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2 Replies Last post: Jul 7, 2008 2:15 PM by smithl  
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jwherley
30 posts since
Oct 3, 2007

Jun 25, 2008 10:20 AM

How can I better build communication/public speaking skills with my students?

I try to focus on building communication skills in my students with speeches, discussions, debates as assignments, but often I end up with the same result: a student struggling through a speech to get a grade. I realize that practice makes perfect, but does anyone have any other success ideas that build specific skills in the public speaking area instead assuming all high school kids learned these skills in a speech class? Much Appreciated!
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hof
3 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
1. Jun 25, 2008 10:36 AM in response to: jwherley
Re: How can I better build communication/public speaking skills with my students?

We are always surprised at the lack of practical, basic communication skills the incoming freshman bring with them. One of the first things we do is teach them how to answer the department phone correctly, how to properly take a message, and how to successfully handle a question. Not only does this teach them a valuable skill they will use in any career, but it makes the department's communication with the outside world much smoother.

Whenever we have a large event that requires a lot of thank you notes, we pass out the blank notes and have a class take five minutes and compose them. Even the addressing of an envelope has become a lost skill and can be relearned at this time.

Both ideas are not part of a course curriculum, but often times these are the most important skills we can convey.

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smithl
54 posts since
Nov 7, 2007
2. Jul 7, 2008 2:15 PM in response to: jwherley
Re: How can I better build communication/public speaking skills with my students?

Start with the FFA Creed with your 8th or 9th graders. There are plenty of resources out there so your students can hear a sample and answer questions. Have a local contest. Take them to other contests. The next year, have those Creed Speakers compete in other speaking events.

As far as the entire student body... not all of them will give outstanding speeches but those you have started with will set the bar and, thus, everyone will improve.

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