large groups why couldn’t a child?
Helping your children learn the art of public speaking early on in life can tremendously build your child’s confidence levels so they will never have to shake at a podium in high school or even later on in life. Children are like sponges and have an easier time learning things than adults. They are not

jaded by life, its failures and challenges so their skins are a bit thicker than ours. Starting early gives your child extra practice, training, and learning in the art of public speaking that most adults would envy. Plus children have the benefit of NOT knowing that public speaking is the greatest fear for most people. Here are a few simple tips to integrate in their everyday lives that will build confidence in public speaking and presentation skills.
1. Take advantage of “Show and Tell” in your child’s school. Encouraging your child to participate in show and tell can teach them how to captivate an audience while giving them a chance to share something that is special to them. It’s an opportunity to speak in front of your peers and keep them interested in what your child has to say.
2. Participate in Science Fairs. Most students spend weeks on their Science Fair projects so they have in depth knowledge about their subject matter. All they need is a little coaching and confidence to present their hypothesis, results, and data to the judges. Being able to talk and gesture at your Science Fair board can be as challenging as rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time. So practice beforehand. Keep in mind that your audience will most likely be adults instead of peers in an informal classroom setting.
3. Hold onto your heart and lead them into a Drama program. Most communities have a drama program going on all year long. Participating in a Drama (at school or even in the community) forces your child to improve the little things like diction, voice projection, memorizing lines, better eye contact, and even the use of props. It’s a great way to get over stage fright and have fun at the same time.
4. Play Toastmasters at home. Toastmasters is a unique program that helps adults improve their public speaking skills and build confidence. Place a few generic topics in a hat such as “your favorite color,” or “what would you be when you grow up” or “tell me about yourself in one minute” and gather your family around. Have each member pick out a topic and present to the rest of the family in front of a chair holding a microphone. Not only does this teach improvisation, but also how to manage a podium and technology in their delivery. After all who hasn’t been to an event where the microphone “screeches” at some point?
5. Read a chapter from a book aloud. Reading poetry and prose from classics as well as present day fiction can help children learn how to speak without mumbling. Build in gestures and voice inflections when you can. Become Cicero, or Robert Frost, or even William Shakespeare. Encourage creativity in delivery. This encourages a child to get into a character.
Of course, the most important piece is to encourage your child and build confidence whenever they succeed! Confidence is the key to powerful presentation skills. Any time your child 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!