oral presentation ideas for grade 8

Oral Communication for Grade 8

Welcome to the comprehensive guide on Oral Communication for Grade 8, your go-to resource for mastering the art of expression. In this enriching guide, we explore key facets of effective communication, providing illuminating examples that seamlessly blend theory with practice. Navigate the nuances of Grade 8 communication with ease, as we delve into insightful tips and strategies. Embark on a journey of growth, where every concept is brought to life through vivid Communication Examples, ensuring a transformative learning experience.

What is Oral Communication for Grade 8?

Oral Communication for Grade 8 refers to the process of conveying thoughts, ideas, and information through spoken language, specifically tailored for eighth-grade students. It involves the development and application of effective communication skills, encompassing verbal expression, active listening, and the ability to articulate thoughts coherently. This pivotal skill set empowers Grade 8 students to engage in meaningful dialogues, presentations, and discussions, fostering both personal and academic growth. Explore this section for a clear and concise definition, setting the foundation for mastering effective communication in Grade 8.

What is the best Example of Oral Communication for Grade 8?

Unlock the essence of effective communication with the best example tailored for Grade 8 students. Imagine a scenario where a student confidently presents a class project, employing clear articulation, engaging tone, and well-organized content. This exemplary instance showcases not only the mastery of verbal expression but also the ability to capture the audience’s attention. Through a detailed exploration of this standout example, students gain valuable insights into the key elements that define remarkable oral communication in Grade 8. Dive into this illuminating breakdown for a comprehensive understanding.

30 Oral Communication for Grade 8 Examples

Embark on a journey of effective communication with our curated collection of 30 Oral Communication for Grade 8 Examples. Each example is a testament to the art of expression, covering a spectrum of scenarios relevant to eighth-grade students.

1. Classroom Collaboration: Engage peers with clarity and confidence, fostering a conducive learning environment. Example: During group projects, articulate ideas clearly to ensure seamless collaboration.

2. Presentation Prowess: Ace oral presentations by mastering the balance of information and engagement. Example: Delivering a science project presentation with enthusiasm and structured content.

3. Debate Dynamics: Navigate discussions adeptly, expressing opinions persuasively. Example: Effectively argue a chosen stance in a class debate, considering counterarguments.

4. Storytelling finesse: Capture attention with compelling narratives, enhancing communication impact. Example: Craft a vivid story during English class, utilizing descriptive language and engaging plot twists.

5. Peer Support Conversations: Develop empathy and active listening in supportive discussions with classmates. Example: Offer encouragement and understanding in conversations with a friend going through a challenging time.

6. Interview Etiquette: Showcase professional communication skills for future success. Example: Simulate a job interview scenario, demonstrating confident responses and professional demeanor.

7. Expressing Gratitude: Cultivate positive relationships by articulating appreciation sincerely. Example: Thank a teacher for guidance with a heartfelt and well-communicated note.

8. Resolving Conflict: Navigate disagreements constructively, fostering harmony within the school community. Example: Mediate a disagreement between classmates, facilitating a resolution through effective communication.

9. Group Decision-Making: Contribute meaningfully to group discussions, ensuring collective decisions benefit all. Example: Collaborate on choosing a class project theme, considering diverse perspectives.

10. Classroom Questioning: Pose thoughtful questions to enhance participation and critical thinking. Example: Engage actively in class discussions by asking relevant and insightful questions.

11. Digital Communication: Navigate online discussions responsibly, considering the impact of written words. Example: Participate in a virtual classroom discussion, demonstrating clear and respectful online communication.

12. Expressing Concerns: Communicate concerns with teachers or peers diplomatically for effective problem-solving. Example: Discuss academic challenges with a teacher, seeking guidance and proposing solutions.

13. Reflective Communication: Articulate personal reflections clearly, deepening self-awareness. Example: Share insights gained from a class activity, connecting personal experiences to the learning material.

14. Team Collaboration: Contribute meaningfully to group projects, ensuring a harmonious and efficient workflow. Example: Work collaboratively on a science experiment, coordinating efforts for a successful outcome.

15. Social Media Awareness: Communicate responsibly on social platforms, considering the broader impact. Example: Share educational content on social media, promoting awareness while maintaining a positive online presence.

16. Public Speaking Mastery: Excel in addressing larger audiences with confidence and clarity. Example: Deliver a speech during a school assembly, captivating the audience with a well-structured and engaging presentation.

17. Nonverbal Communication: Master the art of nonverbal cues to enhance spoken messages. Example: Use appropriate gestures and facial expressions to convey enthusiasm during a class discussion.

18. Critical Listening Skills: Hone the ability to actively listen and comprehend complex information. Example: Engage in a debate, demonstrating the skill of listening carefully to counterarguments and responding thoughtfully.

19. Cultural Sensitivity Conversations: Communicate respectfully in a diverse environment, considering cultural nuances. Example: Engage in discussions about cultural differences, fostering mutual understanding within the class.

20. Community Outreach Communication: Effectively convey information during community outreach activities. Example: Communicate the importance of a local charity event, encouraging participation and support.

21. Goal Setting Conversations: Articulate personal and academic goals, fostering a growth mindset. Example: Share future aspirations during a class discussion, outlining actionable steps to achieve them.

22. Science Experiment Explanation: Clearly explain scientific processes during experiments. Example: Demonstrate a chemistry experiment, articulating each step and its significance.

23. Group Project Update: Provide concise and informative updates during group project presentations. Example: Update the class on the progress of a collaborative assignment, highlighting key achievements and challenges.

24. Environmental Awareness Discussions: Discuss environmental issues with a focus on solutions and action.

Example: Participate in a discussion about climate change, proposing actionable steps to promote sustainability.

25. Current Events Analysis: Articulate opinions on current events, considering various perspectives. Example: Discuss a recent news article in class, offering insights into the broader implications and potential solutions.

26. Team Sports Communication: Communicate effectively within a sports team, ensuring coordinated gameplay. Example: Contribute to a soccer team’s strategy discussion, conveying ideas for effective on-field communication.

27. Peer Feedback Conversations: Provide constructive feedback to peers, fostering a culture of improvement. Example: Offer insightful feedback on a classmate’s presentation, highlighting strengths and suggesting areas for improvement.

28. Future Career Aspirations: Articulate future career goals and aspirations during class discussions. Example: Share aspirations of becoming a scientist, outlining the passion and steps required for the chosen career path.

29. Technology Integration Discussions: Discuss the role of technology in education, considering both advantages and challenges. Example: Participate in a class debate about the impact of technology on learning outcomes, presenting well-researched points.

30. Poetry Recitation: Communicate emotions effectively through poetry recitation, showcasing expressive language and tone. Example: Recite a chosen poem in class, emphasizing the emotional nuances and rhythm to captivate the audience.

Oral Communication for Grade 8 at School

Enhance communication prowess in the school setting with tailored examples for eighth-graders. Mastering oral communication is crucial for academic success and personal development. Explore diverse scenarios and practical tips to excel in verbal expression within the school environment.

• Classroom Participation Brilliance: Showcase engagement by contributing thoughtfully during class discussions, fostering a dynamic learning atmosphere.
• Project Presentation Finesse: Ace project presentations with clear articulation, engaging visuals, and confident delivery, impressing both peers and teachers.
• Teacher Interaction Excellence: Effectively communicate with teachers, seeking clarification and expressing thoughts clearly to enhance the learning experience.
• Group Project Coordination: Lead or participate in group projects with effective communication, ensuring seamless collaboration and successful outcomes.
• Asking Questions Strategically: Enhance understanding by asking pertinent questions during lessons, promoting a culture of curiosity and active engagement.
• Exemplary Storytelling in English Class: Captivate classmates with vivid storytelling during English class, showcasing expressive language and engaging narrative techniques.
• Navigating Extracurricular Activities: Communicate effectively within clubs or teams, ensuring cohesion and shared goals in extracurricular pursuits.
• Respectful Disagreement in Debates: Participate in debates with grace, presenting counterarguments respectfully, and fostering constructive dialogue.
• Peer Collaboration in Science Labs: Excel in science experiments by communicating clearly with group members, ensuring efficient collaboration and data collection.
• Expressing Gratitude to School Staff: Articulate appreciation for school staff, acknowledging their contributions and fostering a positive school culture

Oral Communication for Grade 8 for Students

Embark on a journey to enhance communication skills tailored for eighth-grade students. Our guide on Oral Communication for Grade 8 for Students is crafted to empower young learners with effective verbal expression. Explore various scenarios designed to resonate with students, promoting engagement and skill development.

• Classroom Icebreaker: Boldly introduce yourself to classmates, sharing a unique hobby or interest to initiate positive interactions.
• Book Review Presentation: Stand out in English class by presenting a book review with enthusiasm, summarizing key points articulately.
• Debating School Policies: Participate in a class debate, expressing opinions on school policies, and supporting arguments with valid points.
• Team Project Collaboration: Coordinate with peers on a science project, ensuring effective communication for a cohesive and successful outcome.
• Expressing Gratitude to Teachers: Craft a heartfelt note to express gratitude to a teacher, showcasing appreciation for their guidance and support.
• Sharing Cultural Insights: Engage in discussions about diverse cultures, sharing personal insights and fostering mutual understanding in the classroom.
• Creative Storytelling: Capture classmates’ attention with a creatively told story during language arts, using vivid language and expressive tone.
• Digital Communication Etiquette: Demonstrate responsible online communication by actively participating in virtual classroom discussions.
• Public Speaking in Class Assemblies: Excel in addressing larger audiences during school assemblies, delivering speeches with confidence and clarity.
• Goal Setting Conversations: Share personal and academic goals with peers, encouraging a growth mindset and mutual support within the class.

What are the Oral Communication for Grade 8 Activities?

Navigating Grade 8 is not just about academic growth; it’s also a crucial phase for developing effective communication skills. This comprehensive guide explores a myriad of engaging oral communication activities tailored specifically for eighth-grade students. From collaborative projects to expressive presentations, these activities aim to enhance clarity, confidence, and overall communication prowess.

1. Debate Dynamics:

Engage students in structured debates, encouraging them to articulate and defend their opinions on various topics. This activity promotes critical thinking, active listening, and the ability to communicate persuasively.

Example Activity: Statement: Resolved: The benefits of technology outweigh its drawbacks. Explanation: Students form teams, research arguments, and present their cases, fostering articulate communication skills.

2. Role-Playing Scenarios:

Immerse students in real-life situations through role-playing, enabling them to practice communication within different contexts. This activity enhances empathy and adaptability in communication.

Example Activity: Scenario: Simulating a job interview for a dream profession. Explanation: Students take on roles as both interviewers and candidates, honing their ability to communicate effectively in professional settings.

3. Storytelling Workshops:

Encourage creativity and expression through storytelling workshops. Students develop narratives, improving their ability to structure ideas coherently and engage an audience.

Example Activity: Bold Theme: Creating a short story based on a given set of prompts. Explanation: Students craft and share their stories, practicing the art of storytelling and receiving constructive feedback.

4. Group Project Presentations:

Foster collaboration by assigning group projects that require students to present their findings. This activity emphasizes effective communication within a team.

Example Activity: Bold Topic: Investigating the impact of climate change on local ecosystems. Explanation: Groups research, collaborate, and present their findings, emphasizing clear communication of complex environmental concepts.

5. Current Events Discussions:

Stay connected to the world by integrating current events discussions. This activity enhances students’ ability to express informed opinions and engage in meaningful debates.

Example Activity: Bold Topic: Analyzing the global impact of a recent natural disaster. Explanation: Students research and discuss the event’s causes, effects, and potential solutions, fostering articulate communication on real-world issues

In conclusion, mastering oral communication is crucial for Grade 8 students, fostering not only academic success but also personal development. The ability to express thoughts clearly, engage in meaningful discussions, and collaborate effectively lays the foundation for future achievements. As students navigate their educational journey, the skills acquired in oral communication will prove invaluable in various aspects of life.

To further enhance your understanding and delve deeper into the realm of oral communication, we recommend exploring the resources provided by the Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity at akpsi.org . Their insights on the subject offer valuable perspectives, enriching your knowledge base. Additionally, for a comprehensive understanding of the Grade 8 language curriculum, visit dcp.edu.gov.on.ca . This official resource from the Ontario Ministry of Education provides essential guidelines and information, complementing the content discussed in this article. Happy communicating

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Great Informative Speech Topics for Grade 8

Perfect for middle school informative presentations, with three bonus speech outlines.

Informative Speech Topics for Grade 8

Table of Contents

• Topics about Developing Practical Skills
• Topics about Personal Growth and Responsibility
• Topics about Engaging with the World
• Topics about Life Skills and Independence
• Topics about Creative Expression and Hobbies
• Topics about Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
• Topics about Exploring New Experiences
• Topics about Cultural and Artistic Appreciation

Informative Speech Sample Outlines for Grade 8

• Outline #1: Fixing a Flat Bike Tire
• Outline #2: Writing Cursive and Signing Names
• Outline #3: Cleaning Their Room

Developing practical skills:

Several suggested speech topics for grade 8 about developing practical skills.

• Fixing a flat bike tire
• Packing a suitcase efficiently
• Doing laundry
• Cooking basic meals

Following are several additional topics tailored towards developing practical skills for 12-13 year olds. The 8th grade speaker can master the skill with the help of a parent or teacher, prepare an outline of the steps needed to demonstrate the skill, and then present to others to help an interested audience of grade 8 students also learn about the topic.

• "Cooking Safety and Simple Recipes" : This speech could cover basic cooking safety rules and introduce a few simple, healthy recipes a young teen could easily prepare.
• "First Aid Skills Every Teen Should Know" : This could cover basic first aid skills like how to treat cuts and burns, what to do in case of choking, and when to call for professional medical help.
• "Learning to Sew: Mending and Beyond" : This speech could introduce basic sewing skills, like how to sew a button, mend a tear, or even create simple items like a face mask or a bag.
• "DIY Home Repair Basics" : This speech could cover simple tasks like unclogging a drain, fixing a leaky faucet, or safely resetting a tripped circuit breaker.
• "Mastering Laundry: From Sorting to Folding ": This could cover the entire process of doing laundry, including sorting, stain removal, choosing the proper wash/dry cycle, and folding clothes.
• "Plant Care 101: From Seed to Sprout" : This speech could introduce the basics of plant care, including choosing the right plants, understanding light and watering requirements, and troubleshooting common plant problems.
• "The ABCs of Bicycle Maintenance" : This could cover topics like how to clean and oil a bicycle, pump tires, and perform a basic safety check.
• "Navigating Public Transport" : This could cover practical skills like reading a bus or train schedule, understanding routes, and general etiquette and safety rules when using public transportation.

Remember, it's crucial to include hands-on demonstrations or visual aids to enhance understanding and engagement.

Personal growth and responsibility:

Several suggested speech topics for grade 8 about personal growth and responsibility.

• Taking responsibility for homework
• Getting ready for school on time
• Managing allowance and money
• Maintaining a calendar for organizing schedules

Here are several additional informative speech topics for grade 8 centered around personal growth and responsibility for 8th graders. These topics are for students willing to tackle the challenge of informing peers about vital responsibilities.

• "The Art of Time Management" : This speech could cover practical tips on how to manage time effectively, including using tools like calendars or planners, setting priorities, and the importance of a balanced routine.
• "Budgeting Basics for Teens" : This speech could teach young teens about the concept of budgeting. It might cover topics like understanding income and expenses, the importance of saving, and how to start a simple budget.
• "The Importance of Goal Setting" : This speech could discuss the benefits of setting personal, academic, and long-term goals. It could provide strategies on how to effectively set and achieve these goals, including the SMART goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
• "Understanding and Managing Emotions" : This topic could cover different types of emotions, why we experience them, and strategies for managing and expressing them healthily.
• "The Power of Self-Care" : This speech could delve into the importance of looking after one's physical, mental, and emotional health and provide tips on incorporating self-care into daily routines.
• "Dealing with Peer Pressure" : This speech could discuss the concept of peer pressure and its impact and provide strategies for standing up to it.
• "Building Healthy Habits" : This topic could provide practical tips on how to develop and maintain good habits, such as proper sleep hygiene, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition.
• "Taking Responsibility for Actions" : This speech could cover why it's important to own up to mistakes, apologize when necessary, and learn from these experiences.
• "Developing a Growth Mindset" : This speech could explain the concept of a growth mindset, how it differs from a fixed mindset, and how adopting a growth mindset can lead to tremendous success and resilience.
• "The Importance of Respect and Empathy" : This speech could discuss the importance of understanding and respecting the feelings of others and how empathy can improve relationships and contribute to a more inclusive community.
• "Cyber Safety and Digital Responsibility" : This speech could cover essential topics such as protecting personal information online, the dangers of cyberbullying, and responsible social media use.
• "Organizational Skills for Better Study" : This speech could provide practical tips on organizing study time effectively, including using planners, the benefits of a dedicated study space, and techniques like the Pomodoro Technique.

These topics provide an excellent foundation for teaching and discussing personal growth and responsibility with young teens.

Engaging with the world around them:

Several suggested speech topics about engaging with the world around you.

• Engaging through volunteering
• Cultivating and expressing personal opinions
• Understanding the basics of death, sex, and birth
• Developing a relationship with the natural world

Following are several additional informative speech topics for grade 8 that encourage engagement with the world.

• "Understanding and Addressing Climate Change" : This speech could explain the basics of climate change, its impact on our planet, and practical ways young people can help combat it, such as recycling, conserving energy, and advocating for environmental policies.
• "The Importance of Community Service" : This speech could discuss the benefits of volunteering in local communities, provide examples of possible service activities, and inspire youth to contribute to their communities.
• "Exploring Cultural Diversity" : This speech could cover the importance of understanding and appreciating cultural diversity, including discussions about traditions, languages, cuisines, and customs from around the world. It could also highlight the significance of empathy and respect in multicultural societies.
• "Civic Engagement for Youth" : This speech could explain the concept of civic engagement and discuss ways young people can get involved, such as participating in student government, attending city council meetings, or writing to their local representatives about issues they care about.
• "Digital Citizenship in the 21st Century" : This speech could discuss the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of being a digital citizen, including responsible internet use, understanding the difference between real and fake news, and how to safely and respectfully communicate online.

These topics are designed to help young teens understand the world around them and encourage active engagement in various aspects of society.

Life skills and independence:

Several speech topics for grade 8 that relate to life skills and independence for tweens and teens.

• Taking care of pets or plants
• Using the phone effectively for communication
• Taking responsibility for household chores
• Showing compassion for others, both humans and animals

Below are six additional informative speech topics that are youth-centric and focus on life skills and independence.

• "Balancing School and Hobbies" : This speech could discuss how to manage time between schoolwork and personal interests effectively. It could include personal experiences and strategies that have worked for the speaker.
• "My Journey Learning to Cook My Favorite Meal" : This topic allows the presenter to share their personal experience learning to cook a specific dish. They could include challenges they faced, how they overcame them, and tips for others who want to try cooking the same meal.
• "How I Organized My Study Space for Better Productivity" : This speech could detail the speaker's personal experience in organizing their study space, the changes they made, and how it has affected their study habits and academic performance.
• "My Experience with a DIY Project" : The speaker could discuss a DIY project they undertook, such as building a model, crafting, or gardening. They can share the skills they learned, the challenges they faced, and the satisfaction of completing the project.
• "Creating and Sticking to My Personal Budget" : In this speech, the presenter could share their experience of creating a simple budget for their allowance or earnings from chores. They could discuss why they decided to start a budget, the benefits they've seen, and tips for peers who might want to do the same.
• "How I Learned to Plan and Host a Successful Sleepover" : This speech could cover the speaker's experience planning and hosting a sleepover or a small get-together with friends. They could talk about the planning process, the activities they organized, how they handled unexpected challenges, and what they learned about responsibility and coordination through the experience. This topic is highly relatable and engaging for this age group while also emphasizing important life skills.

Creative expression and hobbies:

Four speech topics for grade 8 middle school students related to creative expression and hobbies.

• Making a comic book
• Doing a DIY project
• Learning to play an instrument
• Learning calligraphy or hand lettering

Below are some additional hobby-themed informative speech topics that we like for middle school students.

• "My Experience with Reading a New Book" : The speaker could share their experiences in reading a book, including selecting the book, sharing themes from the book, and the benefits they've gained from information or lessons learned.
• "Building My First Model Kit" : This speech could cover the speaker's experience building a model kit, such as an airplane or a Lego set. They could detail the steps they took, challenges faced, problem-solving used, and the satisfaction of seeing the completed model.
• "Exploring the World of Digital Art" : For youth interested in art and technology, this speech could discuss their journey into digital art. They could talk about the software they use, their learning process and showcase some of their creations.
• "My Journey in Learning a New Sport" : This speech could be about the speaker's experience with learning a new sport, such as soccer, tennis, or swimming. They could share about the training process, the importance of teamwork and discipline, and the joy of competition and improvement.
• "Starting My Own YouTube Channel" : The speaker could discuss their experience of starting and managing a YouTube channel. This could include how they chose their content focus, the process of making and editing videos, how they handle feedback, and what they've learned about digital media and online engagement. This topic could be fascinating, given the popularity of YouTube among this age group.

These topics allow young teens to share their personal experiences and passions, making the speeches more engaging and relatable to their peers.

Problem-solving and critical thinking:

Several speech topics for grade 8 youth in the problem-solving and critical thinking category.

• Solving puzzles
• Playing board games and card games
• Taking part in a STEM scavenger hunt
• Brainstorming an idea

Below are five informative speech topics for grade 8 on problem-solving and critical thinking that are suitable for 12-13-year-olds:

• "What Video Games Have Taught Me About Problem-Solving" : Video games often require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, the speaker could discuss a particular game they play, the challenges it presents, and how they strategize to overcome them.
• "Learning to Code: My Journey with Problem-Solving" : If the speaker has begun learning to code, they could share their experiences, the challenges they've encountered, and how they've used logic and problem-solving skills to overcome them.
• "How I Improved My Chess Game" : Chess is a strategy and critical thinking game. The speaker could share their learning journey, strategies they've developed, and how playing chess has influenced their problem-solving skills.
• "My Involvement in a School Debate Team" : The speaker could share their experiences participating in a school debate team, discussing how they develop arguments, research supporting evidence, and learn to think critically to engage effectively in debates.

These topics relate to this age group and allow the speaker to share personal experiences of problem-solving and critical thinking.

Exploring new experiences:

Here are several speech topics for grade 8 students that let the student explore new experiences in their presentations.

• Planning a Google Maps adventure
• Creating a photo collage
• Running an obstacle course
• Playing laser maze

The following are some additional informative speech topics on new experiences that many 12-13-year-olds have had and could present as an informative speech.

• "My First Time at Summer Camp" : This speech could cover the speaker's experiences at a summer camp, including the activities they participated in, the friends they made, and how they handled being away from home for an extended period.
• "My Experience Joining a Sports Team" : The speaker could share their journey joining a new sports team, including their challenges, the skills they learned, and the value of teamwork.
• "My First Public Performance" : If the speaker has ever performed in a play, a concert, or a talent show, they could share about the preparation process, dealing with stage fright, and the experience of performing in front of an audience.
• "Visiting a New City" : The speaker could share their experiences visiting a new city or country with their family. They could discuss the culture, the sights, the food, and how the experience broadened their horizons.

These topics should be engaging and relatable for 12-13-year-olds, and they also provide opportunities for the speakers to share personal stories and lessons they've learned from these experiences.

Cultural and artistic appreciation:

The speech topics for grade 8 listed below provide themes related to cultural and artistic appreciation. An eighth-grade student with experience in one of the endeavors will enjoy sharing the process in an informative speech. 

• Learning a new language
• Watching a movie and analyzing it
• Researching pets
• Learning to draw and paint

Below are five informative speech topics about cultural and artistic appreciation that our eighth-grade readers may have experienced and enjoy sharing in a presentation.

• "My Experience Learning Traditional Dance" : The speaker could discuss their journey learning a traditional dance from their own culture or another culture, sharing the history of the dance, the techniques they learned, and their appreciation for the culture it represents.
• "The Art of Manga" : For those interested in Japanese culture and manga, this speech could discuss the history of manga, its influence on global pop culture, and personal experiences with favorite manga series or drawing manga.
• "Exploring the World through Cuisine" : The speaker could talk about their experiences trying foods from different cultures. Then, they could discuss what they learned about each culture through its cuisine and share their favorite dishes.
• "The Beauty of Classical Music" : The speaker could discuss their experience with classical music, whether through playing an instrument, attending a concert, or simply listening to the music. They could share what they've learned about the history of the music and their favorite pieces or composers.
• "Art Movements and Their Influence" : The speaker could choose an art movement (like Impressionism, Surrealism, or Pop Art) to research and present about. They could discuss the historical context, notable artists, and how this movement influenced or was influenced by society.

These topics should provide opportunities for 12-13-year-olds to share their personal experiences with cultural and artistic appreciation, and they can also encourage their peers to explore these areas further.

Sample Speech Outlines pulled from the above speech topics for grade 8:

An outline for a speech about "fixing a flat bike tire".

When writing an informative presentation for speech topics in grade 8, or any grade, it is important to brainstorm, research, and come up with the body and structure. With that in mind, BST wrote three example informative speech outlines for grade 8 to help you understand the details. 

These three points provide a clear and structured guide for the audience to understand the step-by-step process of fixing a flat bike tire, ensuring they gain practical knowledge and confidence in handling this common issue.

• Identifying the problem:
• Understanding the signs of a flat tire.
• Locating the puncture or damage on the tire.
• Removing and repairing the tire:
• Removing the wheel from the bike frame.
• Deflating the tube and removing it from the tire.
• Locating and patching the puncture or replacing the tube if necessary.
• Reassembling the bike:
• Checking the tire pressure and inflating it to the appropriate level.
• Ensuring the wheel is securely attached to the bike frame.
• Testing the bike to ensure the tire is fixed and functional.

An Outline for a Speech About "Writing cursive and signing names"

Significance of the three body points in a speech: These three points offer a comprehensive approach to understanding the importance of cursive writing and the ability to sign names, including the basics of cursive, the historical significance of signatures, and the practical application of cursive and signatures in real-life situations.

• Learning cursive writing:
• Understanding the basics of cursive writing.
• Practicing individual cursive letters.
• Progressing to writing words and sentences in cursive.
• Understanding the importance of signatures:
• Exploring the historical significance of signatures.
• Discussing the uniqueness and personalization of signatures.
• Practicing signing one's name in cursive.
• Applying cursive and signatures in real-life situations:
• Discuss the occasions where cursive and signatures are commonly used.
• Emphasizing the importance of legible and consistent signatures.
• Encouraging cursive writing and signatures as a personal touch in everyday life.

An Outline for a Speech on "Cleaning their room"

Significance of the three body points in a speech: These three points outline the essential aspects of teaching children to clean their room, including establishing a cleaning routine, organizing belongings, and demonstrating cleaning techniques. This structure ensures a comprehensive understanding of the topic and practical guidance for the audience.

• Establishing a cleaning routine:
• Discussing the importance of cleanliness and organization in personal space.
• Introducing a regular cleaning schedule and checklist.
• Demonstrating how to create and follow a cleaning plan.
• Organizing belongings:
• Teaching techniques for organizing clothes, toys, and personal items.
• Introducing storage solutions such as shelves, bins, and labels.
• Encouraging decluttering and donating unused or outgrown items.
• Demonstrating cleaning techniques:
• Teaching proper dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping techniques.
• Explaining how to clean surfaces, windows, and mirrors effectively.
• Emphasizing the importance of tidying up after oneself daily.

Alright folks, as a certain web-spinning superhero  would say, that's the scoop on 'informative speech topics for grade 8'.

I mean, who knew talking about speech stuff could be this cool? Right? We've dived through a bunch of topics, like swinging through the city engaging with the world, and laid out some tips on how to outline your ideas make your words stick, like my trusty webbing.

It's like being a superhero, you know. You've got this power to influence, to inspire, and just like Uncle Ben said, "With great power, comes great responsibility". So, pick a topic that matters to you, and who knows? You might just end up saving the day.

Remember, every hero starts somewhere. For me, it was a radioactive spider, but for you, it could be 'a speech in 8th grade'.

So suit up, step up to the mic, and let's see what kind of hero you can be!

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• Life Skills and Independence
• Creative Expression and Hobbies
• Problem Solving
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• Cultural and Artistic Appreciation

Sample Outlines for Grade 8

• Fixing a Flat Bike Tire
• Writing Cursive
• Cleaning Their Room

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130 Awesome Speech Topics for Kids

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Kids always do best when they are interested in what they are asked to talk about. But every child has different interests, and therein lies the challenge – selecting awesome speech topics that kids will want to talk about.

A few points you want to consider:

• If the topic is too “adult,” they may be too young to cope with what they find.
• If the topic is too simplistic, their growing sense of awareness may be stunted.

• Keep in mind the goal of the speech – do you want to educate, to entertain, to express ideas, or something else?
• Consider topic that suits child’s character: someone who has an extensive imagination won’t like the same topics as someone who is more factual and practical.

Here is a broad range of  speech topics for kids you can choose from.

Family and friends, miscellaneous, more miscellaneous….

• Why I love my mom and dad
• Funny things my parents say
• Let me tell you about my imaginary friend
• Things that really happen at grandma’s house when mom and dad aren’t there
• Secrets my mom does all day when I’m not around
• What my brother/sister thinks of me
• What my dad does in the bathroom for all that time
• If I had a choice between getting money or spending time with my family, I would choose…
• What did I do for my mom last mother’s day
• Let me tell you about my family
• My family’s traditions
• Original projects to surprise my parents on Mother’s Day (in the Spring) and Father’s Day (often marked in June).
• Where we went on vacation/holiday with my family
• What is my favorite song
• My favorite band or singer, and one of his or her greatest hits I would like to play with some clarification.
• The best fairy tale, or a variation child speech topic can be a cartoon character.
• My favorite season of the year is…
• My favourite time of day or week.
• The funniest April Fool’s Day joke.
• 5 of my favorite words
• Top favorite Christmas song of all times
• 3 favorite things to buy at the market
• If I went to my favorite restaurant I would order…
• Mom and my favorite place to visit is..
• My favorite thing about summer
• What my favorite pizza toppings are
• My favorite New Year’s tradition
• Favorite sundae toppings
• The most delicious meal I’ve ever had
• If I built the ultimate sandwich, it would have…
• The worst vegetable on the planet
• How many things can you make with a potato
• Describe the flavors of Thanksgiving foods
• One thing I know how to cook is…
• The contents of your lunch box.
• Different ways to eat an apple
• Why I don’t care about the “Five second rule”
• I don’t like to eat … Fill in something you dislike
• A day in the life as a fly
• What my dog is thinking
• What would it be like if dinosaurs roamed the Earth?
• My dream mythical creature for a pet would be…
• If I could talk to animals…
• What do cows think about
• How do animals talk to each other
• How to care for your pets, the right way
• What rights should animals have?
• What different wild animals have I seen
• How penguins live on Antarctica and only there and not on the North Pole (besides the zoo of course)
• A day at the wildlife sea aquarium, with dolphins, sharks, whales and seals.
• How kangaroos care for their children.
• What birds visit your backyard at home
• How do rainbows work
• What planet would I visit if I had my own rocket ship
• Why the sky is blue
• How are stars made
• Where do clouds come from?
• Where babies come from
• What outer space is like
• Why do the leaves on trees change color in the fall
• How water is so important
• What makes the Sun so bright
• How do boats float
• Why do we have dreams when we sleep
• Why are eyes different colors
• What makes the world go ’round
• How do planes fly
• The stars, black holes, galaxies and the interstellar medium in our cosmos
• Biggest birthday wish
• Best indoor winter activities
• Coolest superhero power
• If I was the President of the U.S….
• My dream vacation
• If I were a character in a book, I would be…
• Why I’m on Santa’s nice/naughty list
• The inside scoop on __________
• If I could change one thing about the world, it would be…
• How I really feel about seeing the doctor
• The best part about holidays
• If I had three wishes, they would be…
• If I were famous, it would be for my…
• My secret life as a spy
• My best invention
• Fun games to play on long car rides
• Silly songs I know
• In my dream house, there would be…
• The best part about being sick
• Why the tooth fairy must be real
• What my name means
• Disney World: the first person I’d want to see is…
• If I was the author of a book, I’d write about…
• The charity I’m going to donate to when I’m older is…
• What happiness means to me
• The best thing about me is…
• If I could be a character in any video game, it would be…
• How I care for the environment every day
• Why are farmers important
• What I want to be for Halloween next year
• What I want to be when I grow up
• Why best friends are so special
• If I was a princess or prince, I would …
• My toys, dolls or mini racing cars collection.
• My trip to Disney World or other resort.
• How I decorate my room at home.
• My biggest adventure.
• Good kid games online.
• Nice birthday presents you like to get.
• What you could do without television or video.
• Foreign hollidays we do not celebrate.
• Things – food or scary situations – that make you sick.
• What is more important: Doing what’s right or being popular
• The best memory I can remember
• Who I was named after
• What it would be like to meet an alien
• My greatest fear
• The happiest day of my life
• Something I have done that I am proud of
• What adult in my life do I look up to the most
• How to plan a surprise party
• A day at the beach
• The coolest toy I have
• What I know about (insert sport)
• Vampires or werewolves?
• Steps to drawing a flower
• If I re-wrote the story, “The Little Mermaid” or “Bambi” it would go like this…
• How to make a snowman
• The strangest place I’ve ever been
• Are table manners really important
• Tell a myth or legend about your future self
• The coolest art/craft I’ve ever made
• If I were in charge, the rules I would make would be…

If you are selecting a topic together, sit down with your child and read through this list together and make your own list of which topics stood out to your child . Suggest alternatives or adaptations to some topics. The goal is to get their juices flowing. You want this to be a choice that they are comfortable with.

Help them decide by reminding them who their audience will be and what the occasion is . This will help determine what is appropriate and what the audience will want to hear. Your child probably wouldn’t want to talk about Barbie at a formal function or to an audience of mostly boys.

All that’s left to do is prepare and practice, because we all know – practice makes perfect!

Can We Write Your Speech?

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205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate

206 Great Speech Topics for Teens [Persuasive, Informative]

25 thoughts on “130 Awesome Speech Topics for Kids”

Sure! It’s about I only want a ribbon about u are afraid Togo on stage and don’t want to go to the next level except a good grade.

A day in a life of me as an old person

im so bad at writing speechs

You should keep some simple and affective topics on which children can speak on. But still good.

this really helped me I am trying to look for a speech and this helped me ALOT!!!!thanks and had lots of good ideas

it’s very good for a child under like 8 but i am 9 and i use it and when our teacher said were have a speech contest i flip out! but i found this web site and it helped me a lot. In fact, i won the speech contest!

Ok you guys are good in all but I feel like I don’t know if kids are going to want to listen to these baby ideas and where baby’s come from and I am in grade six and I don’t think people really want to listen but you guys ar good for like grade threes or something like that because I don’t think people over the grade of four are going to want to listen to this

OK you guys r good but i need more ideas all of are cool but i need to win a speech contest

I love the ideas kind of random but still funny and interesting

please help me to write speech

ya i’m in a speech contest too and thx you have helped me lot’s 🙂

I couldn’t think of anything so I simply did: why I can’t think of a speech topic!

I LOVE your topic Me it inspires me and I think I am going to write about that for my speech contest entry.

i LOVVVE the ideas im going to come first in my speech comments

i wish you would give more responsible topics because i don’t want to write a speech on the steps to write a flower i would want to amaze the judges with a out of this world speech not a stupid one i am in sixth grade and i am about to do a huge essay contest and i want to write something jaw dropping

thank you!!! this is very helpful to us it give us more confidence and knowledge

I need a topic that I can talk about for 20 MINUTES!!!. These topics seem too trivial for an impromptu speech for 20 minutes, but good topics for shorter speeches!

love your ideas so good you really have a brillant brain sir

Thank u a lot

No this is not the topics i am looking for….. I’m looking for persuasive speeches could u please add topics for that

Winning Isn’t Everything

Well, it’s pretty good for school, but I need topics like “Benefits of ___” or “What we should do about pollution”, etc. I’m doing this for a Public Speaking class and we have to do speeches sort of like a ‘TED talk’

I want a speech on the Democratic for my school

I’m kinda annoyed they don’t take you to a site that helps you write it like I need this thing next Monday!

I love those crazy and cute topics….once I read them they grab my heart at once and now my mummy is saying me to make ur speech on this and that blaa … blaaa…. but I can’t leave those cute science topics….thank you so much for whoever have those kind of sweet topics

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75 Unique School Presentation Ideas and Topics Plus Templates

Are you tired of seeing the same PowerPoints repeating overused and unoriginal school presentation ideas covering repeated topics in your classes?

You know what I’m talking about; we’ve all been there, and sat through yawn-worthy demonstrations, slides, or presentation videos covering everything from the solar system, someone’s favorite pet, past presidents of a country, to why E=mC squared.

From grade school to university, first graders to college students, we are obligated to create, perform, and observe academic presentations across a plethora of curriculums and classes, and not all of these public speaking opportunities fall into the category of an ‘interesting topic’.

Yet, have no fear! Here at Piktochart, we are here to help you and your classmates. From giving examples of creative and even interactive presentation ideas, providing presentation videos , and suggesting interactive activities to give your five minutes of fame the ‘wow’ factor that it deserves, this article is your guide!

Our massive collection of unique school and college presentation ideas and templates applies if you’re:

• A teacher looking to make your class more engaging and fun with student presentations.
• A student who wants to impress your teacher and the rest of the class with a thought-provoking, interesting topic.

A Curated List of Interesting Topics for School Presentations

Did you know that when it comes to presentations , the more students involved improves retention? The more you know! Yet sometimes, you need a little help to get the wheels moving in your head for your next school presentation .

The great thing about these ideas and topics is you can present them either in face-to-face classes or virtual learning sessions.

Each school presentation idea or topic below also comes with a template that you can use. Create a free Piktochart account to try our presentation maker and get access to the high-quality version of the templates. You can also check out our Piktochart for Education plan .

Want to watch this blog post in video format? The video below is for you!

The templates are further divided into the following categories covering the most popular and best presentation topics. Click the links below to skip to a specific section.

• Unique science presentation topics to cultivate curiosity in class
• Engaging culture and history presentation ideas to draw inspiration from
• Health class presentation topics to help students make healthy lifestyle decisions
• Data visualization ideas to help students present an overwhelming amount of data and information into clear, engaging visuals
• First day of school activity ideas to foster classroom camaraderie
• Communication and media topics to teach students the importance of effective communication
• Topics to help students prepare for life after school

We hope this list will inspire you and help you nail your next school presentation activity.

Unique Science Presentation Topics to Cultivate Curiosity in Class

Science is a broad field and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with too many topics to choose for your next presentation.

Cultivate curiosity in the science classroom with the following unique and creative presentation ideas and topics:

1. Can life survive in space?

2. Do plants scream when they’re in pain?

3. What are the traits of successful inventors?

4. How vaccines work

5. Massive destruction of the Koala’s habitat in Australia

6. Left brain versus right brain

7. What are great sources of calcium?

Get access to high-quality, unique school presentation templates by Piktochart for Education.

Create and collaborate in the classroom using Piktochart’s customizable and printable templates for your school reports, presentations, and infographics.

8. Recycling facts you need to know

9. Do you have what it takes to be a NASA astronaut?

10. The rise of robots and AI: Should we be afraid of them?

11. How far down does the sea go?

12. The stages of sleep

13. Will Mars be our home in 2028?

14. A quick look at laboratory safety rules

15. The first person in history to break the sound barrier

Engaging Culture and History Presentation Ideas to Draw Inspiration From

History is filled with equally inspiring and terrifying stories, and there are lessons that students can learn from the events of the past. Meanwhile, interactive presentations about culture help students learn and embrace diversity. 

16. Women in history: A conversation through time

17. The sweet story of chocolate 

18. A history lesson with a twist 

19. The history of basketball 

20. The origin of the Halloween celebration 

21. AI History 

22. What you need to know about New Zealand 

23. 1883 volcanic eruption of Krakatoa 

24. Roman structures: 2000 years of strength

25. The most famous art heists in history 

26. Elmo: The story behind a child icon 

27. 10 things you should know before you visit South Korea 

28. 8 things you didn’t know about these 8 countries 

Health Class Presentation Topics to Help Students Make Healthy Lifestyle Decisions

Want to learn how to engage students with healthcare topic ideas? Then consider using these templates for your next interactive presentation.

According to the CDC , school-based health education contributes to the development of functional health knowledge among students. It also helps them adapt and maintain health-promoting behaviors throughout their lives. 

Not only will your presentation help with keeping students engaged, but you’ll also increase class involvement with the right slides.

The following examples of health and wellness interactive presentations include fun ideas and topics that are a good start. 

29. How to look after your mental health?

30. The eradication of Polio

31. How to have a healthy lifestyle 

32. 10 handwashing facts 

33. Myths and facts about depression

34. Hacks for making fresh food last longer 

35. Ways to avoid spreading the coronavirus

36. Mask protection in 5 simple steps 

37. Everything you need to know about the flu

38. All about stress: Prevention, tips, and how to cope 

39. The importance of sleep 

40. Is milk tea bad for you?

41. How to boost happiness in 10 minutes

42. How dirty are debit and credit cards 

43. Why do you need sunscreen protection

Data Visualization Ideas to Help Students Present Overwhelming Amounts of Data in Creative Ways

Data visualization is all about using visuals to make sense of data. Students need to pull the main points from their extensive research, and present them by story telling while being mindful of their classmates’ collective attention span.

As far as student assignments go, storytelling with data is a daunting task for students and teachers alike. To keep your audience interested, consider using a non linear presentation that presents key concepts in creative ways.

Inspire your class to be master data storytellers with the following data visualization ideas:

44. Are we slowly losing the Borneo rainforest?

45. Skateboard deck design over the years

46. Food waste during the Super Bowl

47. The weight of the tallest building in the world

48. Infographic about data and statistics

49. Stats about cyberbullying

50. How whales combat climate change

First Day of School Interactive Activity Ideas to Foster Whole-class-Camaraderie

Calling all teachers! Welcome your new students and start the school year with the following back-to-school creative presentation ideas and relevant templates for first-day-of-school activities.

These interactive presentations grab the attention of your students and are remarkably easy to execute (which is the main educator’s goal after all)!

51. Meet the teacher

52. Example: all about me

53. Self-introduction

54. Tips on how to focus on schoolwork

55. Course plan and schedule

Give our class schedule maker a try to access more templates for free. You can also access our presentation-maker , poster-maker , timeline-maker , and more by simply signing up .

56. Interpreting a student’s report card (for parents)

57. Introduction of classroom rules

58. Assignment schedule

59. Daily planner

60. Course syllabus presentation

61. How to write a class presentation

Topics to Teach Students the Importance of Effective Communication

Visual media  helps students retain more of the concepts  taught in the classroom. The following media topics and infographic templates can help you showcase complex concepts in a short amount of time. 

In addition, interactive presentation activities using these templates also encourage the development of a holistic learning process in the classroom because they help focus on the  three domains of learning:  cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. 

62. Interactive presentation do’s and don’ts 

63. How to create an infographic 

Recommended reading : How to Make an Infographic in 30 Minutes

64. How to improve your internet security and privacy

65. What is design thinking?

66. What are your favorite software tools to use in the classroom? 

Presentation Topic Ideas to Help Students Prepare for Life After School

One of the things that makes teaching a rewarding career is seeing your students take the learning and knowledge you’ve instilled in them, and become successful, productive adults.

From pitching a business idea to starting your podcast, the following topics are good starting points to prepare students for the challenges after graduation (aka adulting 101):

67. How to make a resume

68. How to start a startup

69. Credit card vs. debit card

70. Pros and cons of cryptocurrency

71. How to save on travel

72. How to do a SWOT analysis

73. How to pitch a business idea

74. Habits of successful people

75. Starting your own podcast: A checklist

Find out how a high school teacher like Jamie Barkin uses Piktochart to improve learning in the classroom for her students.

Pro tip: make your presentation as interactive as possible. Students have an attention span of two to three minutes per year of age. To keep minds from wandering off, include some interactive games or activities in the lesson. For example, if you conducted a lesson on the respiratory system, you could ask them to practice breathing techniques.

Maintain eye contact with your students, and you’ll get instant feedback on how interested they are in the interactive presentation.

Make School Presentation Visuals Without the Hassle of Making Them From Scratch

School presentations, when done right, can help teachers engage their classes and improve students’ education effectively by presenting information using the right presentation topic. 

If you’re pressed for time and resources to make your school presentation visuals , choose a template from Piktochart’s template gallery . Aside from the easy customization options, you can also print and download these templates to your preferred format. 

Piktochart also professional templates to create infographics , posters , brochures , reports , and more.

Creating school-focused, engaging, and interactive presentations can be tedious at first, but with a little bit of research and Piktochart’s handy templates, you’re going to do a great job!

The future of learning is interactivity and collaboration.

Foster interactive and collaborative learning using Piktochart for Education. Share your work, get feedback, and brainstorm on the fly. With Piktochart, everyone’s on the same page. Finally.

Kyjean Tomboc is an experienced content marketer for healthcare, design, and SaaS brands. She also manages content (like a digital librarian of sorts). She lives for mountain trips, lap swimming, books, and cats.

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Good Speech Topics for Grade 8 Students

Erin schreiner, 25 jun 2018.

Public speaking can strike fear in the heart of anyone. When middle school teachers start the process of learning how to create and give speeches in a public setting, middle school teachers can help lessen those fears. By assigning 8th grade students assignments in speech writing and presentation, teachers also help prepare students for high school challenges and future public-speaking opportunities. Speeches can give 8th grade students an opportunity to express their opinions, argue their beliefs and practice public speaking. As students successfully write and present their speeches, they will become more comfortable all aspects of public speaking.

Explore this article

• Vacation To Remember
• New School Rule Campaign
• Ways to Help the Environment
• My Favorite Hobby
• Future Career

1 Vacation To Remember

Instruct students to select and gather information about a dream vacation destination. Allow students to research their selected destination and plan a speech in which they sing the praises of that tourist spot. Ask each student to create a poster or slide show presentation to go along with the speech to serve as a visual representation of why the location in question is desirable.

2 New School Rule Campaign

Encourage your students to speak their minds about the rules that govern their in-school actions with a new school rule campaign speech. Ask each student to compose a rule that they feel should be added to the school's code of conduct. Allow the students to present their new rule in a speech, explaining why that rule would benefit the school and its students. At the conclusion of all of the speeches, allow the students to vote on which rule they would most like to see added to the school's code.

3 Ways to Help the Environment

Promote eco-friendly behavior with a speech that focuses on the student's beliefs or ideas about the environment. Ask each student to select a way in which they could help the environment and then compose a speech explaining this selected means of environmental preservation. A potential option to strengthen the environmental significance is to assign this project around Earth Day or another Eco-friendly occasion to make it seasonally relevant.

4 My Favorite Hobby

Allow your students to talk about something that they care deeply about. Ask each student to select a hobby that he particularly enjoys. Instruct the student to compose a persuasive speech in which he both describes the hobby and tries to convince others that they should take up the hobby. Encourage students to bring in visual aids that might include materials used to play a selected sport, a musical instrument or art tools like paints and brushes.

5 Future Career

Provide an opportunity for your eighth graders to consider what they might want to do with their lives by assigning a future career speech. With many high schools offering career and technical path options, 8th grade speeches on career interests can also help students choose high school classes related to their interests. Ask each student to select a career that she may want to hold in the future. Instruct the students to explore their selected careers and compose a short informative speech about each occupation. Allow the students to present their prepared speeches to their classmates. Add some excitement to the activity by offering extra credit if students dress up in attire appropriate for their selected careers when presenting their speeches.

• 1 Write-Out-Loud: Speech Topics for Children

About the Author

Erin Schreiner is a freelance writer and teacher who holds a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University. She has been actively freelancing since 2008. Schreiner previously worked for a London-based freelance firm. Her work appears on eHow, Trails.com and RedEnvelope. She currently teaches writing to middle school students in Ohio and works on her writing craft regularly.

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• Kindergarten

• Curriculum Activities (Grade 1-8)
• Grade 8 – Oral...

Grade 8 – Oral Communication

Grade 8 Overall Expectations:

Listen in order to understand and respond appropriately in a variety of situations for a variety of purposes; In relation to this expectation, students should be able to listen to an audio clip and then use a graphic organizer to summarize the main ideas.

• Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl (PlayAway)
• Animal Farm (CloudLibrary eAudioBook)
• Speak (CloudLibrary eAudioBook)
• Cinder (CloudLibrary eAudioBook)
• Why Do Cats Act So Weird? (YouTube)

Use speaking skills and strategies appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.

• Extraordinary Oral Presentations (Book)
• Speech Communication Made Simple (Book)
• Censorship (Book)
• Windsor News CTV (Website)
• How to write an oral presentation (YouTube)
• How to prepare your oral presentation (YouTube)
• Introduction to the Debate (YouTube)

Reflect on and identify their strengths as listeners and speakers, areas for improvement, and the strategies they found most helpful in oral communication situations.

• The Essentials of Persuasive Public Speaking (Hoopla eBook)
• Listening Exercises (Website)
• The Difference between Hearing and Listening (Website)
• Public speaking for students ( Website )

Recent Comments

Interesting Topics for an Oral Presentation

One-Minute Speech Topics

As if public speaking weren’t already hard enough, choosing your own interesting topics for oral presentation can make the process seem even more daunting. There are endless subjects from which to choose, and your task is to consider which topic is best suited to the assignment, your interests and your audience.

The number one rule of thumb when choosing a topic for your speech is to select something that genuinely interests you on a personal level. If you are excited about the topic, then your enthusiasm is sure to come across in your presentation. Since enthusiasm is often contagious, speaking on a topic about which you are passionate will likely resonate with your audience far more profoundly than if you pick something that doesn’t really click with you. Explore various categories of possible topics, and when you come across a topic that speaks to you, dig deeper to see if it might be the right topic for you.

Oral Report Topics That Explore Animal Issues

If you are an animal lover, you might consider persuasive speech topics that explore some issues related to domestic or wild animals. This topic lends itself well to persuasive speeches but can also be informative depending on the specific issue and how you angle it. Start with a question about animal issues and then prepare your presentation to answer that question. Consider some of the topic ideas below or put your own spin on one of them.

• Is it ethical to use animals for medical and cosmetic testing?
• What types of animals are acceptable for humans to have as pets?
• Is it ethical to hunt animals?
• Are zoos more harmful than beneficial?
• Should people be legally allowed to own pit bull terriers?

Social Media Topics

It’s hard to deny that social media has vastly transformed the way people interact these days. Social media makes a good example for oral presentation topics. While social media giants like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have revolutionized communication by making it easier than ever to stay in touch even with people on opposite ends of the earth, they have also given birth to new problems like cyberbullying and the breakdown of authentic, real-life connections. There are many avenues for exploration when it comes to social media. Perhaps one of the topics below will resonate with you.

• Are online friendships as valuable as offline ones?
• Has social media and text talk diminished the need for spelling and grammar skills?
• What is cyberbullying, and what can be done about it?
• How can one distinguish between real and fake news online?
• What are some of the psychological effects that social media “likes” or lack thereof sometimes produce?

Historical Speech Topics

The good old days might harbor some interesting opportunities for an oral presentation. Perhaps you can investigate how food, music or fashion trends have evolved over the years. Revisit local headlines from years past and use them to draw comparisons to today’s headlines to show how things have changed. Identify a list of jobs that are now or will soon be obsolete thanks to modern technological advances, and explore how these changes affect society and the economy. Choose your favorite decade in time and provide an overview of what a typical day in that year was like. The past offers endless options for your presentation.

• What happened on this day in history?
• What did people do for fun and recreation 50 years ago?
• How has the automobile industry evolved over time?
• How have shopping methods changed over the years?
• How has slang changed in the last two decades?

Family and Relationship Topics

Talking about family and relationships is something that nearly everyone can relate to on some level, which makes it an ideal choice for an oral presentation topic. Whether you stick with safe, traditional relationship issues or you venture into a more controversial and taboo area, the topic ideas below are sure to intrigue your audience.

• Is it possible to balance a happy family life and a successful career at the same time?
• To what family values should families aspire?
• Has our society outgrown traditional marriage?
• What are the benefits of monogamy?
• What can be done to prevent child abuse?

Health and Lifestyle Topics

Topics that explore health and lifestyle choices make a good subject for oral presentations because many people find them interesting. Whether you are debating the hazards of drinking or singing the praises of good personal hygiene habits, consider health and lifestyle topics that personally appeal to you so that you will be excited to talk about them.

• What are some of the effects of genetically modified foods?
• What kind of influence does sleep duration have on your health and productivity?
• Is it healthier to be a vegan or vegetarian than to eat meat?
• Should smoking in any public place be banned?
• How does fast food consumption affect general health?

Social Issues and Government Policy Topics

Topics about social issues and government policies are likely to stir up a lot of emotions in you and your audience. Despite their controversial nature, these subjects are interesting to explore since most people have strong opinions about them.

• Which country is the safest to live in and why?
• In what ways do war and violence affect children?
• How do immigration policies influence world peace?
• Why is gun control important?
• How does media consumption influence societal attitudes and behaviors?

Space, Science and Technology Topics

From questions about how much money countries should be investing in space exploration to ideas about scientific and technological advancements, these topics can generate a lot of useful and interesting information to include in an oral presentation.

• What evidence of extraterrestrial life has space exploration yielded so far?
• Is it ethical to pursue cloning for medical advancement purposes?
• What effects will artificial intelligence likely have on future employment opportunities?
• What is cryogenics and how does it work?
• How do computer networks communicate with each other over long distances?

Humorous and Unusual Topics

If you want your oral presentation to stand out from the crowd, consider choosing a unique topic that injects some good-natured humor into the mix. From teaching your audience how to procrastinate like a professional to reinventing traditional excuses or sharing tips on how to successfully annoy others, these topic ideas are sure to get your audience talking and hopefully laughing.

• What was your most embarrassing experience?
• How can you tell if your pet needs counseling?
• What are the top three strangest hobbies a person can have?
• How can failures be turned into opportunities?
• What are some ways to test if your friends are genuine?

How Do You Choose a Topic for a Presentation?

If none of the ideas above resonate with you, take some time to think it over. Peruse through current events to generate potential subjects that pique your interest. Watch the news, surf a variety of social media feeds or research controversial issues. Make a list of topics you are considering and then run it by friends or loved ones for input. Keep your eyes, ears and mind open until you feel confident that you have chosen the right topic. Remember that aside from meeting the guidelines and requirements of the assignment, your own interest and passion for the subject are key to a successful presentation.

Related Articles

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How to Write an Extemporaneous Speech

Computer Research Paper Topics

Interesting Topics to Write a Speech On

• write-out-loud.com: Interesting Speech Topics
• EssaySharks: Good Topics for Persuasive Speeches

Kristina Barroso earned a B.A. in Psychology from Florida International University and works full-time as a classroom teacher in a public school. She teaches middle school English to a wide range of students from struggling readers to advanced and gifted populations. In her spare time, she loves writing articles about education for TheClassroom.com, WorkingMother and other education sites.

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English Speech Topics for Students

• Updated on  
• Apr 2, 2024

Writing an exciting and thoughtful speech requires selecting a good topic, researching it thoroughly, and forming individual opinions to express the same. School students are usually asked to speak on a contemporary topic to help them become good public speakers as well as learn the art of expressing oneself in front of an audience. While many speech competitions often allot topics beforehand, you might also have heard of extempore where topics are given on the spot for speech. This blog brings you a list of common English speech topics as well as some helpful tips and tricks that can assist you in effectively expressing your thoughts and opinions in front of an audience. Let’s begin!

Checkout our 200+ Essay Topics for Students in English

This Blog Includes:

List of best english speech topics for students, 1-minute speech topics, 2-minute speech topics, 3-minute speech topics, easy topics for speech in english, english speech topics on environment, english speech topics on technology, english speech topics on independence day, english speech topics on diwali, english speech topics on corruption, english speech topics on feminism, english speech topics on mother’s day, english speaking topics on capitalism, engish speech topics on gandhi jayanti, english speech topics on reading, english speech topics on communism, english speech topics on deforestation, english speech topics on social issues, english speech topics on important days & events, english speech topics on greatest leaders in india & around the world, english speech topics on indian culture, english speech topics on proverbs, english speech topics on human rights, english speech topics on education, english speech topics on the importance of water, miscellaneous speech topics, types of persuasive speech topics, tips for writing and speaking a speech.

Speeches are all about one’s thoughts. It should not be copied from somewhere. It is all about what the speaker thinks of any given topic. However, take a look at the following list of English Speech topics on different contemporary issues as well as concepts.

• The Best Day of My Life
• Social Media: Bane or Boon?
• Pros and Cons of Online Learning
• Benefits of Yoga
• If I had a Superpower
• I wish I were ______
• Human Rights
• Environment Conservation
• Women Should Rule the World!
• The Best Lesson I Have Learned
• Paperbacks vs E-books
• How to Tackle a Bad Habit
• My Favorite Pastime/Hobby
• Why should every citizen vote?
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Is it real or not?
• Importance of Reading
• Importance of Books in Our Life
• My Favorite Fictional Character
• Introverts vs Extroverts
• Lessons to Learn from Sports
• Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Quick Read: English Speaking Books

Quick Read: Essay on Peer Pressure

Quick Read: Essay on Health and Fitness for Students

• I mportance of Kindness
• Is there Value in Homework?
• Things I learned in Lockdown
• How can food be recycled?
• Should Art be a part of the school curriculum?
• Should schools teach sign language?
• Women make better presidents/prime ministers
• Why books are better than movies?
• Life was better when technology was simple
• Impact of technology on our health
• Should children’s reality shows be banned?
• Learning in the Wake of COVID-19
• Hard Work vs Smart Work
• What Makes Learning Fun?
• The Coolest Inventions You’ve Seen
• Nuclear Energy
• Importance of AI in Education
• Importance of Extracurricular Activities
• Should exams be banned?
• How to Tackle Bullying in Schools?

• Speech about dreams
• Speech about life
• Speech on time
• Speech on discipline
• Speech on happiness
• Speech on kindness
• Speech on value of time
• Speech on health and fitness
• Speech on Doctor
• Speech on Nurse
• Graduation Day Speech
• World Health Day Speech
• Sex Education Speech
• Importance of Education
• Is it beneficial to learn a Second Language?
• Music has healing power
• Success in life
• Self Confidence
• 18th birthday
• Love is more powerful than hate
• Social Impact of Covid-19
• How can Online Learning be Fun?
• Make Public Transport Free
• Should violent video games be banned?
• Speech on Learning

Exploring English Speech Topics? You must also take a look at Extempore Topics !

• Climate Change
• Ozone Layer Depletion
• Reducing Water Levels
• Deforestation
• Global Warming
• Waste Management
• Water-Saving Techniques
• Reducing the Green Cover of Earth
• Endangered species need protection
• Importance of fishing regulations
• Importance of investing in alternative fuels
• Impact of ocean acidification on marine organisms
• The misuse of the term “sustainable development” by environmentalists
• Microbial benefits
• E-Waste Management
• Natural Disasters and their impact on economic growth
• Energy alternatives – Only solution to the environmental damage
• Extinction of rare species
• World Environment Day
• Disaster Management
• Over and Improper Use of Natural Resources
• Air, Water and Soil Pollution
• Efficiency of Recycling

Also Read: How to Write Dialogue: Format, Tips and Examples

• Technology and Mental Health
• Privacy in the Digital Age: Navigating the Challenges of Data Collection and Surveillance
• The Impact of Technology on Society
• Artificial Intelligence: The New Normal
• The Role of Social Media in Communication and Social Interactions
• Sustainable Technology: Innovations for a Greener Future
• The Rise of E-commerce
• Gaming Technology: Entertainment, ESports and Interactive Experiences
• The Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap for Equal Access to Technology
• The Ethical Dilemmas of Emerging Technologies

Also Read: English Vocabulary: Meaning, Types, Tips to Improve

• The Journey of Independence Day
• The Significance of Independence Day
• Indian Independence Day
• Remembering the Founding Fathers
• The Spirit of Independence
• Independence Day and Volunteering
• Independence Day Speeches
• India’s Road to Freedom
• Independence Day and National Identity
• Independence Day in the Digital Age
• Independence Day and Women’s Empowerment
• Diwali: The Festival of Lights and Its Significance in Hindu Culture
• Diwali and the Victory of Good Over Evil
• Diwali and the Art of Giving
• Diwali and the Spirit of Forgiveness
• Diwali and Cultural Exchanges
• Diwali and the Essence of Joy
• Diwali and Social Responsibility
• Diwali and Artistic Expressions
• The Rituals and Traditions of Diwali
• Diwali and the Symbolism of Light
• The Economic Consequence of Corruption
• Corruption and International Aid
• Media and Corruption
• Fighting Corruption
• Corruption in Politics
• The Role of Transparency and Accountability in Curbing Corruption
• The Role of Technology in Combating Corruption
• Whistleblowing and Protecting Mechanism
• Corruption in Business and Corporate Practices
• Understanding Feminism
• The Future of Feminism
• Feminism and Parenting
• Feminism and Online Activism
• Feminism and Environmental Activism
• Feminism and Reproductive Rights
• The Gender Pay Gap: Examining Inequalities in the Workplace
• Feminism and its Evolution
• Feminism and Body Positivity
• Feminism and Media Representation: Encouraging Authentic and Diverse Portrayals of Women
• Expressing Gratitude and Love to Mothers
• The Influence of Mothers in Shaping Our Values and Beliefs
• Motherhood and Education
• Mother’s Day and Volunteerism
• Mother-Daughter Relationship
• The Role of Mothers in Shaping Society
• Mother’s Day Crafts and DIY Gifts
• Learned Lessons from Mothers
• Mother’s Day Around the World: Cultural Traditions and Celebrations
• Capitalism: An Introduction to the Economic System and its Principles
• The Future of Capitalism
• Pros and Cons of Capitalism
• Capitalism and Globalisation
• Capitalism and Consumerism
• Capitalism and Financial Crisis: Undertaking the Risk and Mitigation Measures
• Capitalism and Environmental Sustainability
• Capitalism and the Role of Government
• Corporate Social Responsibility in Capitalism
• Capitalism and the Digital Economy
• Mahatma Gandhi: The Father of the Nation and His Ideals
• Remembering Gandhi: Reflecting On His Life and Legacy
• Gandhi’s Influence on the Indian Independence Movement
• Satyagraha: The Power of Truth and Nonviolent Resistance
• Gandhi’s Philosophy of Swaraj
• The Role of Women in Gandhi’s Freedom Struggle
• Gandhi’s Teaching on Education and Moral Values
• Gandhi’s Lasting Legacy
• Gandhi’s Vision for a Just and Inclusive Society
• The Relevance of Gandhi’s Principles in Today’s World
• The Influence of Reading on Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
• Reading and Mental Health
• Benefits of Reading
• Reading and Empowerment
• The Role of Reading in Academic Success and Lifelong Learning
• Promoting a Reading Culture: Encouraging Reading Habits in Society
• Reading Biographies and Memoirs
• Reading and Social Connections
• The Joy of Reading: Escaping Into the Different Worlds and Characters
• Reading and Personal Identity
• The Current State of Communism
• Communism: An Introduction to the Ideology and Its Historical Context
• The Evolution of Communist Movements
• The Role of the State in a Communist Society
• The Fall of Communist Regimes
• Communism and Religious Freedom
• Communism and Gender Equality
• Communism and Workers’ Rights
• The Criticisms of Communism
• Deforestation: Causes, Consequences and Global Impact
• Deforestation and Climate Change
• Deforestation and Carbon Sequestration
• Deforestation and Individual Actions
• Deforestation and Wildlife Trafficking
• Deforestation and Sustainable Development
• Deforestation and Indigenous Communities
• Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss
• Deforestation and Forest Fires
• The Importance of Forests

Quick Read: Speech on Nuclear Energy

• Women Empowerment
• Education of Girl Child
• Unemployment
• Casteism 
• Reservation
• Importance of Maintaining Hygiene
• Child Labour
• Social Distancing
• Organ Donation
• Importance of the Right to Education
• Child Trafficking
• Cultural Diversity
• Struggles of Immigrants
• Impact of Globalisation
• Adult education
• Independence Day
• Mother’s Day
• World Cancer Day
• World Population Day
• World Health Day
• Ambedkar Jayanti
• Gandhi Jayanti
• Human Rights Day
• Zero Discrimination Day
• Women’s Day
• Thanksgiving
• Anti-Terrorism Day
• Hindi Diwas 

Check out this list of all the important national and international days in 202 4 !

• Mahatma Gandhi
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Raja Rammohan Roy
• George Washington
• Albert Einstein
• APJ Abdul Kalam
• Nelson Mandela
• Kailash Satyarthi
• Diversity in India
• Speech on Holi
• The Role of Yoga and Meditation in Indian Culture and Its Global Impact
• The Importance of Traditional Indian Clothing
• Indian Folklore
• Indian Festivals
• The Art of Indian Dance
• Traditional Indian Medicine (Ayurveda)
• Indian Epics and Mythology
• Social Customs and Etiquettes in Indian Society
• Indian Sports and Games

Also Read: Speech on Indian Culture

• Honesty is the best policy
• When there’s a will, there is a way
• Actions speak louder than words
• Knowledge is Power
• Ignorance is Bliss
• Don’t judge a book by its cover
• Hard work is the key to success

Explore these proverbs & their meanings through this blog on Difficult Phrases !

• The Role of International Organisations in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A Milestone in Human History
• Gender Equality: Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women
• Ensuring a Safe and Sustainable Environment for the Next Generation
• The Right to Education: Empowering Minds
• Bridging the Gap Between the Rich and Poor
• Human Rights and Armed Conflicts
• Global Fight to Combat Human Trafficking
• Human Rights and Climate Change
• Religious Freedom: Tolerance and Coexistence in a Diverse Society

To know what to mention in such speech topics, explore the Great Personalities in the World !

• Importance of teacher in your life
• SAT scores for college application
• Student bullies should be expelled
• Consequences of cheating in exams
• Homeschooling is better than normal schooling
• Importance of value education
• Importance of sports and physical exercises
• Schools vs colleges
• What is the difference between a school, college and university in the USA?

Check Out: Synonyms List

• The Water-Energy Nexus
• The Essence of Water: Exploring the Live-giving Properties of H2O
• Water as a Driver of Economic Growth and Prosperity
• Water Security: Ensuring Equal Access and Quality for All
• Water and Agriculture
• The Role of Water in Ecosystems
• Water and Blue Economy
• Water Diplomacy: Promoting Collaboration for Transboundary Water Management
• Water and Cultural Significance: Exploring Symbolisms and Rituals
• Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH): Foundational for Human Health and Dignity
• Article 370
• Women rights
• The Constitution of India
• Youth of India
• Culture of India
• Importance of Unity
• Generation Gap
• Importance of Value Education
• Old Age Homes
• Family Values
• Leadership skills
• Rise of Smart Classes
• Grading System
• Importance of Practical Education
• Benefits of Co-Education
• Importance of Co-Curricular Activities
• The uselessness of Power-Point Presentations
• Rise of Technology
• Excessive usage of the Internet
• Speech on Fear
• Speech on Dependence on Technology
• Importance of Social Media
• Speech on India of My Dreams
• Indian Education System
• Speech on My India

While exploring persuasive English speech topics, you must make sure that they are stimulating, engaging, concise and clear. There are three main types of Persuasive Speech topics which are:

1. Factual Persuasive Speech : These topics include facts, figures and statistics to thoroughly analyse the given topic and assess whether it’s true or false.

2. Policy Persuasive Speech : Discussing policies, laws and reforms, these speech topics critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the given policy or law and suggest the improvements that can be made.

3. Value Persuasive Speech : Mainly focusing on social or political issues, these speech topics present the critique and argument of whether certain actions are morally right or not.

While speaking on a particular topic, there are certain things that you must keep in mind to make your speech expressive and effective. Let’s take a look at some useful topics that help you in acing any topic you are speaking on.

• Always research the topic. If you are participating in an extempore, then make sure to go through the common and popular topics as well as the unconventional ones that you might get. Preparation is the key to delivering an impressive speech. For inspiration, look up various speech examples to see how effective speakers engage their audience
• Whether you are given a topic on the spot or you are prepared for the speech, it is always pivotal that you seem interested in speaking about it. Relate the given issues to your own life and this will help you in giving it your twist.
• Pay extra attention to your body language and enunciation. While a gesticulative approach will make you seem outward, having timid body language can cause a wrong impression.
• Ponder upon the different viewpoints on a topic . Try to present a holistic view of the given topic but don’t forget to present your opinion on it as well. Along with this, don’t try to take sides unless the topic demands you to.
• Involve your audience, if possible. This way, you will be able to interact with the people and it will also be useful in fighting the fear of public speaking.
• Don’t mug up a speech. It becomes evident when someone just speaks on a topic continuously and the audience might realise that you have memorized it or you might forget a certain part which will let the whole speech fade away from your brain.
• Instead, make notes about the topic in your mind, remember certain keywords and try to maintain a particular flow in your speech.
• Incorporate humour in your speech in a way that you do not offend anyone or overdo it but get a positive reaction from the audience. Humour is a great way of lightening the mood as well as ensuring the whole speech is interactive and engaging.
• When you need more specialized assistance, a  US essay writing service  can be a valuable resource for crafting your speech.

While preparing for English Speech topics, you must also check out IELTS Speaking Topics !

Juvenile delinquency is acceptable. Prostitution should be legal. Underage driving should be punishable by law. Beauty pageants for children should be banned. Prisoner’s right to vote. Voting rights should not be universal. Guns should be banned from college campuses.

A three-minute speech is undoubtedly a wonderful starting point for public speaking. This is because you need to communicate with your audience more effectively when you just have a short amount of time. In addition, the speech ought to be concise, pertinent, and clear.

Life is the gift of God in the form of trust that we will make it meaningful in whatever we can. We are all unique individuals. No one is born like you and no one will ever be, so cherish your individuality. Many times, I come across people accusing God of things that they don’t have. They always cursing their lives.

 2-minute speeches are  short and crisp speeches of about 260-350 words .

Related Reads

Thus, we hope that this list helps you in preparing for different English speech topics. Gearing up for IELTS ? Sign up for an online demo session with our experts at Leverage Edu and we will assist you in preparing for its different sections as well as improving your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills to ensure that you ace the exam with flying colours!

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14 comments

I take english speaking classes, please provide me sone more material to help student’s.

Here are some articles on books and study material that will help your students- https://leverageedu.com/blog/english-speaking-books/ https://leverageedu.com/blog/books-by-charles-dickens/ https://leverageedu.com/blog/best-books-by-george-orwell/

I want topic on students and online classes

It is helpful for my school homework thanks 😸

Glad we could help!

Nice advise 👍

Thank you, Pragya!

Not good topics 🤔🤔

Thanks for the suggestion. We will update the blog!

Helpful for students . So I like it

Thanks for reading! Also, read: Daily Used English Words Speech on Importance of English Reach us at 1800 57 2000 for study-abroad related matters!

You people are giving great contribution in internet learning and it is for all….

Hi, thank you for your valuable feedback.

Awesome! Its really awesome article, I have got much clear idea concerning from this post.

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Parent's Academy › Activities for Kids › Preschool Activities › Public Speaking for Kids: 30 Topic Ideas for 30 Days

Public Speaking for Kids: 30 Topic Ideas for 30 Days

Samidha raj.

Writer , Jersey City , New Jersey

A great public speaker, whether a young child or a seasoned professional, is someone who reflects charisma and confidence to captivate their audience. It’s okay to feel nervous or to have fear of public speaking. Great public speakers often get nervous, but this nervous energy keeps their adrenaline flowing. 

However, what is not okay is sounding and looking nervous when speaking in public. This makes the audience feel disconnected from the speaker.  Public speaking training for kids  seems like a daunting task, but it’s really a matter of practice.

Help your children to project magnetism and self-assuredness when they speak with these 30 inspiring speech topics for 30 days. Your kids can practice public speaking by taking one topic every day for the next 30 days. This will help them fire their imaginations to be confident public speakers. Here are some topic ideas for public speaking for children, but feel free to invent your own! Choose a topic today!

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Public Speaking for Kids: Ideas for Topics

Here are the 30 topic ideas for 30 days of the month:

• The best part about living on Earth 
• Let me tell you about my imaginary friend
• If you were to write a book for your kids your age to read, what it would be about?
• My favorite cartoon character
• My favorite time of the day or week
• The most delicious meal I’ve ever had
• If I could talk to animals
• If I could change one thing about the world, it would be
• My favorite game
• If I had a million dollars, what would I do?
• My dream job
• The funniest movie I have ever seen 
• My typical day at school
• What sports do you like? Why?
• Interesting things you see in the sky
• The best day of my life
• My best friend
• A much-needed invention
• What planet would you visit and why?
• If you could have one superpower, what it would be?
• What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
• Tell us why too much TV is bad for your health 
• If you could make one toy, what would it be?
• What is your favorite thing to do with your family?
• If you were the President for the day, what would you do?
• If you could be any animal, what animal would you be?
• What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
• What is your least favorite food?
• What’s the first thing you think of when you wake up?
• What is your favorite kind of music, and why?

Speaking on the above topic ideas will instill the power of confidence in your kids. When your child is charged with a healthy dose of self-assurance, nothing can get in the way of their success. So, take this 30-day, 30-topic challenge and  boost your child’s confidence  in becoming a great public speaker. You will see a decided improvement in your child’s eye contact, body language, and presentation skills.

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4 Fun Ways to Practice Short Oral Presentations

by MiddleWeb · Published 07/17/2018 · Updated 07/03/2022

When our book The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox was published this spring, the KQED MindShift blog published an excerpt titled “How to Use Oral Presentations to Help English Language Learners Succeed.”   MiddleWeb asked to share our tips for short presentations that appear in the book right after this excerpt.

You might find it helpful to read both posts. We think our strategies for ELL students can be adapted for any group of students working to improve speaking and listening skills. ~ Larry & Katie

By Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski

Speed Dating

Speed dating is a quick way for students to present their work to classmates while gaining speaking and listening practice. The teacher divides students into two rows facing each other (students can be standing or seated in desks).

One row is assigned as the movers . The teacher tells students the amount of time each partner will have to speak (this depends on the length of what they are sharing). When time is up, the teacher says “switch” and the mover row stands and moves one person to the right. This can be done several times so that students can present to multiple partners. (When the movers shift, one person in the stationary row will be without a partner. Have that person move to the other end of their row.)

Students can share their work in different ways (e.g., by sharing specific parts of a mini-poster or explaining something they’ve written). To boost listening skills, we often require students to ask a question after their partner presents (sometimes providing question and answer frames).

The previous paragraphs describe individual presentations. An easy way to do speed dating after students have worked in groups to prepare joint presentations is to assign half the groups to different parts or corners of the room (they become the stationary groups). Each remaining group (who will be the movers) is assigned to start with a stationary group partner. After each of the paired groups makes its joint presentation to the other, the mover group rotates and the process repeats itself.

Talking Points Presentations

This activity is a fun way for students to practice the presentation skill of speaking from their notes, not reading from them.

In this activity, the teacher first asks students to generate a quick list of topics they know a lot about (we often have students consult their heart maps or writing territories, which are discussed in Strategy 18 of our book, “Writer’s Notebook”).

Students then choose one topic to write about for several minutes—writing anything they know or that comes to mind. The teacher can model the same process on the document camera with a topic of his or her choice.

Teacher model: “My worst Disneyland memory was throwing up after Star Tours.”

After writing, the teacher shows students how they can use this quickwrite to create several talking points or categories by looking for ideas that they can expand upon from their original writing. For example, if they wrote about Disneyland then the categories might include “my favorite rides,” “my best memory at Disneyland,” “my worst memory at Disneyland,” or “my favorite Disney character.”

Students then choose three of their categories and draw a quick picture representing each one. For the Disneyland example, Katie modeled drawing a picture of the submarine ride, a picture of her throwing up after going on Star Tours, and a sketch of Minnie Mouse!

The teacher then gives students a simple outline and models using it as an assist while speaking for a brief amount of time (no more than two minutes). See Figure 30.4: Talking Points Presentation Model and Outline for the teacher model and the outline we used for this activity.

Click to enlarge

The teacher reinforces the difference between reading the talking points (a don’t ) and speaking from the talking points (a do ). Students are then given time to practice presenting using the outline as a guide—an opening, talking about each picture (using the talking points as cues), and a closing.

Students can give their presentations in small groups or in pairs (preferably with different students than they practiced with). Depending on their English proficiency level and the amount of practice they’ve had, students may or may not need to look at their outline. Listeners can be tasked with thinking of a relevant question to ask the speaker at the end of their presentation.

Top Five Presentations

This activity involves students working in groups to develop a top five list based on their interests and then preparing a short presentation to share with the class. We were introduced to the idea by ELT specialist Clare Lavery in her British Council post “Short Projects to Get Them Talking.”

In our version of the activity, we put students in groups of three and give them a few minutes to come up with three to four topics they all find interesting. Sometimes students need a few ideas to get them started so we list some examples on the board (animals, sports, music, fashion, etc.).

Students use the outline to develop their presentation ideas – to list their choices for the top five in their topic and to explain why they believe each one belongs in the top five.

We’ve found it is also helpful and enjoyable for students to create a visual aid to further communicate their points. In the past, students have created top five posters and five to seven slide PowerPoints. Students have also incorporated songs and movie clips into their presentations. We usually give groups a speaking time limit of three minutes with the requirement that each person in the group must speak during the presentation.

Students are then given time to practice their presentations. It might be necessary for the class to review our dos and don’ts for speaking and listening . The presentations can be done in front of the whole class or small groups can be paired up and present to each other. Listeners can be asked to provide feedback on a sticky note (writing something they liked about the presentation or a question they had).

PechaKucha Book Talks

PechaKucha (“chit-chat” in Japanese) is a popular presentation format in which 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each (20 × 20) – about six and a half minutes. The slides, which usually contain one to two images and minimal text, are programmed to advance automatically as the speaker talks along with them.

In other words, each slide is used as a background or visual cue as the speakers progress through their presentation. Many language teachers use the PechaKucha presentation format because it can be easily modified. PK presentations have several advantages for ELLs—they are short, structured, highly visual, and informal.

Students can use the PechaKucha format to develop presentations on basically any topic. Teachers can adjust the time format if they want to give students more time on each slide or have students present fewer slides (e.g., 10 slides × 30 seconds each).

One variation of Pecha Kucha we’ve used in our classes was introduced to us by educator Anthony Schmidt in his helpful blog post “The Power of PechaKucha.” His modified version has students create a short PechaKucha presentation on a book they’ve read. We often have students do book talks with a partner and this is a great way to give those a different spin. Here is the outline Anthony used with his intermediate students:

Five Slide PechaKucha (2:40)

• Slide 1—10 seconds: Introduction, title of book
• Slide 2—60s: Plot, summary
• Slide 3—30s: Favorite scene, character, part
• Slide 4—60s: Evaluation and recommendation
• Slide 5—0 s: Thank you

We provided our students with this outline. Students then created their slide presentations about their books. They selected online images based on a key idea for each slide (e.g., one student chose an image of the cover of his book for Slide 1 and an image of a gold medal for Slide 4).

Because we had beginners and intermediates, we gave students the option of using sentence frames to write their notes for each slide and posted them on the front board (e.g., “The title of my book is.” “I recommend this book because.” ).

Students then printed out a copy of their PowerPoint to use for practice and sent them to us. We had one or two students present their PechaKucha book talks each day over the course of a few weeks.

Short presentations build confidence

Short presentations help us meet our goals of teaching students to develop and deliver effective oral presentations, providing them with lots of practice, and enabling them to feel empowered, not overwhelmed, by the experience.

NOW AVAILABLE: The ESL/ELL Teacher’s Survival Guide: Ready-to-Use Strategies, Tools, and Activities for Teaching English Language Learners of All Levels, 2nd Edition in April 2022.

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Tags: ELL English learners Katie Hull Sypnieski larry ferlazzo listening oral presentations speaking teaching ELLs

MiddleWeb is all about the middle grades, with great 4-8 resources, book reviews, and guest posts by educators who support the success of young adolescents. And be sure to subscribe to MiddleWeb SmartBrief for the latest middle grades news & commentary from around the USA.

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Great resources to help teachers’ teaching.

Really great ideas, thank you for sharing.

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Speech Topics to Meet Oral Communication Standards

Use one of these fun ideas for an impromptu oral presentation topic

• Classroom Organization
• Reading Strategies
• Becoming A Teacher
• Assessments & Tests
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• Homeschooling
• B.A., Sociology, University of California Los Angeles

Speech topics are a key element for impromptu oral presentation activities. Coming up with them can be a challenge for the teacher. You can use this collection of speech topics for oral presentations or use them to inspire your own variations.

Impromptu Oral Presentation Activity

Put all of the topics on slips of paper and have your students pick out of a hat. You can either have the student begin the presentation immediately or give a few minutes to prepare. You may have a student pick the topic just before the student before them presents so they have that time to think. In this case, give the very first student a few minutes to prepare.

Impromptu Oral Communication Speech Topics

• You are an ant. Convince an anteater to not eat you.
• Explain three different ways to eat an Oreo cookie.
• Tell us about a nickname you have and how you got it.
• Convince us to vote for you as president of the USA .
• Explain three uses for a pencil other than for writing.
• Read us a letter you might write home when you are staying at a circus training summer camp.
• Tell us about your summer plans.
• Convince us that homework is harmful to your health.
• Tell us about your favorite pet and why it should win the Greatest Pet Ever award.
• If you were an animal, what would you be?
• You are a salesperson trying to sell us the shirt you have on.
• Explain how a smart person might not be wise.
• If you were the teacher, how would our class be different?
• Tell us about the hardest thing you have ever done.
• You are a mad scientist. Tell us about your latest invention.
• You are a famous sports player. Describe your best moment of a game.
• You are a famous rock star. Explain what the lyrics of your latest hit song mean.
• Tell us about the best job.
• Explain the benefits of drinking milk.
• Tell us how to become a millionaire.
• You are 30 years old. Tell us how you became a millionaire by age 18.
• Tell us about the best dream you've ever had.
• Create a myth that explains why pelicans have large beaks.
• Tell us how to make a new friend.
• Tell us about the most fun recess activity.
• Tell us about your favorite holiday.
• Tell us how to make your favorite meal.
• Explain which came first: the chicken or the egg.
• Explain the rules to your favorite game.
• If everything in the world had to change to the same color, what color would you choose and why?
• Explain how you would use a hat to catch butterflies. Be sure to identify the type of hat that is required.
• You are a piece of paper. Describe how we should use you before you get recycled.
• Explain how to make a pizza.
• Explain four uses for a drinking glass other than for holding a liquid.
• Convince our principal to give students their birthdays off of school.
• Describe how you would modify a snail so it can go faster.
• Explain the best way to teach an old dog a new trick.
• Describe the life cycle of a frog or butterfly.
• Explain what you would do if you were a monkey suddenly set free from a zoo.
• Describe one school rule you would change and why.
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• February Writing Prompts
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• Practice Speaking Skills With Impromptu Speeches

Jerz's Literacy Weblog (est. 1999)

Oral presentation tips: how to deliver a speech for school or work.

Jerz >  Writing > [ Academic |  Technical ] This document briefly describes how to  write and deliver a formal oral presentation on an academic or professional subject. It should be useful for anyone who wants to know how to speak in public.

Note: by “formal presentation,” I don’t necessarily mean a Shakespeare monologue or a scientific treatise on robot-assisted microsurgery. Giving an oral presentation on  any subject–your favorite book, current events, a family story–can be “formal” and “technical” whenever its primary purpose is to communicate complex information.

The  content is the most obvious component of any oral presentation — after all, if you are talking, you had better have something worthwhile to say.  But a presentation is only as effective as its  delivery .

Part 1: Planning the Content

1.  Determine your goals. 2.  Prepare your material. 3.  Study a model. 4.  Arrange with your strongest points first . 5. Practice, practice, practice .

Part 2: Delivering the Content

6.  Make eye contact with your audience. 7. Engage actively with the audience. 8. A slide show is not a speech. 9.  Watch the time! 10.  Take questions in the middle, not the end?

1) Determine Your Goals as a Speaker

2) Prepare your material

Plan. Practice. Keep what’s good and try again. 

Good speakers usually aim to look like they are speaking effortlessly, tossing off words as they come to mind. What you don’t see is the preparation that paved the way for the polished performance. It’s all an act! You can do it too, if you plan ahead.

Once you know what your goal is, and you know what your audience wants, you can start strategizing. There is no single strategy that will guarantee success. How you plan depends on many variables.

How many minutes long is your speech? About how many words do you speak per minute?

Will your audience be lost if you use jargon? Will they feel talked down to if you spend time defining terms they already know?

Do you expect that your audience will disagree with you? (If so, you might need to give more examples and more evidence and spend more time addressing reasonable objections in order to sound convincing, which may mean talking a little faster.)

Do you expect your audience already agrees with the position you will take? (If so, they may check out if your speech simply rehashes arguments they already accept without question. What can you say to an audience that already agrees with you? Why would you listen to a speaker who is restating things you already accept as the truth?)

Graphics, inspirational quotations, and anecdotes are all well-respected methods of maintaining audience interest. However, Pinterest clip art, fancy computer transitions between slides, and vaudeville tricks get old pretty quickly (see Don McMillan’s hilarious “ Death by Powerpoint “), and they eat up time that you could use more effectively.

3) Study a Model

The internet is of course full of examples of good speeches, but the YouTube users who vote on videos may not have much in common with the audience who will hear your oral presentation.

Do you have access to speeches that your discourse community values? Your instructor or supervisor may not have ready access to video recordings from last year’s class or last quarter’s budget meeting, but you can pay attention to the speaking techniques deployed by people with authority in your field.

For instance, I have a colleague who never says, “This is taking too long, and I’m watching the clock, so let’s get on with it already.” Instead, this person says, “I’m conscious of everyone’s time, so shall we move on to the next item?”

Bear in mind that

• if you have been assigned to deliver a speech that defends a position on a topic (such as, whether Huckleberry Finn should be taught in middle school)…
• but your instructor usually refrains from stating any one answer is the best (preferring instead to present several viewpoints and letting the students decide for themselves)…
• then your instructor’s open-ended lecture (intended to spark a discussion) is not a good model of a position statement (intended to showcase your ability to latch onto a specific solution).

While this handout aims to provide general tips, you should ignore any general tip that contradicts something specific you learn about the goals, context, or genre of the specific speech you are preparing.

General Model

Successful oral presentations typically share some basic characteristics, owing to the nature of the spoken word.

• Tell them what you’re going to tell them.
• Tell them what you told them.

When we read, we can go back and reread passages we skimmed over the first time, and we can skip ahead when we’re bored. In a live oral presentation, the audience can’t re-read or skip ahead. If the audience doesn’t know why they are listening to your anecdote about winning the spelling bee, or why they should care what version of the software was installed on the computer that you used to crunch your numbers, their attention will wander and it will be hard to get it back.

When we listen, we gratefully cling to orientation phrases that help us understand what the whole shape of a speech is, where we are within the overall structure, and when we are transitioning from one section to another.

Your specific occasion for delivering a speech may involve specific contextual details that don’t mesh with the general advice I’m providing here.

• Introduction :   "I am Pinky J. Witzowitz from the U.S. Department of Bureaucracy, and I have been asked to speak for 20 minutes on 'The Government's Plan for Preventing Situation X in America's Heartland.'"
• "Situation X is the worst thing that can happen to you and your family." [ Startling claim ; follow up by citing the source of this quote, or giving evidence that supports it.]
• "It happened once to a family in Dubuque, and they were never heard from again." [ Anecdote ; follow up with details.]
• "I am here today to tell you how to prevent this terrible tragedy from striking you." [ Demonstrates relevance ; move directly to your  road map ]
• Main Content :  Put up a slide with topics to cover, a specific problem to solve, or a series of questions to answer. Promise that your talk will address the material on that slide. You might even return to that slide each time you start a new subsection, with the current place in the talk highlighted.
• Questions/Comments from the Audience? Even though most people save the question period until the end, they lose the opportunity to modify their conclusion to address the interests of the audience.
• Recap :  Our earnest “Situation X” speaker might give microencapsulated answers to all the questions on the main road map:  "We have learned that Situation X is a blah blah blah; that we should all care about it because yada, yada, yada..."
• Wrap it up : After reminding the audience how all these factors fit together, the speaker might say,  "Now that you understand how the U.S. Department of Bureaucracy helps you keep Situation X out of your life, please take one of our pamphlets home to your family and put it by the telephone where you can get it in an emergency; your family will thank you."
• Invite Questions :   If there is time, and if you haven’t already done so.

4) Arrange with Your Strongest Points First

In rare cases — such as when you are facing a hostile audience, you might want to start out by emphasizing where you agree with your audience, and then carefully working your way towards your most divisive, most daring claims.

• If the question is actually important to your talk,  you’ll probably be able to answer right away.
• If you can’t answer right away, or you don’t want to take the time, just promise you’ll follow up via e-mail , and then go right back to your presentation. Most  audience members will probably have been annoyed by the interruption.  They will be  delighted that you  didn’t take the questioner’s bait .

5) Practice, Practice, Practice.

Set a timer, and deliver your speech to a willing co-worker or family member, your pet fish, or the bathroom mirror.

My students are often surprised at how hard it is to fill up 3 minutes for an informal practice speech early in the term, and how hard it is to fit everything they want to say into a 10-minute formal speech later in the term.

Once you have the right amount of content, make a video recording of yourself practicing. If you plan to show a video clip, or ad-lib an explanation of a diagram, or load a website, or pass out paper handouts, or saw an assistant in half, actually do it while the camera is rolling, so that you know exactly how much time it takes.

Time it out.

• Script out a powerful introduction and conclusion.
• Know how long each section of your speech should take.
• which example or anecdote you will cut if you are running long?
• what additional example you can introduce if you need to fill time?

If you know your conclusion takes you 90 seconds to deliver, make sure to start your conclusion when you have at least 90 seconds left.

At several key points during your speech, maybe while you are playing a video or while the audience is taking in a complex image, glance at the clock and check to see — are you on track?

If you notice you’re starting Section 3 60 seconds later than you had intended, try to make up for time by rushing through your second example in section 3 and cutting the third example in section 4, so that you still have the full 90 seconds at the end to deliver that powerful conclusion.

Technological Considerations

• Do you know how to connect your computer to the overhead projector? (If you don’t know, who does?)
• What will you do if you can’t get your computer connected to the projector? (Back in 2003, when I applied for my current job at Seton Hill University, I was asked to give a teaching demonstration. I couldn’t get my laptop to work with the overhead projector, but I had posted the most important links on my blog, and I had brought along a printout of my speech, just in case. My preparations have paid off, because I got the job.)
• In the room where you will be speaking, will you be using a microphone, or relying on your unamplified voice?
• Will you be able to walk around with the microphone — perhaps to gesture at details in the slides — or is the mic attached to a stand? (Do you need to borrow a laser pointer, or get a volunteer to advance slides for you?)

6) Make Eye Contact With Your Audience.

I once sat through a four-hour training session, during which this was all I could see of the instructor.

Go ahead and write your whole speech out so you can read robotically if you blank out, but you should practice your speech so you know it well enough that you can glance up from your notes and look at your audience as you speak.

7) Engage with the audience.

Pay attention to the audience, and they will pay attention to you.

Don’t try to recite from memory . If you spend your energy worrying about what you’re supposed to say next, you won’t be able to pay attention to whether the audience can hear you, or whether the overhead projections are focused.

Preparation : Set up before the audience files into their seats. If you have scheduled a presentation for a class, don’t sit in your seat like a lump while your professor calls the roll and hands out papers. Few things are more boring than watching a presenter log into the computer, fiddle with the video data projector, hunt around for the light switches, etc.

Introduction : As the audience files into their seats, have a title card displayed on the screen — or at least write your  name and the title of your talk on the whiteboard.  In a formal setting, usually a moderator will usually introduce you, so you won’t need to repeat everything the moderator says.  Avoid canned introductions like “Principal Burch, members of the faculty, and fellow students, we are gathered here today…”

Hashtag : If it’s likely that many people in your audience use the same social media network, consider encouraging them to post their thoughts there. When you introduce yourself, give your social media handle and suggest a hashtag.

Handouts : Consider distributing handouts that present the basic facts (names, dates, timelines) and your main points.  You can keep the conclusion just slightly mysterious, if you don’t want to give everything away immediately, but the idea is to free the audience from the feeling that they have to write everything down themselves. (Note: Simply printing up all the overhead slides wastes a lot of paper.)

Grabber : Grab the attention of your audience with a startling fact or claim, an inspiring quotation, or a revealing anecdote.   This is not the time to try out your nightclub act; the “grabber” is not just comic relief, it also helps you set up the problem that you are going to address.  If the audience will be diverse and general, you can use the “grabber” as a metaphor, helping the audience see why the topic is so important to you, and how it might be important to them, too.  If your audience shares your technical specialty, and thus needs no special introduction to the topic, feel free simply to state your purpose without much to-do; but bear in mind that even technical audiences don’t want to be bored.

Road Map : Once you have established the problem or the main point of your talk, let the audience know how you are going to get to a solution.  You might put up a series of questions on a slide, then as your talk progresses, proceed to answer each one.  You might break each question down into a series of smaller questions, and answer each one of these in turn.  Each time you finish a subsection, return to the road map, to help your audience keep track of where you have been and where you are going.

Conclusion : To give your presentation closure, return to the “grabber”, and extend it, modify it, or otherwise use it to help drive home your main point.  Recap your main points, and demonstrate how they all fit together into a thought that the audience members can take with them.

8) A Slide Show Is Not a Speech

Don’t read word-for-word with your nose buried in a stack of papers . If you bother to show up to hear a person speak, how do you feel when the speaker mumbles through page after page of written text? Do you feel you should have just asked for a copy of the paper in the mail?

When you present, make every effort to include your audience; after all, they are the reason you are speaking in the first place.

If you do feel that you must write out your speech word-for-word, you should be familiar enough with it that you don’t need to look at the paper all the time. (And hold the page up when you glance at it, rather than bending down to look at it.)

9) Watch the time!

To help pace yourself, at the top of each page of your notes,  write down what time it should be ; as you turn each page, you can glance at the clock and see whether you are on track.

(The first time I gave this advice to a technical writing class, I mimed the action of “looking at the clock” — and noticed that I was running ten minutes behind, eating into time that I had promised to a student for an in-class testing session.  That was a rather humbling experience!)

See the “preparation” section above. If you have already practiced your speech and timed out the various sections, you’ll know whether you are running long. If you are, don’t talk faster — cut  something that you already marked out as optional.

Decide in advance which examples, which anecdotes, which subsections you can drop, without damaging the whole presentation.

I was at a conference in 1998 where the first speaker talked for 40 minutes — double  her allotted time.  (Why the moderator allowed this is a mystery to me.)

• None of the other speakers on the panel felt like cutting their talks to compensate.
• The result was that the last scheduled speaker — who had paid for an international plane ticket and a week in a hotel — did not get to speak at all.

10) Take questions in the middle, not at the end?

The benefits include:

• If you spark a good Q & A session, your audience will remember and appreciate it.
• If nobody has any questions,  you can just fill up the space with more of your own material .  That would be much harder to do if you have already wrapped up your talk and had nothing left to say.
• If you really know your material, you can  adjust your conclusion to address the questions raised by the audience.  Even if someone in the audience steals a little of your thunder by bringing up points you were saving for your big finish, you will appear smart for having predicted that audience response. At the same time, someone in your audience will feel smart for having anticipated what you were going to say.

Dennis G. Jerz , 01/27/2009 07:24:28 Oct, 1999 — first written 03 Dec, 2000 — posted here 03 June 2003 — tweaked and updated 30 Oct 2011 — updated and added video links 31 May 2016 — major update; separated into “preparation” and “presentation” sections. 26 Jan 2018 — blackboard -> whiteboard

50 thoughts on “ Oral Presentation Tips: How to Deliver a Speech for School or Work ”

Thanks alot for your teachings

Thank a lot , really great tip for oral presentation, i’ll implement these tips, and will let you know.

Very helpful tips.

this is awfully helpful. I am a teacher in France and my students have to do presentations in English. I wish they could read this and understand.

Thank you for these very useful tips on Oral presentation. I am taking an Organizational Behavior class and need to do a 5 minute oral presentation on a real life situation about Conflict Management in the Workplace. I am not sure how to structure or begin the presentation.

I like it Really helpful for me

Thank you for helping me to do my presentation…..and I have learned so much from oral presentation.

thankyou thankyou thankyou this helped me so much!!! : )

thankyou thankyou thankyou this helped me so much in english!!! : )

Thanks. Really helpful

Hi, I going to do 3 minute presentation and my topic is My son. what is a best tips to talk about the this topic. I am not sure where to start. Any tips to help me with.

Is that the topic you were assigned? Are you taking a public speaking class, a child development class, a class in writing personal memoirs, or are you learning English as a second language? I don’t know how your instructor will evaluate your work, so I am not sure how to help.

You might find it useful to look at this handout on writing personal essays. http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/creative1/personal-essays/

Hi, I going to do minute presentation and my topic is My son. what is a best tips to talk about the this topic. I am not sure where to start. Any tips to help me with.

This sort of helped

Denise Gillen Caralli liked this on Facebook.

Enter your comment here…Thanks a lot… I will follow your instructions..I’m hopeful those tips will work. .. Thanks once again….

Thanks so much will follow your instruction tomorrow where I will be having presentation with 180 Head masters about suplimetary feeding on their hunger striken ares

Yeah ,thanks and good luck to all of you from a powerful Jamaican girl

That’s great… It will work well for those who are aiming for like me. Thanks!

The tips are totally handy until now I am still applying it.

Appreciate it. =)

Very helpful for my presentation. Thanks!

I have learned a lot on this…thanks

Thanks a lot I have learned so much on this

I suppose to give out a presentation on Monday on someone or something in either an athlete or an actor and I don’t know how to start

i have a question i am supposed to give a speech but it has to have a power point or a drama thing the only problem is that i can’t have a power point because it won’t work into my speech and neither will a drama thing what should i do?

I suggest you talk to whoever set up the requirement for a slideshow/drama component. Maybe there is some flexibility, or maybe you’ll find a way to work that component into your speech.

Thank you heaps this really helped a lot

that is such good information and i believe im going to pass my speeches.

wow!!this are really helpfull stuff..but im just not confident enough to stand infront of all those people..wish i could do it without them looking at me

blind fold them! just joking…I’m getting ready to do mine and I’m having the same problem as you.

this is a helpfull site

this isn’t helping me with how nervous I am!! bye!!

love it really helped

thanks you are good

I have to do a presentation about “Importance of learning English”. There are 6 people in my group including myself. The presentation has to be exactly 8 minutes. We can’t use PowerPoint. Can you give us any unique, memorable and creative idea?

What are some lessons or life experiences that you find unique and memorable? I’d probably do a play, with a character who gets into trouble because he/she doesn’t know English, and then has a chance to correct those problems by demonstrating how learning English can fix the problems.

Hello mr.Dennis,I go straight to it.how can I become the most sought after Master of Ceremony(M.C.)/tv show presenter extra-ordinaire in my country before going international?any useful tips?

Sorry, that question is not something I cover on this page.

really well writen loved how you added steps so its easy to follow clear easily can be understaned and really helps us and gives us tips that we should actually think about and use at times

Yeah! I found it quite impressive. I hope it’z gonna be helpful for me to develop my speech techniques.

Nice tips….i think it will help me. but it’s too lengthy,it takes so much of time to read.

This really helps to prepare for all sort of things, Thanks a lot

Really helpful! Thank you

Pingback: Oral Presentation Readings « readwriteredroom

i love this helpful tips of oral presentation.. hope to visit this again or i just make a hard copy of this… thank you very much for that…

it was quite helpful

thank you for the great tip, but my problem is actually that I have a presentation on ‘All About Me’ and I have to keep the audience ‘engaged’ like by making a guessing game or something. If anyone has any other ideas please help!!

This may help: http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/creative1/showing/

This really helped me prepare my oral presentation…thanks very much!!!!

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• Oral Communication

Grade 8 Language

Oral communication learning activity.

• Minds On: Introduces the learning concepts to be explored in the Learning Activity.
• Action: Offers a focused activity to explore the content and discover key concepts.
• Consolidation: Provides students with an opportunity to deepen understanding and reflect on learning.

• choosing a selection results in a full page refresh
• press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection

Oral Presentation Rubric

About this printout

This rubric is designed to be used for any oral presentation. Students are scored in three categories—delivery, content, and audience awareness.

Teaching with this printout

More ideas to try, related resources.

Oral presentation and speaking are important skills for students to master, especially in the intermediate grades. This oral presentation rubric is designed to fit any topic or subject area. The rubric allows teachers to assess students in several key areas of oral presentation. Students are scored on a scale of 1–4 in three major areas. The first area is Delivery, which includes eye contact, and voice inflection. The second area, Content/Organization, scores students based on their knowledge and understanding of the topic being presented and the overall organization of their presentation. The third area, Enthusiasm/Audience Awareness, assesses students based on their enthusiasm toward the topic and how well they came across to their intended audience. Give students the oral presentation rubric ahead of time so that they know and understand what they will be scored on. Discuss each of the major areas and how they relate to oral presentation.

• After students have completed their oral presentations, ask them to do a self-assessment with the same rubric and hold a conference with them to compare their self-assessment with your own assessment.
• Provide students with several examples of oral presentations before they plan and execute their own presentation. Ask students to evaluate and assess the exemplar presentations using the same rubric.
• Students can do a peer evaluation of oral presentations using this rubric. Students meet in partners or small groups to give each other feedback and explain their scoring.
• Lesson Plans
• Student Interactives

Students research engineering careers and create poetry to understand the vocabulary of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Useful for a wide variety of reading and writing activities, this outlining tool allows students to organize up to five levels of information.

• Print this resource

Explore Resources by Grade

• Kindergarten K

24 Oral Presentations

Many academic courses require students to present information to their peers and teachers in a classroom setting. This is usually in the form of a short talk, often, but not always, accompanied by visual aids such as a power point. Students often become nervous at the idea of speaking in front of a group.

This chapter is divided under five headings to establish a quick reference guide for oral presentations.

A beginner, who may have little or no experience, should read each section in full.

For the intermediate learner, who has some experience with oral presentations, review the sections you feel you need work on.

The Purpose of an Oral Presentation

Generally, oral presentation is public speaking, either individually or as a group, the aim of which is to provide information, entertain, persuade the audience, or educate. In an academic setting, oral presentations are often assessable tasks with a marking criteria. Therefore, students are being evaluated on their capacity to speak and deliver relevant information within a set timeframe. An oral presentation differs from a speech in that it usually has visual aids and may involve audience interaction; ideas are both shown and explained . A speech, on the other hand, is a formal verbal discourse addressing an audience, without visual aids and audience participation.

Types of Oral Presentations

Individual presentation.

• Breathe and remember that everyone gets nervous when speaking in public. You are in control. You’ve got this!
• Know your content. The number one way to have a smooth presentation is to know what you want to say and how you want to say it. Write it down and rehearse it until you feel relaxed and confident and do not have to rely heavily on notes while speaking.
• Eliminate ‘umms’ and ‘ahhs’ from your oral presentation vocabulary. Speak slowly and clearly and pause when you need to. It is not a contest to see who can race through their presentation the fastest or fit the most content within the time limit. The average person speaks at a rate of 125 words per minute. Therefore, if you are required to speak for 10 minutes, you will need to write and practice 1250 words for speaking. Ensure you time yourself and get it right.
• Ensure you meet the requirements of the marking criteria, including non-verbal communication skills. Make good eye contact with the audience; watch your posture; don’t fidget.
• Know the language requirements. Check if you are permitted to use a more casual, conversational tone and first-person pronouns, or do you need to keep a more formal, academic tone?

Group Presentation

• All of the above applies, however you are working as part of a group. So how should you approach group work?
• Firstly, if you are not assigned to a group by your lecturer/tutor, choose people based on their availability and accessibility. If you cannot meet face-to-face you may schedule online meetings.
• Get to know each other. It’s easier to work with friends than strangers.
• Also consider everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. This will involve a discussion that will often lead to task or role allocations within the group, however, everyone should be carrying an equal level of the workload.
• Some group members may be more focused on getting the script written, with a different section for each team member to say. Others may be more experienced with the presentation software and skilled in editing and refining power point slides so they are appropriate for the presentation. Use one visual aid (one set of power point slides) for the whole group. Take turns presenting information and ideas.
• Be patient and tolerant with each other’s learning style and personality. Do not judge people in your group based on their personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender, age, or cultural background.
• Rehearse as a group, more than once. Keep rehearsing until you have seamless transitions between speakers. Ensure you thank the previous speaker and introduce the one following you. If you are rehearsing online, but have to present in-person, try to schedule some face-to-face time that will allow you to physically practice using the technology and classroom space of the campus.
• For further information on working as a group see:

Working as a group – my.UQ – University of Queensland

Writing Your Presentation

Approach the oral presentation task just as you would any other assignment. Review the available topics, do some background reading and research to ensure you can talk about the topic for the appropriate length of time and in an informed manner. Break the question down as demonstrated in Chapter 17 Breaking Down an Assignment. Where it differs from writing an essay is that the information in the written speech must align with the visual aid. Therefore, with each idea, concept or new information you write, think about how this might be visually displayed through minimal text and the occasional use of images. Proceed to write your ideas in full, but consider that not all information will end up on a power point slide. After all, it is you who are doing the presenting , not the power point. Your presentation skills are being evaluated; this may include a small percentage for the actual visual aid. This is also why it is important that EVERYONE has a turn at speaking during the presentation, as each person receives their own individual grade.

Using Visual Aids

A whole chapter could be written about the visual aids alone, therefore I will simply refer to the key points as noted by my.UQ

To keep your audience engaged and help them to remember what you have to say, you may want to use visual aids, such as slides.

When designing slides for your presentation, make sure:

• any text is brief, grammatically correct and easy to read. Use dot points and space between lines, plus large font size (18-20 point).
• Resist the temptation to use dark slides with a light-coloured font; it is hard on the eyes
• if images and graphs are used to support your main points, they should be non-intrusive on the written work

Images and Graphs

• Your audience will respond better to slides that deliver information quickly – images and graphs are a good way to do this. However, they are not always appropriate or necessary.

When choosing images, it’s important to find images that:

• support your presentation and aren’t just decorative
• are high quality, however, using large HD picture files can make the power point file too large overall for submission via Turnitin
• you have permission to use (Creative Commons license, royalty-free, own images, or purchased)
• suggested sites for free-to-use images: Openclipart – Clipping Culture ; Beautiful Free Images & Pictures | Unsplash ; Pxfuel – Royalty free stock photos free download ; When we share, everyone wins – Creative Commons

This is a general guide. The specific requirements for your course may be different. Make sure you read through any assignment requirements carefully and ask your lecturer or tutor if you’re unsure how to meet them.

Using Visual Aids Effectively

Too often, students make an impressive power point though do not understand how to use it effectively to enhance their presentation.

• Rehearse with the power point.
• Keep the slides synchronized with your presentation; change them at the appropriate time.
• Refer to the information on the slides. Point out details; comment on images; note facts such as data.
• Don’t let the power point just be something happening in the background while you speak.
• Write notes in your script to indicate when to change slides or which slide number the information applies to.
• Pace yourself so you are not spending a disproportionate amount of time on slides at the beginning of the presentation and racing through them at the end.
• Practice, practice, practice.

Nonverbal Communication

It is clear by the name that nonverbal communication are the ways that we communicate without speaking. Many people are already aware of this, however here are a few tips that relate specifically to oral presentations.

Being confident and looking confident are two different things. Fake it until you make it.

• Avoid slouching or leaning – standing up straight instantly gives you an air of confidence.
• Move! When you’re glued to one spot as a presenter, you’re not perceived as either confident or dynamic. Use the available space effectively, though do not exaggerate your natural movements so you look ridiculous.
• If you’re someone who “speaks with their hands”, resist the urge to constantly wave them around. They detract from your message. Occasional gestures are fine.
• Be animated, but don’t fidget. Ask someone to watch you rehearse and identify if you have any nervous, repetitive habits you may be unaware of, for example, constantly touching or ‘finger-combing’ your hair, rubbing your face.
• Avoid ‘voice fidgets’ also. If you needs to cough or clear your throat, do so once then take a drink of water.
• Avoid distractions. No phone turned on. Water available but off to one side.
• Keep your distance. Don’t hover over front-row audience members; this can be intimidating.
• Have a cheerful demeaner. You do not need to grin like a Cheshire cat throughout the presentation, yet your facial expression should be relaxed and welcoming.
• Maintain an engaging TONE in your voice. Sometimes it’s not what you’re saying that is putting your audience to sleep, it’s your monotonous tone. Vary your tone and pace.
• Don’t read your presentation – PRESENT it! Internalize your script so you can speak with confidence and only occasionally refer to your notes if needed.
• Lastly, make good eye contact with your audience members so they know you are talking with them, not at them. You’re having a conversation. Watch the link below for some great speaking tips, including eye contact.

Below is a video of some great tips about public speaking from Amy Wolff at TEDx Portland [1]

• Wolff. A. [The Oregonion]. (2016, April 9). 5 public speaking tips from TEDxPortland speaker coach [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNOXZumCXNM&ab_channel=TheOregonian ↵

communication of thought by word

Academic Writing Skills Copyright © 2021 by Patricia Williamson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to prepare and deliver an effective oral presentation

• Related content
• Peer review
• Lucia Hartigan , registrar 1 ,
• Fionnuala Mone , fellow in maternal fetal medicine 1 ,
• Mary Higgins , consultant obstetrician 2
• 1 National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
• 2 National Maternity Hospital, Dublin; Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin
• luciahartigan{at}hotmail.com

The success of an oral presentation lies in the speaker’s ability to transmit information to the audience. Lucia Hartigan and colleagues describe what they have learnt about delivering an effective scientific oral presentation from their own experiences, and their mistakes

The objective of an oral presentation is to portray large amounts of often complex information in a clear, bite sized fashion. Although some of the success lies in the content, the rest lies in the speaker’s skills in transmitting the information to the audience. 1

Preparation

It is important to be as well prepared as possible. Look at the venue in person, and find out the time allowed for your presentation and for questions, and the size of the audience and their backgrounds, which will allow the presentation to be pitched at the appropriate level.

See what the ambience and temperature are like and check that the format of your presentation is compatible with the available computer. This is particularly important when embedding videos. Before you begin, look at the video on stand-by and make sure the lights are dimmed and the speakers are functioning.

For visual aids, Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Mac Keynote programmes are usual, although Prezi is increasing in popularity. Save the presentation on a USB stick, with email or cloud storage backup to avoid last minute disasters.

When preparing the presentation, start with an opening slide containing the title of the study, your name, and the date. Begin by addressing and thanking the audience and the organisation that has invited you to speak. Typically, the format includes background, study aims, methodology, results, strengths and weaknesses of the study, and conclusions.

If the study takes a lecturing format, consider including “any questions?” on a slide before you conclude, which will allow the audience to remember the take home messages. Ideally, the audience should remember three of the main points from the presentation. 2

Have a maximum of four short points per slide. If you can display something as a diagram, video, or a graph, use this instead of text and talk around it.

Animation is available in both Microsoft PowerPoint and the Apple Mac Keynote programme, and its use in presentations has been demonstrated to assist in the retention and recall of facts. 3 Do not overuse it, though, as it could make you appear unprofessional. If you show a video or diagram don’t just sit back—use a laser pointer to explain what is happening.

Rehearse your presentation in front of at least one person. Request feedback and amend accordingly. If possible, practise in the venue itself so things will not be unfamiliar on the day. If you appear comfortable, the audience will feel comfortable. Ask colleagues and seniors what questions they would ask and prepare responses to these questions.

It is important to dress appropriately, stand up straight, and project your voice towards the back of the room. Practise using a microphone, or any other presentation aids, in advance. If you don’t have your own presenting style, think of the style of inspirational scientific speakers you have seen and imitate it.

Try to present slides at the rate of around one slide a minute. If you talk too much, you will lose your audience’s attention. The slides or videos should be an adjunct to your presentation, so do not hide behind them, and be proud of the work you are presenting. You should avoid reading the wording on the slides, but instead talk around the content on them.

Maintain eye contact with the audience and remember to smile and pause after each comment, giving your nerves time to settle. Speak slowly and concisely, highlighting key points.

Do not assume that the audience is completely familiar with the topic you are passionate about, but don’t patronise them either. Use every presentation as an opportunity to teach, even your seniors. The information you are presenting may be new to them, but it is always important to know your audience’s background. You can then ensure you do not patronise world experts.

To maintain the audience’s attention, vary the tone and inflection of your voice. If appropriate, use humour, though you should run any comments or jokes past others beforehand and make sure they are culturally appropriate. Check every now and again that the audience is following and offer them the opportunity to ask questions.

Finishing up is the most important part, as this is when you send your take home message with the audience. Slow down, even though time is important at this stage. Conclude with the three key points from the study and leave the slide up for a further few seconds. Do not ramble on. Give the audience a chance to digest the presentation. Conclude by acknowledging those who assisted you in the study, and thank the audience and organisation. If you are presenting in North America, it is usual practice to conclude with an image of the team. If you wish to show references, insert a text box on the appropriate slide with the primary author, year, and paper, although this is not always required.

Answering questions can often feel like the most daunting part, but don’t look upon this as negative. Assume that the audience has listened and is interested in your research. Listen carefully, and if you are unsure about what someone is saying, ask for the question to be rephrased. Thank the audience member for asking the question and keep responses brief and concise. If you are unsure of the answer you can say that the questioner has raised an interesting point that you will have to investigate further. Have someone in the audience who will write down the questions for you, and remember that this is effectively free peer review.

Be proud of your achievements and try to do justice to the work that you and the rest of your group have done. You deserve to be up on that stage, so show off what you have achieved.

Competing interests: We have read and understood the BMJ Group policy on declaration of interests and declare the following interests: None.

• ↵ Rovira A, Auger C, Naidich TP. How to prepare an oral presentation and a conference. Radiologica 2013 ; 55 (suppl 1): 2 -7S. OpenUrl
• ↵ Bourne PE. Ten simple rules for making good oral presentations. PLos Comput Biol 2007 ; 3 : e77 . OpenUrl PubMed
• ↵ Naqvi SH, Mobasher F, Afzal MA, Umair M, Kohli AN, Bukhari MH. Effectiveness of teaching methods in a medical institute: perceptions of medical students to teaching aids. J Pak Med Assoc 2013 ; 63 : 859 -64. OpenUrl

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21 Tips and Strategies Supporting Learners’ Oral Presentations

Design & assign.

There are many options to consider when assigning an oral presentation. As you answer the following questions, reflect on your own commitment to continue using traditional oral presentations for evaluation.

Determine Oral Presentation Type

If you answered “No” to at least half of the questions, you may want to consider the following alternative formats that mitigate some of the specific anxieties your ELLs experience with oral presentations. While the default may be the traditional individual or group presentation of concepts in front of the whole class, there are a number of alternatives that may serve the same purpose.

Consider the different types of presentations and the steps that you can do to help your learners succeed.

Types of Oral Presentations

Short oral talks in a group

Usually a short oral talk in a group is informal with little time to prepare for this type of speech. Learners  share their thoughts or opinions about a specific topic. This type of talk follows a structure with a brief introductory statement, 2-3 ideas and a concluding statement.  These brief oral talks can help students develop confidence because they are presenting to a small group rather than the whole class. They do not have to create and coordinate visuals with their talk and the talk is short. There still needs to be substance to the talk, so participants should be given advance warning that they will be asked to speak on a particular topic.  One advantage is that several students in the class can be presenting simultaneously; however, as a result, in-process marking is not possible.

Formal oral presentations in front of class

Formal oral presentations in front of the class usually require individual students to make a longer presentation, supported with effective visual aids. Adequate time has been given for the presenter to prepare the topic. This type of presentation can be used to present research, information in general, or to persuade. The presenter is often put in charge of the class during the presentation time, so in addition to presenting, the presenter has to keep the class engaged and in line. Formal oral presentations often involve a Q & A. Most of the grading can be done in-process because you are only observing one student at a time. It is very time consuming to get through a whole class of presentations and have the class engaged and learning and you are giving up control of many course hours and content coverage.

Group Presentations

• Tips for giving a group presentation

Sharing Presentations Online

Students can be made the presenter in online platforms to complete presentations.  Zoom, Blackboard, WebEx and other similar software allow the moderator (Professor) to make specific participants hosts which enables them to share their screens and control the participation options of other students in the class.  As each platform has variations on how to share documents and control the presentation, it is important that students are given specific instructions on how to “present” using the various platforms.  If possible, set up separate “rooms” for students to practice in before their presentation.

• Instructions for screen sharing in Zoom
• Instructions for screen sharing in WebEx
• Instructions for screen sharing in Blackboard Collaborate

Use Oral Recordings of Presentations Synchronously or Asynchronously

Consider allowing students to record their presentations and present the recording to the class.  While this would not be appropriate for a language class where the performance of the presentation is likely more important than the content, in other classes providing the opportunity for learners to record multiple times until they are satisfied with the output is an ideal way to optimize the quality of the presentation as well as reduce the performance related stress. The presentation can then be shared synchronously in class or online with the presenter hosting and fielding questions, or asynchronously posted on a discussion board or other app such as Flipgrid with the presenter responding to comments posted over a set period of time. A side benefit to the use of some of these tools such as Skye and Google Meet is that they are commonly used in the workforce so it good practice for post-graduation application of skills.

Possible Tools for Recording and Sharing

• Flipgrid – an easy to use app that lets students record short video clips and resubmit as many times as needed. The video stays in the Flipgrid app for other students to see (if shared) and allow for easy teacher responses whether via video or text. (Asynchronous)
• Skype   – Follow the instructions to record and share a video on the MS website (Either if posted on course platform)
• Google Meet – Follow the i nstructions to record and share a presentation on Google Meet . (Either if posted on course platform)
• Zoom – students can share their narrated PPT slides via Zoom (don’t forget to enable the sound)
• Powerpoint – Recording of narrations for slides
• Youtube – Recorded videos can be uploaded to Youtube to share by following instructions to upload Youtube video
• OneDrive – most institutions provide OneDrive accounts for faculty and students as part of Office 365. Students can save their video in OneDrive and choose who to share it with (faculty member, group, class)

Presenting in Another Language

If the goal of the presentation is to demonstrate in depth understanding of the course content and ability to communicate that information effectively, does the presentation have to be done in English?  Can the student’s mastery of the subject matter be demonstrated in another language with a translator? It would still be possible to evaluate the content of the presentation, the confidence, the performance, the visual aids etc.  On the global stage, translated speeches and presentations are the norm by political leaders and content experts – why not let students show the depth of their understanding in a language they are comfortable with?

If a more formal type of oral presentation is required, is it possible to give students some choice to help reduce their anxiety?  For example, could they choose to present to you alone, to a small group, or to the whole class?

Teach Making a Presentation Step by Step

Don’t assume that all the students in your class have been taught how to make a presentation for a college or university level class. Furthermore, there are many purposes for presentations (inform, educate, persuade, motivate, activate, entertain) which require different organizational structure, tone, content and visual aids.

• Ask the class to raise their hands if they feel ♦ very comfortable presenting in front of the class, ♦ somewhat comfortable presenting in front of the class or ♦ not comfortable presenting in front of the class.  This will help you gauge your learners’ prior experience / comfort and also let learners in the class see that others, both native speakers and ELLs are nervous about presenting orally in class.

Provide Clear Instructions

• Write clear, detailed instructions (following the suggestions in Module 3).
• Ask students to download a copy to bring to class and encourage them to record annotations as you discuss expectations.
• Example: How many slides should you use as your visual aid? Do you need to use outside sources? What tools can you use to create this presentation?
• Include the rubric that you will use to grade the presentations and explain each section, noting sections that have higher weighting.

Provide a Guide to Planning

• Have students write a description of the target audience for their presentation and explicitly state the purpose of the presentation.

• Encourage students to read widely on their topic. The more content knowledge the learner has about the topic, the more confident the learner will be when presenting.
• Teach students how to do an effective presentation that meets your course expectations (if class time does not permit, offer an optional  ‘office hours’ workshop). Remember – many of your students many never have presented a post-secondary presentation which may cause significant anxiety. Your ELL’s experiences with oral presentations may be limited or significantly different in terms of expectations based on their prior educational contexts.
• Have students view examples of good presentations and some bad ones – there are many examples available on YouTube such as  Good Presentation vs Bad Presentation .
• Provide specific guidelines for each section of the presentation. How should learners introduce their presentation? How much detail is required? Is audience interaction required? Is a call to action expected at the end?
• If audience interaction is required, teach your students specific elicitation techniques (See Module 3)
• Designing Visual Aids Centre for Teaching Excellence, University of Waterloo
• Presentation Aids Video
• Paralinguistic features like eye contact are potentially culture – bound. If the subject that you are teaching values eye contact, then include this expectation in the presentation. On the other hand, if your field of study doesn’t require presentations typically, consider valuing the cultural diversity of your learners and not grading learners negatively for not making eye contact.
• Review the rubric. Let learners know what you are specifically grading  during the presentation. The rubric should be detailed enough that learners know what elements of the presentation are weighted the heaviest.

Model an Effective Presentation

A good speech is like a pencil; it has to have a point.

• Provide an exemplar of a presentation that you have presented yourself and recorded, or a presentation done by a previous student for which you have written permission to share.

Require Students to Practice

• Practice saying the presentation out loud
• Practice with a room mate/ classmate / family member / friend
• Go on a walk and talk – encourage students to get outside, and go for a walk – as they walk, they can say their presentation orally out loud. The fresh air and sunshine helps one to relax and reduce anxiety, so it is easier to focus on the talk.
• Record a practice presentation. Encourage students to find a quiet place to record and to use headphones with a mic to improve quality of the recording.
• If time allows, build formative practice presentations into the schedule. Have students practice their presentation in small groups and have other group mates give targeted feedback based on content, organization and presentation skills. Provide a checklist of expectations for the others in the group to use to provide specific, targeted feedback to the presenter. Students can watch their performance at home along with their peer’s feedback to identify areas for improvement.

• If you have assigned oral presentations in your class, review the course outcomes and the content covered in the assignment and determine if a formal oral presentation is necessary. 
• Think of one alternative you could offer to students who struggle with individual assignments.
• Annotate your assignment with notes indicating possible modifications you could make to improve the inclusivity and equity of the assignment.

• Games, topic printables & more
• The 4 main speech types
• Example speeches
• Commemorative
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• Introduction
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• Acute anxiety help
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• Letting go - free e-course
• Using self-hypnosis
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• 4 modes of delivery
• How to make cue cards
• How to read a speech
• 9 vocal aspects
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Speech topics for children

141 best speech topics for kids: middle school and up

By:  Susan Dugdale  

Providing suitable school speech topics for children is often a real challenge.

(And, yes, I know that's an understatement! I've been there as the parent AND as the teacher. Finding that gem of an idea to light up a child's imagination can be a mutually exhausting exercise. Hopefully this page will provide the speech topic you need very quickly. ☺)

What's on this page

• 8 themed lists of speech topic suggestions
•  Community and social issues
• Arts and culture
• Fun and whimsy
• Sports and games
• Seasons and nature
• Animals, birds, fish
• Hobbies and interests

Finding suitable speech topics for children

As their teachers or parents, we want stimulating, interesting subjects for them to work with. However we also need them to be aligned with their age group.

If we make the topics too adult, we risk pushing them into areas they're too young to cope with. If we make them too simplistic, we run the risk of minimizing or patronizing their growing sense of awareness.

As in everything, we need to find the balance.

These speech ideas have worked well for me with middle-school children, aged between 11 years to approximately 14 years.

You'll find some are more suitable for an imaginative child and others for a practical, factual child. Of course, the topic you select will also depend on the objective or goal for the speech.

And if by small chance you reach the end of the page and no speech idea has leaped out to grab you, there's another 50+ elocution topics for kids waiting here.

School Speech Topics for Children - Community, School & Social Issues

• That more 'green' space (parks) should be set aside for community use
• That recycling should be compulsory
• Everyone should do some sort of regular community service.
• That large non-electric cars should be banned
• What rights should a child have and why?
• Smacking a child should be illegal
• Does watching violent TV programs make a child think violence is acceptable?
• Everybody should have access to healthy affordable housing.
• Does advertising influence our food choices?
• Do certain types of pop music teach the wrong values?
• Should students have the right to choose what school they go to?
• Class sizes should be limited to 20
• What do you like most about your school?
• The school leaving age should be abolished.
• Parents should not pay (bribe) their children to get good grades.
• Standardized tests are not a reliable a measure of a person's intelligence.
• The words we use and how we say them influences how people behave toward us
• Failing a class can be a positive thing.
• Clothes and being fashionable are way too important.
• Wearing a school uniform lessens the distinctions between those who come from more affluent homes and those who don't.
• Coed schools are better.
• Extra tuition for those who want or need it should be available free of charge.
• Bullying behavior needs to be dealt with promptly and firmly.
• Parents should monitor how we use the internet.
• Chat rooms can be dangerous
• Earbuds are anti-social
• Good manners are important

Speech Topics for Children - Arts & Culture

• Graffiti is art.
• Explain a cultural festival or practice of significance to you that others may not know about or appreciate.
• Why are film stars so popular?
• Who is your favorite screen hero and why?
• What is pop art?
• Who is your favorite book/cartoon character and why?
• What inspires you about dance/art/drama/music or film?
• If you were to write a book for your age group to read what would it be about?
• My favorite festival is...
• I learn the piano, violin, trumpet, drums (insert whatever instrument)...because...
• The type of art I like to look at is...
• Strange facts about artists, dancers, musicians etc.
• If I was a famous screen star I would...
• My favorite story/poem/song as a little child was...

Speech Topics for Children - Fun & Whimsy

• A day in my life as a... table, pencil, car, potato, bicycle, blackboard, window, ball, or anything else!
• If I ruled the world...
• Why I am on the top of Santa's nice/naughty list this year
• If I was a parent, the ground rules I would make are...
• When I'm famous it will be for...
• The silliest practical joke I ever played
• If I had three wishes they would be...
• If I re-wrote the story of 'The Three Little Pigs', 'Cinderella' etc. it would go like this...
• I am a fashion guru and I have decided the new trend will be...
• What I think of people from the viewpoint of a tree in the school grounds.
• My secret life as a hero.
• My greatest and best invention.
• Weird and wonderful words - what do they mean?
• How to write using invisible ink.
• My secret code...How to invent and use a coded language.

School Speech Topics for Children - Sports & Games

• Explain the game of checkers/drafts/chess.
• My favorite sporting hero is...
• The best summer sport is...
• I enjoy learning gymnastics, martial arts...because...
• Extreme sports are dangerously exciting.
• In winter I love to ski, ice skate...
• Everybody should learn to play a team sport.
• Sport should not be compulsory.
• The best indoor games are...
• The best on-line games are...
• In sport, the rules are there to protect the players.
• What I learnt through learning to play...
• Winning is not so important as participating.
• Strange sports or games.

Speech Topics for Children - Food

• The best meal in the world is...
• The foods I do not like are...
• My favorite food to make is...
• What's in my lunch box compared to what's in my friend's. 
• How I learnt to cook.
• Healthy food I really like
• The best sandwich fillings in the world
• The best birthday party food
• My favorite Christmas (celebration) food.
• Mealtimes in our house - a description
• Table manners...Are they important?
• When we eat out, my favorite thing to order is...
• Fashions in food. What foods used to be eaten regularly that has now gone out of fashion?
• What food do you eat most of? Potatoes? Bread? Pasta? How many different ways is it served?

Speech Topics for Children - Seasons & Nature

• Why do we have seasons?
• How and why does a tree change the color of its leaves in the fall?
• How does a tree grow?
• What type of wind has the greatest impact where you live? Monsoon? Mistral? The Cape Doctor?
• Why does the sky appear blue?
• Why do we have day and night time?
• How come the earth goes round and round?
• What are stars?
• How does gravity work?
• Why are there tides?
• Explain how snow is formed.
• How is a diamond made?
• What is global warming?
• Show the patterns formed in frost.
• How does a rainbow work?
• Research strange plants - carnivorous etc.
• What and where are the biggest trees in the world?
• How and why should we conserve nature?

Speech Topics for Children - Animals/Birds/Fish

• Why is a dog often called a "man's best friend"?
• Are there bad dogs or bad dog owners?
• What is horse sense?
• Do animals communicate with each other? If so, how?
• What birds or wild animals do you see regularly in your home area?
• How has the horse been used by man throughout history?
• What animal makes a great pet and why?
• How to look after a pet properly
• Do animals really think or do we only think they do?
• Is hunting animals fair?
• Is eating meat fair?
• What rights should animals have?
• Tell an inspiring true story about an animal.
• Are zoos good places and why?
• Find out about conserving animals/birds/fish in your local area.
• Retell a myth or legend about an animal/fish/bird.
• Research strange or rare animals/birds or fish.
• Interview a pet shop owner to find out what are the most popular pets.
• What do you think about restrictions around fishing?
• Should having a pet cat be banned because they catch birds?
• What is the symbolism associated with some animals/birds or fish? For example, a lion stands for courage or strength.

Speech Topics for Children - Hobbies/Interests

• My doll/car/card etc collection
• How to make a model car, truck, plane ...
• How to sew your own clothes
• How to knit
• How to take a good photograph
• The best board games to play with friends
• The best online games for kids
• How to play an instrument - a flute, a violin, guitar, piano...
• How to make a garden
• How to do a magic trick, or two
• How to fold paper (origami)
• How to put on a play or a concert for friends and family
• How to make finger puppets
• How to scrapbook
• How to learn another language
• How to ride a horse, skateboard, etc
• The best rainy-day activities are...
• How to tell a joke
• The best thing I've ever learnt...

Other resources for children's speech topics and speeches

If you've found nothing here to ignite your imagination do try this page of 50+ elocution topics for kids.

If you're here looking for a topic for your own child, go through both pages with them: this one and the other. Suggest other possibilities and adaptions of the topics as you go. You'll need to find a subject they genuinely care about and it's best if the final decision is made by them!

Writing a speech for children

Were you looking for information to help you write a speech for children rather than speech topics for them to use? If so, you'll find this page How to write a speech for kids useful.

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