Public Speaking Classes
A strength in Public Speaking is one of the best gifts we can give our children. Oral language skills are taught at school, but few schools teach the skills to speak in public with impact. Public Speaking skills are a core part of Ten Feet Tall's programme in all our weekly classes. Students who study Public Speaking learn to speak to any audience, in any situation, using the appropriate style, words, visual aids and delivery. Yes, we actually teach students how to prepare and deliver well presented visual aids!
Public Speaking for Teenagers
Our senior students leave us with skills to present to a range of audiences and occasions. Many of our students complete Diploma or Grade 8 certificates that are important for University applications.
Many university papers require students to present well for credits. Our students return from their first year; thankful for their time learning public speaking skills before university. Many graduate recruitment programmes have a component of their selection based on strong interpersonal skills and our students do well; because of the time they have spent with us weekly developing their skills.
Beginning Public Speaking Classes
Many of our students from Year 5 onwards opt to take Public Speaking, and some students split the school year with two terms of Public Speaking and two terms of Speech & Drama. Students are invited to sit Speech NZ Public Speaking examinations until they reach their senior years, and then we offer Trinity College examinations. We teach a range of Public Speaking skills:
Students will learn
- Talks (including show and tell, personal experience, demonstration, informative, instruction, persuasive talk, entertaining talk, impromptu)
- Announcements, interviews, speaker introduction, commentaries
- Role Play
- Courtesy exercises and recommending a new course of action
- Describing an object, interpreting a map or diagram
- Discussing a film or book
- How to make a telephone call
- Social Speeches
- Impromptu talks
- Stating an opinion on a picture or article
- Reading aloud, stating opinions and discussing current affairs
- Debating
- Storytelling
Students will be able to
- Speak clearly, develop vocal projection and engage an audience.
- Consider the audience and modify communication for impact.
- Develop critical and creative thinking.
- Plan and deliver a range of extempore talks.
- Listen and effectively question peers during discussions.
- Use storytelling to capture an audience's attention.
- Read aloud a variety of texts with clarity and vitality.
- Share ideas and opinions with enthusiasm, fluency, and effectiveness.
- Deliver social speeches with impact.
“Our son has been learning at Ten Feet Tall for 5 years since year 3. He has made significant improvement with his ability to: organise and express his thoughts; his public speaking ability; and his confidence.
He has been taught by Sarah and Stephanie. They are the most responsible, passionate and experienced teachers I have ever met in New Zealand. They are able to observe the kids’ advantages and disadvantages, then make personalised suggestions and tailored training for students. They are not only teaching speech skills, but also lifetime thinking and communication skills.
We are so lucky to have Ten Feet Tall here for Speech and Drama lessons. And we really appreciate the effort and heartfelt support to our son’s learning.”
Bonnie and Yan