5 ways to make your child excel at public speaking

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5 ways to make your child excel at public speaking

Often children, even with the best of education, struggle with public speaking. Public speaking can be unnerving even for adults, so for children it can be a completely new world. However, in today's fast paced life, public speaking is extremely important for children, as it prepares them for the future, and gives them a platform to voice their opinions. Public speaking is also useful for kids in the future, at work, when they have to present their ideas on a huge scale, even internationally. If your child too, struggles with public speaking, then here is how you can prepare him/her, starting now.

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Encourage daily conversations, and not just 'hi's and hellos'

One of the best ways to build confidence is by talking often with your child. Make daily conversations a habit. Ask about their day, their interests, or what they learned at school. Listen carefully and respond with encouragement.

When children feel heard and valued, they become more willing to share their thoughts. You can also encourage them to tell stories or explain things in their own words. This practice helps them organize their ideas and speak clearly.

Try to create a positive and patient environment where your child feels safe to express themselves without fear of being judged or corrected too harshly.

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Take small steps

Public speaking can be scary for children, but breaking it down into small steps makes it easier. Start by encouraging your child to speak in front of family members or close friends.

You can play fun games like “show and tell,” where your child talks about a favorite toy or book. Gradually increase the audience size or the length of the speech as your child becomes more comfortable.

Praise their efforts and progress, no matter how small. This builds their confidence and reduces fear over time.

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Read together

Reading books together is a great way to improve your child’s vocabulary and speaking skills. Choose interesting stories that your child enjoys. After reading, ask questions like “What happened in the story?” or “Who was your favorite character?”

Encourage your child to retell the story in their own words or make up new endings. This helps them practice speaking clearly and confidently.

You can also encourage your child to create their own stories and share them with family or friends. Storytelling boosts imagination and helps children learn how to organize their thoughts when speaking.

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Inculcate positive body language

Confidence is not just about words; how your child speaks matters too. Teach them to use good body language like standing straight, making eye contact, and smiling. These non-verbal cues make a big difference in how confident they appear.

Help your child practice speaking loudly and clearly, so others can hear and understand them. You can do this by reading aloud together or repeating simple tongue twisters.

Remind your child that it’s okay to pause and take deep breaths if they feel nervous. These small techniques help control anxiety and improve overall speaking confidence.

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Group activities

Joining group activities like drama clubs, debate teams, or storytelling sessions can greatly boost a child’s confidence in speaking. These activities provide a supportive environment where children practice speaking in front of others.

Encourage your child to participate in school events, presentations, or community programs. The more they practice speaking in different situations, the more comfortable they will become.

Also, praise their courage to try new things, even if they make mistakes. Learning from experience is key to building confidence.

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