What is Public Speaking?
Public speaking involves talking in front of a group of people, usually
with some preparation. It can be in front of people that you know (e.g.
at a family celebration) or a crowd of strangers. Public speaking is the process of communicating information to an audience. It is usually done before a large audience, like in school, the workplace and even in our personal lives. The benefits of knowing how to communicate to an audience include sharpening critical thinking and verbal/non-verbal communication skills. It involves communicating information before a large audience. What makes public speaking different than just talking to a crowd of people, is in the way information is conveyed. In public speaking, the information is purposeful and meant to inform, influence or entertain a group of listeners.
Why Public Speaking?
Being able to speak in public ,(whether to a large or small group or even to another individual) is an essential life skill that can be taught explicitly. It gives children and adults the ‘edge’ in many life situations such as interviews, leadership positions, negotiation, leading meetings and skills in effective dialogue and negotiation. Effective speakers are effective communicators. They are usually also effective listeners, leaders, negotiators and team members.
When we fear public speaking or are required to give a speech you may ask yourself why is public speaking important? Believe it or not but public speaking is one of the most important skills you will ever develop in your life. Public speaking is so important that it could be the deciding factor in many things such as your career development, your business growth and even in the relationships you have with your friends and family. It's a vital life skill and one that can't be replaced by technology.
Click here to read more....
Public Speaking and Effective Communication at the Peak School
The students at The Peak School are faced with a variety of performance and presentation opportunities from Circle Time in the early stages to speeches, assembly presentations, performing arts productions and presenting at the Year 6 Exhibition. Starting in September 2014, a new curriculum initiative was developed so that all students from yrs 4-6 could attend a 6-8 week public speaking training course focussing on essential elements on expression, voice, confidence and effective communication. Whilst this course is in the introductory phase, the aim is to incorporate explicit public speaking skills training throughout the different developmental stages. The course is designed to be useful, relevant, transdisciplinary with units of inquiry and also provide students with life long skills and confidence in speaking. The course includes technical elements of speaking, including articulation, projection, breathing, emphasis, pace, tempo, modulation, expression and pitch as well as preparing and structuring speeches, how to get your point across, speaking with fluency, where to look, how to stand, where to put your hands and many other elements that can be found in the individual lesson plans. We also explored power, authority, status and presence through a variety of exercises and activities.
The Course. An Overview
The Course. An Overview
Public Speaking and Teachers
As teachers, we are called upon to be effective public speakers on a daily basis; standing up in front of a classroom, assemblies, meetings, presenting to parents the list is endless. Generally teachers are very good at this. Well it certainly helps if they are. However, it's no coincidence that teachers often have throat and voice problems.
“Teachers are among those professionals who make great demands on their voices, often in rooms with poor acoustics and inadequate ventilation. Unfortunately, this stress on the voice can lead to problems such vocal fold swelling, vocal fold nodules and excessive muscle strain with voice use. These conditions can severely limit voice quality and stamina which can alter quality of life but can also lead to occupational disability for a classroom teacher. If left untreated, these problems can cause permanent vocal damage. "
(Joseph Spiegel, M.D., co-director of the Voice and Swallowing Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital )
Also, many teachers are completely at ease when having to talk to their own classes, but surprisingly often, these same confident speakers experience fear and trepidation when faced with having to present to other adults at meetings (such as at A.C.T..gulp! ) or to parents. Everybody benefits from public speaking training. There are some basic tips, hints, mechanics that everyone can learn , not only to protect their voices but also to make a good impression, be heard, be memorable and to be interesting. Think of some great public speakers. Who comes to mind? What is it that they do to engage their audiences? How can we emulate them?
“Teachers are among those professionals who make great demands on their voices, often in rooms with poor acoustics and inadequate ventilation. Unfortunately, this stress on the voice can lead to problems such vocal fold swelling, vocal fold nodules and excessive muscle strain with voice use. These conditions can severely limit voice quality and stamina which can alter quality of life but can also lead to occupational disability for a classroom teacher. If left untreated, these problems can cause permanent vocal damage. "
(Joseph Spiegel, M.D., co-director of the Voice and Swallowing Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital )
Also, many teachers are completely at ease when having to talk to their own classes, but surprisingly often, these same confident speakers experience fear and trepidation when faced with having to present to other adults at meetings (such as at A.C.T..gulp! ) or to parents. Everybody benefits from public speaking training. There are some basic tips, hints, mechanics that everyone can learn , not only to protect their voices but also to make a good impression, be heard, be memorable and to be interesting. Think of some great public speakers. Who comes to mind? What is it that they do to engage their audiences? How can we emulate them?
The Three Circles of Energy
During my research, I came across the work of Patsy Rodenburg, who is a well respected and well known voice coach. Her work is often used in corporate training as well as training singers and acting. her theory is that human energy in presentation and presence falls into 3 basic circles, known as the three circles of energy. IN a nutshell, The first circle is weak, introspective, disconnected and often quiet or uncomfortable, the second circle is connected, engaging, listening, a two way process between the presenter and the audience, and the third energy is bombastic, controlling, again disconnected. The students at Peak School, really 'got' this concept and practised presenting in all 3 circles. They were also able to identify where other speakers fell in terms of circles . Read more about the three circles of energy here .
Public Speaking in Action
10 Causes of Stage Fright
The students explored a wide range of areas including technique, mechanics, power, energy, authority, stage presence and making speeches.
They also explored the 3 Circles of Energy in presentation.
Have a look at our gallery to see some photos and short video samples of the students in action.
They also explored the 3 Circles of Energy in presentation.
Have a look at our gallery to see some photos and short video samples of the students in action.
Next Steps
The aim is to continue to develop public speaking skills throughout the Peak School so that students leave as confident and articulate speakers equipped with a useful set of tools to carry with them for life.. A corresponding curriculum guide with suggestions, lesson plans, tips, activities and useful links is being developed with the idea that this can be published online and shared with other educators across the foundation ( and beyond)
If you are interested in developing this at your school and would like a visit or starting points please do not hesitate to contact us.
There is also a public speaking course for teachers currently being developed so if you'd like to overcome your fear or get some useful tips on how to stand up there and really make a lasting impact (for all the right reasons of course) then watch this space.
If you are interested in developing this at your school and would like a visit or starting points please do not hesitate to contact us.
There is also a public speaking course for teachers currently being developed so if you'd like to overcome your fear or get some useful tips on how to stand up there and really make a lasting impact (for all the right reasons of course) then watch this space.