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 this is in a classroom, and there is very little time for the small group Public Speaking tuition. This is a huge 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
Universities and graduate recruitment programmes highly value students who can speak with confidence. We teach extempore speaking using a range of talk structures - so that students can plan and learn to enjoy speaking to an audience with confidence.
We include debate classes.
Our Senior Students leave us with skills to present opinions, debate, research ideas and present information, present a formal report; confident with a range of social speeches that honour a person or group, and speak impromptu with only a minute to prepare. These life skills are so important. Many of our students complete Diplomas or Grade 8 certificates that are important for University applications.
When they return, they tell us that many university papers require them to present well for credits. They tell us they are thankful for their time learning Public Speaking skills before university, compared to many of their peers, who can not get the highest marks because of their lack of presenting experience.
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 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