speech assignments for high school

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44 Persuasive Speaking: Activities and Resources

Discussion and activities.

Watch this clip from The King’s Speech where the new king makes his first wartime radio broadcast of Britians’ s declaration of war on Germany in 1939. This movie is a dramatic interpretation of the true story of the future King George VI who worked to overcome a stammer.  (Make note of how he has marked the manuscript that he reads from at 1:17-1:21).

Corporate Story Telling Activity

Watch the Charity Water Story before class and discuss these questions in class.

• Do you think this model of corporate storytelling is more effective than the traditional model of listing mission and vision on the website?
• Ethos. How does he build personal credibility? How about credibility for the organization?
• Pathos. List some of the emotional appeals? Were they effective, why or why not? Were they ethical, why or why not?
• Logos. List the ways he used logic (facts, data, charts). Which was the most effective for you?
• Were you persuaded? If so at what point did you become persuaded?
• How does he tie the opening and the closing?
• How does he “ask for the sale”? Write out some of his phrases.
• What are some of the ways, that he reengages the audience to make them see they are part of the speech?
• How does he use inoculation (help people overcome objections that people may be thinking)?
• When my husband watched this, he said, “I could feel myself being persuaded and could tell where they were headed with it, so I had to stop watching it.” When do you physically or mentally “stop watching”? How can a speaker keep their audience?
• What organizational pattern does this fit? Map it out.
• Is this an example of public speaking? Explain your answer.

Persuasive Speaking on Gun Control

Days after a gunman entered her school and killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Emma Gonzalez, a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, addressed a gun control rally on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

• What does she say to connect to her audience? Who is her target audience? Who is the secondary audience, how can you tell?
• Logos: How does she break down numbers so the audience can relate?
• Pathos: Clearly, this is an emotional speech, how does that emotion affect you–persuasive or too much?
• Ethos: How does she build her credibility?
• Find where she repeats the same phrase over and over, is this effective, why or why not?

Charron Heston is a longtime NRA Advocate. One type of persuasive speech is not to change the minds of an audience but to “rally the troops” to make them support their cause even more.

• How does he connect to his audience?
• Colorful Language: He uses a lot of alliterations (repeat the same letter), make a list of all the alliterations. Do you think they were effective for this type of speech? Why or why not.
• Colorful language: How does he use personification (giving inanimate objects life like characteristics like that of a person.) Do you think they were effective for this type of speech? Why or why not.
• Colorful language: He has several examples of antithesis (pairing or opposites in parallel phrases –one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind). Make a list of them and discuss their effectiveness.
• What do you think about his choice of prop and the timing of the prop?
• In the end, he uses the line, “From my cold dead hands.” Look up the history of the phrase and how it was used after this speech. What is your opinion of this as a final persuasive statement?

Halberg, S. (2015). Reversing Type 2 diabetes starts with ignoring the guidelines. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da1vvigy5tQ

Freedom in Thought (2018). The three methods of persuasion: Rhetoric-Aristotle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5z3zWJIthI&t=1s

Langston, C. (2016). How to use rhetoric to get what you want. https://www.ted.com/talks/camille_langston_how_to_use_rhetoric_to_get_what_you_want

Ulmer, K. (2016). The three persuasive appeal: Logos, ethos, pathos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oUfOh_CgHQ

Schoder, W. (2017). Mr. Rogers and the power of persuasion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DGdDQrXv5U .

About three and a half years ago, I made a discovery.   And this discovery profoundly changed my view on how I thought the world worked,   and it even profoundly changed the way in which I operate in it.   As it turns out, there’s a pattern.   As it turns out, all the great inspiring leaders and organizations in the world,   whether it’s Apple or Martin Luther King or the Wright brothers,   they all think, act and communicate the exact same way.   And it’s the complete opposite to everyone else.   All I did was codify it,   and it’s probably the world’s simplest idea.   I call it the golden circle.

Sinek, S. (2009). How great leaders inspire action. https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?language=en Standard YouTube License.

For information on Values to consider different types of purchasers…

Strategic Business Insights. The US Vals Survey. http://www.strategicbusinessinsights.com/vals/presurvey.shtml

Stick to your strong arguments,   because your arguments don’t add up in the minds of the receiver,   they average out. The most robust psychological explanation for this is one of averaging.   In this model, we take in information,   and those information are afforded a weighted score.   And our minds do not add those pieces of information,   but rather average those pieces of information.   So when you introduce irrelevant or even weak arguments,   those weak arguments, if you will,   reduce the weight of your overall argument. Niro Sivanathan

Sivanathan, N. (2019). The counterintuitive way to be more persuasive. https://www.ted.com/talks/niro_sivanathan_the_counterintuitive_way_to_be_more_persuasive. Standard YouTube License.

In an article by Steve Booth-Butterfield, entitled Inoculation Theory. Ouch! But It’s Food for you  or the Best Defense is Bad Offense, he gave this example:

You might recall the infamous “woman” problem of President Bill Clinton (1992-2000).  What you may not remember is that this problem popped up during the Presidential primaries held over the winter of 1991-92.  A former amorous partner, Gennifer Flowers, scheduled a press conference declaring her adulterous relationship with the then Governor of Arkansas.  The Clinton campaign got wind of this planned press conference by Ms. Flowers and on the Sunday night before that following Monday afternoon event, Bill and Hillary Clinton appeared on an episode of the popular TV news magazine show, “60 Minutes.”  In it, the reporter directly asked about the “woman” problem and the Clintons, especially, Mrs. Clinton responded in a way that seemed to acknowledge past marital problems, but that these problems were way in the past, and that they were together in marriage as husband and wife.

This is an excellent practical application of inoculation.  Before the “real” attack from Gennifer Flowers could occur, Mr. Clinton managed to produce a weak attack on voter attitudes about fidelity, marital privacy, and politics.  The appearance on “60 Minutes” was their first large scale national appearance in the media, so many viewers were getting their first look at the Clintons.  And, that first looking included a weak presentation of the “woman” problem and how the Clintons handled it.

When Gennifer Flowers came along the next day, not only was her press conference “old news” it was also inoculated news.  People had already been attacked on their attitudes about Mr. Clinton’s character and alleged defects and they had already defended their attitudes on that issue.  When Ms. Flowers came along, many people could easily defend their attitudes and beliefs about Mr. Clinton and just as easily discount Ms. Flowers’ claims as a tawdry and transparent attempt to gain her “fifteen minutes” of fame.

Booth-Butterfield, S. (n.d). Inoculation Theory. Ouch! But It’s Good For You or The Best Defense Is A Bad Offense. http://healthyinfluence.com/wordpress/steves-primer-of-practical-persuasion-3-0/feeling/inoculation/

“Not everybody believes in the possibility of political persuasion. Many people see political positions as expressions of innate personality traits – hard-wired into us either by our genes or by an irreversible process of socialization. Why should we waste time trying to be persuasive when people never really change their minds? This is a reasonable concern.

The idea that persuasion doesn’t work comes from a bad application of good science. A substantial body of research suggests that our political beliefs are shaped by more or less fixed psychological characteristics … Research like this, however, tells us about the difficulty of conversion, not persuasion. These are not the same things. We too often misrepresent the task of political persuasion by thinking of the most strident partisan we have ever encountered and imagined what it would take to turn that person into an equally strident partisan for the other side. This sort of Paul-on-the-Road-to-Damascus conversion rarely happens in politics. Most people don’t change their fundamental values, and if we expect them to, we are going to be very disappointed.

But we usually don’t need people to change their fundamental values in order to convince them to adopt a particular position. The fact that people have fundamental values makes it possible to persuade them by appealing to those values. But we have to find values that we really share.” ―  Michael Austin,  We Must Not Be Enemies: Restoring America’s Civic Tradition

Austin, M. (2019). We must not be enemies: Restoring America’s civic tradition . Rowman & Littlefield.

Since this is an advanced class, we are working on refining our skills. You should have learned the structure of an argument in basic communication already but I am providing a video refresher.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=syGLJy7jjsk%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26rel%3D0

Jenkinson, P. (2019). Toulmin Model. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syGLJy7jjsk Standard YouTube License.

Advanced Public Speaking Copyright © 2021 by Lynn Meade is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Public Speaking Unit

Looking for a public speaking bundle ? I can provide you with an overall picture of how to teach public speaking. 

EDIT: This blog post about a public speaking curriculum has turned into a monster post! It is easily three times as long as my normal blog posts. That’s ok because I know how intimidated I was when I taught speech the first time. All of the lessons and activities mentioned below are in my Public Speaking Bundle . BUT?! I think you could still use these ideas as a springboard into speech if you aren’t looking to buy a bundle. 

I get lots of emails. Most emails pertain to grammar. The second most emails? Public speaking. Teaching public speaking is challenging. 

I have taught public speaking; I teach in Illinois and hold a teaching endorsement in speech. Additionally, I have coached a speech team and substitute-taught public speaking. I understand the challenges and rewards. 

Students have ambivalent feelings about public speaking. They understand the power of speeches, but they are nervous as can be. Our goal as teachers is to harness that range of feelings and get students speaking comfortably in front of crowds. That is my overarching goal as I organize and create these activities.

A few notes about this blog post:

• This public speaking outline took me years to develop, and I still add pieces every semester that I teach. The order and the activities have reasons for placement, and I’ll explain those as we continue. For your needs and students, you may wish to rearrange these procedures. Please! Personalize as necessary! I purposefully left room for teacher personalization.
• ALL of these activities are in my Public Speaking Bundle —BUT!—if you aren’t looking to purchase anything, I hope you can still use this outline to get started, to know what to expect with a public speaking course.
• When I mention a “Discussion Starter,” I am referencing an activity in the bundle. The topic is a recurring question students have, so you should be aware that students will need that information.
• The “weeks” are general guidelines. Don’t stress if you finish early or run a day over—I do too. Flexibility and compassion help nervous students.
• Please, please feel free to contact me. I will happily answer any question about public speaking. It may be the most difficult class I’ve ever taught, but it certainly is rewarding.

My biggest belief with teaching public speaking: students need time to practice their speeches while providing structure and diverse speaking opportunities. We spend days practicing our speeches alone, with peers, and with me. Professional speakers practice intensely, and students should see that practice prepares them. Teaching public speaking requires flexibility and pep talks.

Week One: Introduction.

How to teach public speaking? Connect with your students and their parents. We complete introductory speech activities . (Download for free. ) Part of teaching public speaking should be building a community to set young public speakers at ease. Giving a speech in front of others can be nerve-racking, and I have never regretted spending time discussing communication and the multiple factors of public speaking with students. General conversations and fun activities help build a supportive community; you really will be setting the room for success.

Discussion Starter: “In the Beginning”

I email parents/post to the classroom website the note for parents about public speaking. (Note in bundle.)

I cover the role of audience members with students (worksheet in bundle). When I give students this expectation, it helps because they know they have a role in class even when they are not speaking.

We read an overview of giving a killer presentation . This takes an entire class period; we discuss how powerful speaking is.

I define the differences between interpersonal and intrapersonal communication. We write about how our intrapersonal communication influences our interpersonal communication.

Week Two: Baby Steps.

Audience Analysis. Who is your target audience? For every speech, students must recognize their audience. We complete the Audience Analysis activity which normally takes two class periods.

Write a radio commercial . Students must realize that their audience cannot read the message; they can only hear and see. I practice “hear” first with a thirty-second speech. Students write and deliver a radio commercial.

This helps because students understand that public speaking holds power—in fact, that is probably why they are nervous about speaking to an audience! I want to harness that excitement and power but not scare students. With the radio commercial, students can “ease into” public speaking. It is quick, short presentation, but it allows me to outline my expectations for speeches.

The radio commercial also allows students to focus on verbal communication without focusing on hand gestures, positioning, etc.

Weeks Three – Four: Narratives: writing and presentations.

Teaching public speaking is a personal endeavor because students will share personal information. Narrative speeches are a great way to build relationships with students.

Discussion Starter: “Where do I stand during my speech?”

I choose a narrative topic for students. I have done numerous, so I have plenty of samples and instructions .

Goal setting sheets help student, and I devote time explaining the process and reasons for planning goals in life. I want them to set goals so that the information is important to them, so they are invested in the process. Setting goals also allows me to differentiate without students asking about their classmates’ plans. After the narrative speech, students create their first goal sheet.

Students deliver a speech without researching and citing sources. The narrative is about them, so they can write and deliver it rather quickly. This gets students in front of an audience without immense pressures.

Week Five:   Informative : research and writing.

For the first researched speech, I have students complete a biography. I do this because they are so easy to organize—students use a timeline of a person’s life. When I question how to teach public speaking, I believe starting students with confidence pays off later.

Additionally, with researching and citing sources, students can become overwhelmed. When they start with a biography, they do not yet have to worry about organizing information. We use the brainstorming sheet as we research these speeches.

Discussion Starters:

• “How do I research my speech?”
• “Citing sources”
• “Outlining your speech”

We research and write the speech outlines. During this week, w e practice extensively. Students have completed several smaller speeches at this point, but this speech is different since students research the topics and cite sources. My sample speech is about Kate Chopin. Showing students this speech allows for me to demonstrate organization while not stealing a potential topic. Most students won’t write about Chopin!

Weeks Six – Seven: Practice, prep, and planning . Presentations.

This week, students will make a visual aid, decide on their goals, and practice their biographical speeches. I often have students work with peers and provide feedback. I rotate around the room these days. Students often put too much information on their visual aids, and this is a correction I work with them.

To differentiate, students choose their own goals. A goal can be to speak loudly, to minimize “um,” or to move hands purposefully. When I grade, I keep each student’s goal sheet by me and watch if they have improved on what their focus was.

Students often want to write their speech and deliver it the next day. To prevent this, I make the outline due a week before we start speeches. Students get points for having their outline done, which they appreciate. This forces them to practice.

I cannot stress enough that students will need lots of prompting and encouragement to practice. Students sometimes tell me that they perform better if they don’t practice. This is not true! Rarely have I given a class too much time to practice and had them bored. Students can always perfect their speeches.

We have many discussions and classroom conversations. Our worksheets start reflection and provide talking points.

• “When Does My Speech Begin?”
• “Using a Visual Aid”

Presentations take about a week (of course, this depends on the size of your class). I encourage proper audience behavior. Students should be engaged and check statements from presenters. Part of a speech class is learning to be a good audience member.

I record students as they speak. As we finish presentations, students watch their presentations and reflect. They write what they should improve, how to improve—taking their goals into account. We wrap up by having a class discussion about concerns and strengths. Students can become overwhelmed or unmotivated, so I always acknowledge the difficulty of giving speeches and how they are succeeding in certain areas.

Weeks Eight – Eleven: Argumentative research and writing.

At the start of this process, students are still watching and reflecting on their previous speeches. Students do this alone, so the rest of the class is often researching and outlining their new speeches.

We repeat the informative layout, but we cover more information as a persuasive/argumentative speech. To me, this is the type of speech students will most often deliver in life. It’s important for them to take it seriously and do well. I don’t have this as the final large speech because when I did that, winter break or the end of the school year (whenever the semester ended) took away from serious speech practice.

I add another week into this speech because I typically increase the time requirement. Students need more practice as this speech is a new format and typically longer.

Decide ahead of time what format you want students to use. I typically use Monroe’s Motivated Sequence for persuasive speeches.

Two days are spent completing the Ethos/ Pathos/ Logos Activity .

Discussion Starter: “Diving deeper with your topic”

Students are familiar with the creation process, so the speech creation and practice process normally is better.

Week Twelve: Impromptu , narrative.

Students have worked hard so far, and I give them a slight break from preparation while teaching them valuable skills: thinking, organizing, and speaking quickly. Plus, students often have habits that need broken: fillers (um, yeah, so) or unnecessary hand gestures. These short and relaxed impromptu topics require students to speak, but at the same time, they can focus less on the content and more on what they should improve.

We also study a famous speech by Susan B. Anthony . These activities are important, but they also give students a rest.

Weeks Thirteen – Fifteen:  Informative , non-biography.

Returning to an informative speech is difficult for students, and I do this on purpose. Students must understand the different expectations of speeches. They will try to persuade during this speech, and that is something of which they must be aware. Part of teaching public speaking is challenging students in new ways.

Informative speech topics can include different types of technology, careers in a certain field, or roles of government branches. I have a sample informative speech included in my speech unit. The speech is on modernism, and I stress to students that they should not border on persuading their audience.

• “Adding emphasis in your speech”
• “Elevating your rhetoric”

We repeat the speech preparation format that the other speeches followed. I also show a presentation about figurative language and show students speeches with samples of the figurative language. Then, students brainstorm figurative language to put in their own speeches.

Weeks Sixteen – Seventeen: Impromptu/Argumentative, how-to .

(Again, you can download these public speaking lesson plans PDF in my library. The impromptu activity is included.)

We practice persuasive speeches again, only this time in impromptu format. Students need to present their point of view logically and persuasively. Many “speeches” will be in front of a college professor or boss when called on to present their case for or against something.

I have students create the topics which normally include ideas like, “sell me this pen” or “explain why your work schedule should change.”

Finally, if I have a large class, students might complete the impromptu speeches the entire week. If I need another speech topic, we complete the other how-to speech we did not do earlier. (I have two how-to speeches included, one for food and one for non-food.)

Week Eighteen: When I taught seniors, this was the most exciting time for my speech class. Students wrote a graduation speech, and administrators judged who would give the speech at graduation. (Students not in my class could participate too.) It was an authentic audience, it was meaningful, it had everything for the end of a public speaking course.

I do not give students a list of rules for their graduation speeches; I make students develop them. This is more meaningful because it shows me if they understand what it takes to create and deliver a great speech, if they understand that not all speeches are the same, and if they can take the initiative in delivering a speech. I use the rubric that is included in the bundle.

Sometimes, schools require that each class have a final exam. The public speaking bundle has a test, which I give if required. Other times, I use the graduation speech as the culminating activity. Then, we complete a final evaluation sheet so that we can close the class.

When I began teaching, I had fifty-year-old books that my students hated. (I didn’t love them.) I had my speaking experiences, and not much else. Teaching public speaking takes dedication and effort, but you can succeed. My hope is that this outline of a public speaking curriculum saves another teacher stress and pain.

I developed this order, these processes after mistakes, reflection, and more reflection. I hope this public speaking unit helps other teachers.

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Thanks for stopping by my blog! I’d love to connect with you after you download the public speaking lesson plans PDF. Join me on Facebook to meet other educators who discuss best practices for how to teach pubic speaking, how to develop high school speech lesson plans, and how to create a speech curriculum for high school.

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Public Speaking Helpline

Public Speaking Activities for High School

Public speaking activities for high school students can help develop their communication skills and boost confidence in expressing themselves in front of an audience. By engaging in activities such as debates, impromptu speeches, and presentations, students can learn to structure their thoughts, articulate their ideas clearly, and connect with their audience effectively.

These activities also provide opportunities for students to enhance their critical thinking, research, and teamwork skills. Public speaking activities can be incorporated into the curriculum or organized as extracurricular activities, allowing students to practice and improve their public speaking abilities in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Credit: www.marlborough.org

Table of Contents

Benefits Of Public Speaking Activities

Engaging in public speaking activities during high school offers numerous benefits, including improved communication skills, increased self-confidence, and enhanced leadership abilities. By participating in these activities, students develop valuable life skills that can help them succeed in various educational and professional settings.

Public speaking activities in high school play a crucial role in the overall development of students. Engaging in public speaking not only helps students express themselves but also equips them with essential skills that they can utilize in various aspects of their lives.

In this section, we will explore the numerous benefits of participating in public speaking activities in high school.

Improved Communication Skills:

• Enhances verbal expression: Engaging in public speaking activities allows students to practice expressing their thoughts and ideas clearly and coherently.
• Improves non-verbal communication: Students learn to effectively use gestures, facial expressions, and body language to enhance their message delivery.
• Boosts active listening skills: Through public speaking activities, students learn to attentively listen to others and respond appropriately.
• Develops persuasive communication: Students learn the art of persuasion, understanding how to present arguments and influence others’ opinions.

Increased Self-Confidence:

• Overcoming fear: Public speaking pushes individuals out of their comfort zones, helping them conquer their fear of speaking in front of a group.
• Building self-assurance: Regular practice in public speaking activities builds self-confidence as students become more comfortable expressing themselves.
• Strong presence: Mastering the art of public speaking enables individuals to exude confidence and command attention while addressing an audience.

Enhanced Critical Thinking:

• Organizing thoughts: Public speaking activities require students to organize their ideas logically, enhancing their critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Evaluating information: While preparing speeches, students engage in research, analyze information, and distinguish between reliable and biased sources.
• Developing coherent arguments: Presenting arguments in a structured manner requires students to think critically and present their ideas in a persuasive manner.

Development Of Leadership Abilities:

• Taking initiative: Engaging in public speaking activities provides students with opportunities to assume leadership roles and take charge.
• Effective communication: Public speaking encourages students to improve their communication skills, a crucial aspect of being an effective leader.
• Empowering others: Students develop the ability to inspire and motivate their peers through persuasive speeches and presentations.
• Public representation: Public speaking enables students to represent their ideas, opinions, and perspectives, fostering their development as leaders.

By participating in public speaking activities during high school, students gain invaluable skills that extend beyond the classroom. These activities not only improve communication skills, boost self-confidence, enhance critical thinking, and develop leadership abilities but also equip students with lifelong competencies that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

So, don’t miss the opportunity to engage in public speaking activities and reap these incredible benefits!

Icebreakers And Warm-Up Activities For Public Speaking

Discover engaging icebreakers and warm-up activities specifically designed for high school public speaking. These interactive exercises will help students build confidence, improve communication skills, and create a positive learning atmosphere. Start the journey towards effective public speaking today!

Public speaking activities for high school can be a great way to help students build confidence, develop their communication skills, and overcome any fears they may have about speaking in front of others. Icebreakers and warm-up activities are essential to create a comfortable and engaging environment for students to participate in public speaking.

Here are some fun icebreaker and warm-up activities that can be incorporated into public speaking sessions for high school students:

• Have students stand in a circle and introduce themselves by their first name, along with an adjective or noun that starts with the same letter as their name (e.g., Funny Fiona, Bold Brian).
• Each student must repeat the names and descriptions of the people who spoke before them, creating a chain of names that gets longer as more students join in.

Two Truths And A Lie

• Students take turns sharing two true statements and one false statement about themselves.
• The rest of the group must try to guess which statement is the lie by asking questions or using their intuition.

Would You Rather

• Create a list of thought-provoking and humorous “Would You Rather” scenarios related to public speaking or general topics.
• Each student takes turns selecting a scenario and explaining their choice to the group, encouraging open discussion and debate.

Story Starter

• Provide each student with a sentence or a short paragraph to use as a story starter.
• Students will take turns continuing the story, either by adding a sentence or passing it on to the next person, building a collaborative narrative.
• Ask each student to prepare and share an interesting or surprising fact about themselves.
• This activity helps students get to know each other better and provides opportunities for improvisation and impromptu speaking.

By incorporating these icebreakers and warm-up activities into public speaking sessions, high school students can feel more comfortable, engaged, and ready to tackle the challenges of public speaking. These activities also serve as a platform for students to express their thoughts, build relationships, and develop essential public speaking skills.

Debates And Persuasive Speaking Exercises

Discover engaging debates and persuasive speaking exercises specifically designed for high school students. These public speaking activities will help them enhance their communication skills and build confidence in expressing their opinions effectively.

Public speaking skills are essential for high school students to develop as they prepare for the future. Engaging in debates and persuasive speaking exercises can greatly enhance their ability to articulate their thoughts and convince others of their viewpoints. In this section, we will explore various activities that can help students improve their skills in debates and persuasive speaking.

Establishing Arguments:

• Clearly define the main argument: Before engaging in any debate or persuasive speech, it is crucial to establish a clear and concise main argument.
• Provide supporting evidence: Backing up arguments with relevant evidence helps strengthen the persuasive impact and credibility of the speaker.
• Use logical reasoning: Presenting logical reasoning allows students to make engaging and persuasive arguments that are grounded in sound logic.

Counterarguments And Rebuttals:

• Anticipate opposing viewpoints: Encouraging students to consider opposing viewpoints allows them to address potential counterarguments effectively.
• Develop rebuttal strategies: Teach students to identify potential weaknesses in opposing arguments and develop strong rebuttals to counter them.
• Encourage critical thinking: Foster critical thinking skills by challenging students to think on their feet and respond to counterarguments in real-time.

Structuring Persuasive Speeches:

• Teach students to start with a captivating opening that grabs the audience’s attention and clearly states the main argument.
• Main body: Help students organize their main points in a logical and coherent manner, using clear subheadings or transitions to guide the flow of ideas.
• Encourage students to summarize their main points and leave a lasting impression on the audience by reinforcing the main argument.

Practice Debates On Relevant Topics:

• Choose topics of interest: Selecting relevant and engaging topics that resonate with the students encourages active participation and lively debates.
• Research prior to the debate: Encourage students to conduct thorough research on the chosen topic to gather supporting evidence and strengthen their arguments.
• Facilitate structured debates: Create a structured debate format where students take turns presenting arguments and engaging in respectful discourse.

By engaging in debates and persuasive speaking exercises, high school students can develop essential communication, critical thinking, and persuasion skills that will benefit them in various aspects of their lives. These activities not only help them become effective public speakers but also enable them to analyze different perspectives and present their ideas confidently.

Improving Impromptu Speaking Skills

Improve your impromptu speaking skills with engaging public speaking activities designed for high school students. Enhance your ability to think on your feet and communicate effectively in various situations.

Public Speaking Activities For High School:

Are you a high school student looking to enhance your impromptu speaking skills? Whether you’re preparing for debates, presentations, or simply want to become a more confident speaker, practicing impromptu speaking can greatly benefit you. In this section, we will explore some exciting activities and games that can help you think on your feet and improve your impromptu speaking skills.

Let’s dive in!

Quick Thinking Exercises:

• Word association: Choose a random word and quickly associate it with another word that comes to mind. Practice speaking about the association for 30 seconds to a minute to improve your ability to speak on a topic without prior preparation.
• Picture interpretation: Look at a random image or photograph and deliver a short impromptu speech about what you see. This exercise helps sharpen your observational skills and encourages you to think and speak spontaneously.

Spontaneous Speech Topics:

• Current events: Stay informed about the latest news and practice speaking about current events without prior preparation. Discuss topics such as politics, sports, science, or entertainment for a set amount of time.
• Debate topics: Select a debatable topic, formulate arguments in support of or against it, and deliver an impromptu speech defending your position. This activity enhances your critical thinking skills and ability to formulate persuasive arguments on the spot.

Impromptu Speaking Games:

• Just a minute: Give each participant a random topic to speak about for one minute without any prior preparation. Evoke creativity and quick thinking while maintaining coherence and clarity within the given time frame.
• Story continuation: Start a story with a few sentences, then pass it on to the next person who continues the narrative. Each participant must think quickly and adapt to the developing story, ensuring smooth transitions and logical storytelling.

Remember, the key to improving your impromptu speaking skills is consistent practice and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. By engaging in these quick thinking exercises and impromptu speaking games, you’ll develop your ability to speak confidently and coherently on any topic that comes your way.

So go ahead, step up, and conquer impromptu speaking like a pro!

Group Activities For Collaborative Public Speaking

Discover engaging group activities that foster collaborative public speaking skills in high school students. With interactive exercises and dynamic discussions, students can improve their presentation skills while engaging with peers in a supportive and creative environment. Gain confidence and master the art of public speaking through these innovative group activities.

Public speaking is a valuable skill that high school students need to develop. It can boost their confidence, enhance their communication abilities, and prepare them for future professional opportunities. Group activities that focus on collaborative public speaking can be particularly beneficial, as they provide students with opportunities to work together, share ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences.

In this blog post, we will explore three effective group activities for collaborative public speaking: panel discussions, role-playing scenarios, and team presentations. Let’s dive in and discover the exciting possibilities of these activities!

Panel Discussions:

• Panel discussions are a dynamic way for students to engage in collaborative public speaking. They allow a group of students to share their opinions, knowledge, and experiences on a specific topic, while also encouraging active listening and critical thinking.
• Dividing students into panels and assigning them specific roles or topics ensures that each student actively contributes to the discussion.
• Each panelist should have an opportunity to express their viewpoint, followed by open discussions and thoughtful questions from both the panelists and the audience.
• Panel discussions not only develop public speaking skills but also foster teamwork, empathy, and respect for diverse opinions.

Role-Playing Scenarios:

• Role-playing scenarios can be a fun and interactive way for high school students to improve their public speaking skills. Through role-playing, students can step into the shoes of different characters and practice presenting their ideas, arguments, or solutions.
• Assigning specific roles and scenarios prompts students to think on their feet and develop their communication skills.
• Encouraging active listening and open-mindedness among participants can lead to engaging and thought-provoking discussions.
• Role-playing scenarios not only enhance public speaking abilities but also cultivate empathy, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Team Presentations:

• Team presentations provide an excellent opportunity for students to collaborate, plan, and deliver meaningful speeches together. Working in a team helps distribute the workload and allows students to combine their strengths and expertise.
• Assigning specific roles within the team, such as a speaker, researcher, visual designer, or timekeeper, fosters a sense of responsibility and dedication.
• Students should work collaboratively to create a clear and engaging presentation, ensuring that each team member has a chance to contribute to the overall message.
• Team presentations not only improve public speaking skills but also nurture teamwork, organization, and effective communication within a group.

By incorporating these group activities into high school public speaking programs, educators can create an engaging and impactful learning environment. Each activity offers unique benefits and opportunities for students to develop their public speaking abilities, collaborate effectively, and grow as confident communicators.

So, why not encourage your students to explore these activities and unleash their potential? The world is waiting to hear their voices!

Creative Activities To Enhance Public Speaking

Enhance your high school students’ public speaking skills with engaging and innovative activities that stimulate creativity and boost confidence. From impromptu speaking challenges to storytelling competitions, these activities encourage students to express their ideas effectively and captivate an audience.

Public speaking is a valuable skill that can greatly benefit high school students both academically and professionally. Engaging in creative activities can make the learning process more enjoyable and help students develop confidence in their public speaking abilities. Here are three creative activities that can enhance public speaking skills:

Storytelling Exercises:

• Encourage students to immerse themselves in the world of storytelling to enhance their public speaking skills.
• Have them practice storytelling by narrating their favorite childhood story or creating their own imaginative tale.
• Students can incorporate gestures, facial expressions, and vocal variations to bring their stories to life.
• Utilize storytelling techniques such as vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and engaging plotlines to captivate the audience.

Poetry Recitation:

• Poetry can be a powerful tool for developing public speaking skills and cultivating a love for literature.
• Provide students with a selection of poems and encourage them to choose one that resonates with them.
• Through recitation, students can focus on voice modulation, rhythm, and intonation to create an engaging performance.
• Encourage them to explore the emotions and themes within the poem, using gestures and facial expressions to convey meaning effectively.

Improvisation Games:

• Improvisation is an exciting and effective way to enhance public speaking skills while fostering creativity and teamwork.
• Organize improvisation games that require students to think on their feet, such as “Yes, And…” or “Build a Story.”
• These games encourage students to develop quick thinking, effective communication, and confident delivery.
• By participating in improvisational activities, students can learn to adapt to unexpected situations and improve their ability to engage an audience.

Engaging in these creative activities will provide high school students with an opportunity to explore different aspects of public speaking while building their confidence. Through storytelling exercises, poetry recitation, and improvisation games, students can develop essential skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

Mastery of public speaking will not only enhance their academic performance but also prepare them for success in various professional settings. So why wait? Embrace these creative activities and see your public speaking skills soar!

Mock Interviews And Presentation Practice

Enhance public speaking skills in high school with engaging mock interviews and presentation practice sessions. Build confidence, improve communication, and develop effective presentation techniques in a supportive environment.

Public speaking is an essential skill for high school students to develop, as it builds confidence, enhances communication abilities, and prepares them for future academic and professional endeavors. One effective way to improve public speaking skills is through mock interviews and presentation practice.

These activities provide students with valuable opportunities to refine their speaking abilities in a supportive and structured environment.

Interview Simulations:

• Conducting mock interviews allows students to practice their communication and interviewing skills.
• Students can prepare for college admissions, scholarship interviews, or job interviews.
• Mock interviews help students become familiar with typical interview questions and how to respond effectively.
• Feedback from teachers or professionals can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement.
• Receiving constructive criticism helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to refine their interviewing techniques.

Presentation Feedback And Improvement:

• Students can practice delivering presentations in front of their peers and teachers.
• This activity helps students become more comfortable speaking in front of an audience.
• Feedback from classmates and teachers allows students to refine their presentation skills.
• Students can learn from observing and evaluating others’ presentations.
• Peer evaluations can provide a different perspective and offer helpful suggestions for improvement.

Mock interviews and presentation practice provide students with valuable opportunities to strengthen their public speaking skills in a simulated environment. These activities help students become more confident, improve their communication abilities, and prepare for future academic and professional pursuits. By participating in these exercises and receiving feedback, students can refine their interviewing and presentation techniques, setting themselves up for success in various aspects of life.

Overcoming Fear Of Public Speaking

High school public speaking activities can help students overcome their fear of speaking in front of others. These activities provide a supportive environment for students to practice and build confidence, preparing them for future speaking engagements.

Public speaking can be intimidating, especially for high school students who may have limited experience with it. However, with the right strategies, anyone can overcome their fear of public speaking. Here are some effective techniques to help you conquer your fear and become a confident speaker:

Visualization Techniques:

• Imagine yourself giving a successful speech: Visualize yourself standing in front of an audience, confidently delivering your speech with clarity and poise.
• Picture positive feedback: Envision your audience applauding, nodding in agreement, and engaging with your words. Visualizing positive reactions can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.

Gradual Exposure To Public Speaking:

• Start with smaller speaking opportunities: Begin by speaking in front of family or friends, where the audience is comfortable and supportive. This will help you gain confidence and become familiar with the experience.
• Participate in class discussions: Engaging in classroom dialogues can ease your fear of speaking in front of your peers. Take part in group discussions and build your confidence gradually.

Positive Affirmations:

• Practice positive self-talk: Repeat positive affirmations such as “I am a confident speaker” or “I have valuable insights to share.” Remind yourself of your abilities and focus on your strengths rather than dwelling on potential mistakes.
• Use visualization techniques in conjunction with affirmations: Combine positive affirmations with visualizing successful speech delivery. This powerful combination can help overcome self-doubt and build confidence.

Supportive Environments:

• Join a public speaking club: Engaging with like-minded individuals who are also working on their speaking skills can provide a supportive and encouraging environment. Consider joining a club like Toastmasters to practice and receive constructive feedback.
• Surround yourself with supportive friends: Seek out friends who will encourage and support your public speaking endeavors. Having a strong support system can help alleviate anxiety and provide reassurance.

Remember, overcoming fear of public speaking takes practice and patience. By implementing these techniques and gradually exposing yourself to speaking opportunities, you can develop confidence and become a proficient public speaker. Embrace the challenge, believe in your abilities, and watch yourself grow into a confident communicator.

Using Technology For Public Speaking Practice

Looking to improve your public speaking skills in high school? Utilize technology for practice sessions, leveraging tools such as video recording apps or online speech platforms. Develop confidence and fluency in your communication through these innovative techniques.

Public speaking skills are essential for high school students to develop. Not only do these skills help improve their communication abilities, but they also build confidence and self-assurance. In today’s digital age, technology can play a crucial role in honing public speaking skills.

Here are some exciting activities that utilize technology for public speaking practice:

Video Recording And Self-Assessment:

• Record your speeches: Use a smartphone or webcam to record yourself giving a speech. This allows you to analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Focus on body language and gestures: Pay attention to your posture, facial expressions, and hand movements. These nonverbal cues can significantly impact how your speech is perceived.
• Analyze speaking pace and tone: Listen to your recorded speech and assess whether you vary your speaking speed and tone appropriately. This helps you engage your audience and convey your message effectively.
• Evaluate content and message delivery: Assess the clarity of your speech, organization of ideas, and overall message. Look for ways to strengthen your arguments and enhance your speech’s impact.

Online Public Speaking Courses:

• Learn from experts: Enroll in online public speaking courses, where experienced instructors provide valuable guidance and tips on various aspects of effective communication.
• Access a variety of resources: Online courses offer a wealth of resources, such as video lessons, tutorials, and practice exercises. These resources provide comprehensive learning opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings.
• Receive personalized feedback: Many online courses provide opportunities for feedback, allowing you to submit recordings or written assignments for evaluation. This personalized feedback helps you understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
• Practice with interactive exercises: Engage in interactive activities, such as simulated debates or impromptu speaking exercises. These exercises foster quick thinking and adaptability, essential skills for public speaking.

Virtual Reality Simulations:

• Immerse yourself in realistic speaking scenarios: Virtual reality simulations offer an immersive experience, allowing you to practice public speaking in realistic settings, such as conference rooms, auditoriums, or even TED-like stages.
• Experiment with various audience types: Virtual reality simulations enable you to practice speaking to diverse audiences, including formal, informal, or even hostile groups. This helps broaden your adaptability and communication skills.
• Receive real-time feedback: Some virtual reality programs provide instant feedback on your speaking skills, including vocal variety, eye contact, and gestures. This immediate feedback allows for continuous improvement.
• Repeat and refine: Virtual reality simulations allow you to rehearse multiple times and refine your speeches. With practice, you can build confidence and polish your delivery.

These technology-driven activities provide high school students with valuable opportunities to practice and improve their public speaking skills. Whether through video recording, online courses, or virtual reality simulations, embracing technology can enhance their communication abilities and boost their confidence on stage.

So, why not leverage technology to unlock your full potential as a public speaker?

Assessing Public Speaking Skills

Discover effective public speaking activities for high school students that help assess and improve their speaking skills. Engage in interactive exercises and group discussions to build confidence and fluency in communicating ideas. Develop crucial presentation abilities for academic success and future endeavors.

Public speaking skills are essential for high school students as they prepare for their future endeavors. It is important to assess these skills to provide valuable feedback and help students grow. Here are some effective methods for assessing public speaking skills:

Rubrics For Evaluating Speeches:

• Clear organization: Speeches should have a logical structure with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Ideas should flow smoothly and transitions should be seamless.
• Content: Assess whether the speaker demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic and effectively communicates key points. Look for evidence of research and supporting evidence.
• Delivery: Evaluate the speaker’s voice projection, clarity, and overall presence. Are they engaging and confident in their delivery?
• Body language: Assess the speaker’s use of gestures, facial expressions, and body posture. Do they make effective eye contact with the audience?
• Time management: Determine if the speaker effectively manages their time and adheres to any time limits given.
• Audience engagement: Look for signs that the speaker is connecting with the audience through eye contact, varying vocal tone, and their ability to keep the audience’s attention.

Peer Evaluations:

• Pair students: Assign students to pairs to evaluate each other’s speeches. This can provide a fresh perspective and encourage constructive feedback.
• Guidelines for evaluations: Provide guidelines or a rubric for students to follow when evaluating their peers. Encourage them to provide specific examples and suggestions for improvement.
• Anonymous feedback: Consider making evaluations anonymous to create a safe environment where students can provide honest feedback without fear of judgment.

Growth Mindset Approach:

• Focus on improvement: Emphasize the importance of growth mindset, where students view public speaking as a skill that can be developed with effort and practice.
• Constructive feedback: Encourage students to see feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. Teach them how to give and receive feedback in a constructive and supportive manner.
• Goal setting: Help students set realistic goals for improving their public speaking skills. Breaking down the skill into smaller, achievable goals can boost motivation and show progress over time.

By using these methods, educators can effectively assess and provide feedback on high school students’ public speaking skills. This approach promotes growth mindset and encourages students to improve their abilities in this vital area.

Frequently Asked Questions For Public Speaking Activities For High School

What are some benefits of public speaking activities for high school students.

Public speaking activities help high school students build confidence, improve communication skills, and enhance critical thinking abilities. These activities also promote self-expression, develop leadership skills, and prepare students for future academic and professional endeavors.

How Can Public Speaking Activities Be Incorporated Into High School Curriculum?

Public speaking activities can be integrated into the high school curriculum by including debates, presentations, and speeches as part of various subjects. Teachers can also organize public speaking competitions or create a public speaking club to encourage students to develop their speaking skills.

Are There Any Resources Available For Organizing Public Speaking Activities In High School?

Yes, there are many resources available such as online platforms, books, and workshops that provide guidance and materials for organizing public speaking activities in high school. These resources offer tips, speech topics, and techniques to help teachers and students effectively plan and execute engaging public speaking activities.

Public speaking is a crucial skill for high school students to develop, as it prepares them for future success in their personal and professional lives. By actively participating in various public speaking activities, students can enhance their communication skills, boost their confidence, and improve their overall self-esteem.

Engaging in activities such as debate competitions, presenting in front of classmates, or joining a public speaking club allows students to practice articulating their ideas clearly and persuasively. Furthermore, these activities provide an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills, research abilities, and the ability to structure and deliver a compelling argument.

Overall, the benefits of participating in public speaking activities in high school are undeniable. They not only equip students with the skills necessary to excel academically and professionally but also empower them to overcome their fear of public speaking and become effective communicators.

So, encourage high school students to embrace these activities and witness the tremendous growth and development they can achieve.

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Classroom Activities for Teaching Speech to High School Students

Danny waldo.

Fear of public speaking is a phobia that has afflicted many students. The anxiety and nervousness you feel when required to stand in front of a large group of peers and speak can be summarized as terrifying at best. Because of the uncomfortableness associated with giving speeches, it is important that teachers incorporate activities that allow students to feel relaxed and at ease when faced with speaking in front of their peers.

Explore this article

• Play Performances
• Famous Speeches
• Mock Trials
• How To Presentations

1 Play Performances

Getting your high school students involved in performing arts activities is one way to get them comfortable speaking in front of their peers. Practice reading the lines to a short play together as a class so they get used to hearing how the words are supposed to be read, then give a performance. Have your students first perform in front of just their classmates, but then expand the performance to include other audience members as well. The students will be practicing verbal expression, reading non-verbal cues and audience interaction -- all key to public speaking -- during the course of their performance. You can then encourage your students to join a drama club at your school if they have that option.

2 Famous Speeches

Have your high school students study famous speeches from history, such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream..." speech, then mimic those speeches for their peers. By studying the text of the speech, as well as the oral presentation of the speech - if there is recorded audio -- your students will learn about the importance of word choice and voice inflection. Having your students memorize the text of the speech will take the pressure off having to create their own original dialogue as they practice their speaking skills.

3 Mock Trials

Performing mock trials, similar to play performances, is another way to increase your high school students' comfort level with speaking in front of their peers. In mock trials, teams of students work together to create a plan for prosecuting or defending a famous trial, such as the O.J. Simpson trial. Although mock trials can include dialogue for court transcripts, your students can also be encouraged to go "off script," and ad-lib to make it more personalized. The advantage of mock trials is that students work together, so students do not feel as much pressure as they do on an individual assignment. Mock trials also allow students practice in persuasive speaking practices, as they attempt to persuade their peers of the guilt or innocence in the case.

4 How To Presentations

Have your students give a "How to...," speech on a topic they are intimately familiar with, such as stringing a guitar or throwing a football. "How to...," speeches are a great way to begin a speech class because they allow your students to speak naturally about a topic on which they are comfortable. Not only will the speech give your students an opportunity to ease into public speaking, but it will also give you, the teacher, an idea of the strengths and weaknesses of each of your students.

About the Author

Danny Waldo started writing professionally in 2011, covering topics in education and sports. His writing has appeared on various websites, including BleacherReport.com. Waldo holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Montana State University-Bozeman and a Master of Science in education from Walden University.

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Public Speaking Games

7 fun-filled speech activities for kids of all ages.

By:  Susan Dugdale   | Last modified: 03-29-2022

If you're looking for fun-filled  speech activities  check these out.

There are  7 tried and tested  public speaking games  on this page - ones that have been a great 'yee-haa-hooray' splendiferous success for me.  You'll find they'll adapt easily to suit children of all ages;  from around middle school to adulthood and don't require a great deal of set-up preparation.

• Connect the dots
• Tell us the history of
• Story starters
• The big fat lie
• In the news today

More public speaking games

• Guidelines for the games

Use them in your class room, with the members of your speech club, as an extension activity for a life skills or communications program, or for home schooling with your family.

They'll help by-pass anxiety, develop and nurture competent, confident public speaking skills, and do it with a large, welcome dollop of fun!

*  If you're not sure about how to introduce games to your class or group, scroll down to the foot of the page. You'll find handy 'how to begin' guidelines there.

1. Connect the Dots

How to play

Prepare a collection of word cards each with a familiar noun on it. You'll need at least 100. They could be names of famous people, common objects, colors, animals ... For example : bird, wheelbarrow, hammer, cow, witch, moon, grass, hat, elephant, computer, book, vase, elbow, photo, green, candlestick, shoe, painting, mug, plane, eclipse, Queen Elizabeth,  operation, halo, knife, eye, storm, girl, pillow, lid, thermometer, jungle, barn, wheel, thistle, steam, mud, bike, pink, Madonna  ...

Put the word cards into box or non-see through bag.

A player picks two cards and then must immediately begin telling a story connecting both words together convincingly. The story needn't be long, (one to two minutes is enough), complicated, or true!

Once your class is comfortable with connecting two words, add to your word collection and increase the number of cards selected to three or even four.

What this game teaches

In a word - transitions!

Moving from one idea to another smoothly, in a way that can be readily understood and followed by your audience, is a must-have public speaking skill.

Connect the Dots gives people the opportunity to practice.   It doesn't matter how disparate the "dots" or ideas  appear to be, a way can be found to link them, and with practice the ability to make those connections will become stronger and stronger.

An added benefit of the game is listening and learning from each other.

Connect the Dots - an example story

I've picked my two words. They are Queen Elizabeth and bike, and here's my speech!

"When you think of Queen Elizabeth, what do you see in your mind? Do you see an older woman wearing a diamond studded tiara staring grimly into the camera?

That diagonal sash across her chest proclaims dominion over the commonwealth realms. These include countries as diverse as Canada and Barbados - 32 of them in all. That's serious leadership - around 128 million people, including Prince Phillip, her husband, their four adult children, assorted wives and grandchildren.

Her daily duties would make most of us wince. She answers letters, talks to government officials, reads briefing papers, plans her diary, makes calls to charities, hospitals, factories, schools, museums or military units, performs civic duties like openings and investitures, and tours . That routine hasn't varied for the last 56 years. The Queen is an institution, revered and respected.

But she's also a person. And despite how difficult it may be to imagine, she'll have good days, bad days and days when, in the words of Cyndi Lauper, a girl just wants to have fun.

In my imagination, she wants to poke her tongue out at all the 'must and mustn't dos', toss the tiara sideways and shuck off the designer gowns.

She'd like to walk barefoot through wet grass and float on her back down a summer stream blowing bubbles. She'd like to gallop a horse around Hyde Park without a minder and in the afternoon ride a bike. Starting at the top of Primrose Hill she'll fly down, pedals whirring, yelling 'Look Ma no hands.' It will be glorious. It will be wonderful, and she will be free.

Perhaps it was a glimpse into unfettered being that convinced her to take up sky-diving with James Bond for opening of the 2012 Olympics. 86 years old and starring in a royal performance. She showed us. It's never too late to 'get on yer bike' in whatever form it takes. God save the Queen!"

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2. Tell us the history of ...

Prepare a starter list of events or things. Write them on slips of paper.

For example: a postage stamp, birthday cake, books, a zebra's stripes, a chimney, the tooth fairy, common sayings like 'a penny for your thoughts', 'a red rag to a bull', 'a pinch and a punch for the first of the month', April Fools Day, a wheel, a Christmas tree, ice cream, a ladder, Father Christmas, May Day, a siren, shaking hands on meeting someone...

Put the topic cards/papers into a non-see through bag. 

When it's their turn a player pulls a topic from the bag. They then must give an account of the history (story) behind the thing or event they've drawn.  It needn't be factual!  Encourage imagination, outrageous lies, flights of fantasy...

The goal of this public speaking game is sustained credible fluency. Aim for 1 - 2 minutes per story.

3. End lines

You'll need a collection of endings written on slips of paper.

For example: 'Just do it', 'Diamonds are forever', 'He's fallen in the water', 'Some like it hot', 'His bark is worse than his bite', 'Love makes the world go round', 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away', 'First up, best dressed', 'King for a day', 'Funny money', 'Laughter is the best medicine'...

Put the end lines into a non-see through bag.

Each player takes a turn to take an ending from the bag. The task is to tell a 1-2 minute story ending with the line they have selected.

4. Story Starters

Write opening sentences or phrases on slips of paper. You'll need one for each member of your group and then some more. For example: 'It was a dark and stormy night', 'I wish people would not say...', 'Yesterday I saw a herd of cows ', 'My favorite activity is bird watching', 'The wisest saying I ever heard was...', 'In 20 years time I will be...', 'It made me yell', 'All I want for Christmas is...', 'Something is terribly wrong...', 'The little voice inside my head...', 'This is the secret I've never shared before', 'I never knew what happened...', 'Sometimes I just want to...', 'You know it's Summer when...', 'Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you', 'The story made me want to...','I heard the best news this morning', 'The sound of people laughing...'

Put the slips of paper into a non-see through bag.

Nominate a person to begin. He/she reaches into the bag and pulls out a story starter. The starter they've drawn must be used to open their story.   A story can be built and extended however the speaker wishes.

5. Oink Substitution

In this game a commonly used word is chosen and then substituted with the word ' oink '. For example: If the selected word is  I , the speaker says  oink  instead.

Oink  can be played several ways.

Playing Oink using well-known stories

Make copies of well-known children's stories. For instance - Red Riding Hood, The Gingerbread Man or Three Little Pigs. (You will find many of them here: american literature.com has hundreds available.)

Next choose a regularly occurring word in each piece to substitute.

Eg. The word 'she' would be suitable in The Gingerbread Man story . Here's the opening paragraph given the 'oink' treatment.

"One day, the cook went into the kitchen to make some gingerbread. OINK took some flour and water, and treacle and ginger, and mixed them all well together, and OINK put in some more water to make it thin, and then some more flour to make it thick, and a little salt and some spice, and then OINK rolled it out into a beautiful, smooth, dark-yellow dough."

Decide who is to start. Ask them to choose a story. They are to read aloud for approximately one minute making sure they use 'oink' in place of the selected word.

Repeat for each member of your group.  Try to have each new reader of the same story pick up from where the last reader of it left off rather than repeat the same passage. 

Encourage authoritative readings, full of passion and drama!   

Using Oink as an extension activity

Another way to play  Oink  is as an extension of already known games. Try it with  One Minute Speeches , Story Starters or End Lines.

Once your group is confident, add the ' oink ' factor for even more fun! You'll find substitution hones thinking-while-you're-speaking skills really well.

6. The BIG Fat Lie

This game encourages the use of the imagination, develops fluency and, it's fun. In playing it your group will learn about body language too. How do you know when somebody is lying? How can you tell?

Each speaker is to stand so that everyone can see them clearly and share 3 things about themselves on a theme you set.

Examples of theme: holidays, the future, my favorite after school activities, when I was young, my beliefs, the best books I've read, the best adventures I've had..., my family...

Two of the things they say about themselves in relation to the theme are to be true. The third is not .

When they've finished speaking, ask the class/group to identify the lie. And when they have, ask them how they knew. What alerted them to it being untrue?

PS. This makes a great icebreaker for groups getting together for the first time.

7. In the News Today

In the last activity making up of this collection of 7 public speaking games, your class/group are broadcasters, anchor people for a news show.

The news is whatever has happened during the day. It could be an event on the way to school like a traffic jam. It might be a new menu in the canteen or lunch room. It could be an announcement the principal made.

It doesn't matter how trivial the happening; encourage the big news treatment for anything at all, even a new set of pencils!

The aim of the exercise is give whatever subject they choose the standard news format. They'll need to cover who, what, where, why, when and how .

Once they've mastered that encourage experimentation; adding introduction hooks, on-the-spot interviews, switch backs and summaries.

If you liked these games ...

You'll love my ebook!

28 public speaking games (with many more variations and extensions), full instructions, PLUS printable topic, tongue twister, poem and image sheets.

A complete one-stop-select-print-go public speaking resource for busy people.

Find out more   >>

Before you begin the games with your class

Lead in guidelines.

Taking the time to set the games up will ensure they go well and go on to become an accepted and eagerly anticipated part of your classroom activities.

• If your class is new to playing public speaking games start with the simple activities first, for example, the Story Starters.
• Model or demonstrate each game before you ask them to play themselves.
• If it's too threatening to have the entire focus of the class on one person at a time - split into smaller groups of 4-6 players and have them work simultaneously. It will be rowdy but worth it!
• Establish your ground rules for positive participation. You can check out the ones I used in my teaching here: rules for public speaking games
• Include full class quickfire feedback sessions at the end of each game. I found these invaluable for drawing attention to and reinforcing what had been done well. Be sure to acknowledge any gain - not matter how small!
• Keep the timing snappy. Too much of any one particular activity will become tedious. Keep it flowing along.

For more freebie fun filled public speaking games to play with your class:

• 5 best-loved improv games
• 10 impromptu speaking practice activities
• Developing word power exercises
• And yet more public speaking activities , some of them with printables to download.

What's the difference between the freebie public speaking pages and your ebook?

The ebook has the best of all the games on my site (including the ones on the pages above) and then some more.

Plus, it has full instructions for using each of the games and printables. It is the type of one-stop-time-saving resource I wanted to find when I was full time teaching and didn't .

My freebie pages are good but if your commitment to leading/teaching a public speaking class is ongoing, the ebook is better, more complete.

Why not check it out?

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Engaging Strategies for Teaching Persuasion, Argument, and Debate

Year after year, I love teaching persuasion. I love persuading my students that persuasion is a life skill worth learning. (Because isn’t all teaching just persuading kids to listen and learn?!) Luckily, with the right mix of ethos, pathos, and logos, this is usually an easy sell to my audience of adolescents.

After all, teens love to argue…with their peers, their parents, and *gasp* their teachers. They have plenty of practice with real-life persuasion, whether it’s convincing their parents to stay out past their curfew or proposing just one extra day to work on that project. And they’re always dying to debate: which sports team is superior, why they deserve more freedom, and what’s wrong with school, society, and this world! If you’ve ever taught teenagers, you know that they have no shortage of opinions. So suffice it to say: your students are already arguers.

The challenge, of course, is helping students channel their opinions and energy into structured, academic argumentation. To do this, you’ll need high-engagement activities that match your students’ energy… not the ancient 5-paragraph persuasive essay over a subject on that random list of 100 debatable topics you found online. If we want to move students to a more sophisticated level of debate, we need to offer them student-centered, authentic, and relevant tasks to practice their persuasion.

Ready to ditch the 5-paragraph persuasive essay and engage your students in meaningful persuasion? Here are dozen different strategies for your ELA classroom.

MOCK TRIALS

Want to teach students how important it is to support your argument with evidence (and what happens when you don’t)? Ready to watch your class eagerly annotate a text and cite said evidence *without* complaints?

I wasn’t sure my students would ever see citing evidence as more than a chore until I dressed up as “Judge G,” borrowed a gavel, and facilitated my first mock trial!

A mock trial is the perfect way to practice persuasion and argumentation because it’s student-centered, inherently engaging, and 100% authentic. You’ll watch students become intrigued, take ownership, and get competitive real quick! Because students know they’ll be arguing in front of a jury of their peers, the standards become strategy. Citing textual evidence is no longer a chore, but a competition! The stakes are higher than a grade from the teacher because the real prize is bragging rights. 

To structure a mock trial in your ELA classroom, you’ll need a murder, crime, ethical dilemma, or essential question. In other words: literature! From there, you’ll want to divide students into teams of prosecution, defense, and jury. After that, students will get to work within their groups. In my classroom, this is what it looks like:

The prosecution and defense teams prepare evidence-based claims and rebuttals. Each student is responsible for a section, whether that’s the opening, a claim, a rebuttal, or the closing. Meanwhile, the jury works together to create a rubric and anticipate the arguments they may hear during the trial.

You can read more about mock trials HERE or find everything you need to facilitate a virtual or in-person trial HERE.

RHETORICAL BAR GRAPHS

Bar graphs in ELA? Oh yes you can! Getting a gold star from her math cohorts, Ashley Bible at Building Book Love has her students create rhetorical bar graphs to analyze persuasion.

This digital or tactile strategy is simple yet highly effective!  All you do is assign each appeal a color before taking students on a color-coded text hunt.  (In her rhetoric lesson plan , Ashley uses: Pink Pathos, Light Blue Logos, and Emerald Green Ethos). 

Once students have each appeal coded, they arrange the rhetorical devices into a bar graph and analyze which appeal the speaker relies most heavily on and how they could make their argument stronger. This visualization technique always generates important insights about the topic at hand!

From analyzing speeches in Julius Caesar , to recognizing propaganda in Animal Farm , to tackling social justice in Dolly Parton’s America , this strategy is a gift that keeps on giving! Tag her @BuildingBookLove if you give it a try! 

ANALYZING COMMERCIALS & ADVERTISEMENTS

To help students identify persuasive appeals and techniques in action, Shana Ramin from Hello, Teacher Lady suggests deconstructing commercials and advertisements.

When teaching in person, Shana enjoys facilitating this type of analysis with the tried-and-true “chalk talk” approach. After gathering a series of printed advertisements, Shana glues each one in the center of large chart paper and places them at various points around the room. Students rotate through each station with a small group, annotating each ad silently with an eye for purpose, audience, tone, etc. At the end of the activity, students return to their original stations and share out their final observations with the class. 

To mimic this activity in a hybrid or digital environment, Shana recommends using Jamboard, an easy-to-use, digital whiteboard app by Google. The setup process is pretty much the same, but replace the printed ads with image screenshots and the white chart paper with a digital Jamboard slide. Students can then use the sticky note and marker features on Jamboard to annotate the images in breakout rooms. 

Click here to learn more about the collaborative features of Google Jamboard .

ARGUMENT OLYMPICS

The Argument Olympics are Emily Aierstok’s favorite way to teach middle and high school students evidence based writing. Emily, from Read it. Write it. Learn it. , uses an Olympic theme to deconstruct arguments, write outlines, and compete in the “strongest evidence” game complete with gold medals! Kids LOVE it and quickly understand the qualities of strong evidence in their writing. 

To really create an Olympic games feel, Emily creates a very simple (and free!) classroom transformation. She strings red, yellow, and blue streamers around the room, plays the Olympic theme song from YouTube, and prints gold medals to hand out for gold-medal-level deconstructed essays, strongest outlines, and strongest evidence. 

Next, Emily introduces the “Olympic events.” For example, the first Olympic Event she introduces to students is The Strongest Evidence Competition. Students are given two sides of an argument topic and asked to find three pieces of evidence to support each argument. After finding their evidence, students are tasked with identifying the evidence that’s the strongest. Students become so motivated to find the strongest evidence, and they’re practicing essential analysis skills. The quality of evidence students find is amazing. 

You can read more about implementing the Argument Olympics in your classroom here . 

SILENT DISCUSSIONS

Jenna, @DrJennaCopper , loves using silent discussions for students to debate the impact of articles and artifacts. The rules are simple: students are only allowed to write. This type of stipulation helps students really think about their responses since they can’t talk.

Here’s how it works:

• Choose an artifact or article.
• Get a big piece of poster board or a big paper and paste the article or artifact in the center.
• Tell students to read the article and then, discuss with the stipulation that they are only allowed to write. No talking! It helps if students color-code their writing.
• As students “discuss,” walk around the room and comment (in writing, of course!) to generate more debate.
• When the discussion is over, place the posters on the walls and give students a chance to walk around and view.
• Facilitate a talking classroom discussion to discuss insights and observations.

That’s it! Not only will your students be highly engaged, but you’ll also enjoy the few short minutes of precious silence!

As a bonus, this activity works great for a remote lesson as well. Just paste your article or artifact in a Google Doc and share it so they all have editing access. They can complete their silent discussions right in the document. 

STUDYING FAMOUS SPEECHES

Lauralee from the Language Arts Classroom frequently uses famous speeches and commercials to teach persuasion. By bringing in authentic examples to the classroom, this strategy offers history and media lessons, too.

When students realize that they see strategies every day in social media, on their phones, and within stores, they engage and are excited to apply those concepts to their public speaking endeavors.

For instance, students can study the techniques in a Susan B. Anthony speech and then apply those techniques to their own speeches. Teachers can even pair her speech with a narrative speech assignment. Students can then employ sentence structure, tone, and logos into their speeches. Although ELA teachers often use persuasive techniques during public speaking lessons, many of the same activities work well with argumentative writing.

NAILED IT! & SHARK TANK

Staci Lamb from The Engaging Station loves switching up her creative lessons on ethos, logos, and pathos every year. She has had students watch Shark Tank and sell their own products, but last year, she was inspired to try something new by making a connection to the Netflix show Nailed It .

Right before winter break, she went to Walmart to buy graham crackers, icing, candies, and more. Dollar Tree also had a great selection of inexpensive candy. Students had to create a gingerbread masterpiece and then use ethos, logos, and pathos to justify why their house was the best. The kids had a lot of fun, and it was an engaging activity to end the calendar year.

You can see this idea and more with free resources on her blog post Creative Ways to Teach Persuasive Appeals .

REAL WORLD TOPICS + CHOICE

Today, students have access to more information than ever at their fingertips. Tanesha from Tanesha B. Forman leverages real world topics – that students want to debate in the classroom – with argu mentative writing lessons. Choice is the bedrock of Tanesha’s approach to lit eracy and she offers students a choice on a topic (e.g. should college athletes be paid?), and tells them the format (e.g. speech, letter). 

Next, students research their topic. Tanesha always warns students to think about their position, but be open to changing based on what the research from credible sources reveals. Students spend a day or two gathering information for their writing assignment. For students who need support with this, Tanesha has 3-4 sources readily available. Once students have their evidence, they enter the writing process that Tanesha creates mini-lessons aligned to their needs and they present their work. Throughout the year, Tanesha encourages students to share topics they want to “argue” and she repeats the cycle.

THE ELEVATOR PITCH

No matter what you’re reading or learning about, adding a persuasive pitch to “sell” an idea, is a great way to include elements of persuasion beyond a persuasive unit.

For example, if students are creating something to aid a character , rather than just explain it, challenge your students to create a short elevator pitch! It can even be used with literary analysis by asking a question such as: Which character is the most (insert character trait here)?  Staci from Donut Lovin’ Teacher finds that when students have to pitch their ideas, they really begin to reflect on their work and what makes it great, and also where it can grow. 

Staci likes starting with a graphic organizer to get students thinking and then begins layering in mini-lessons that consider the audience, point of view, tone, and rhetorical appeals, depending on how much time you have. Students can then begin crafting their pitch on a guided template and practice saying it aloud. If you’re able to incorporate this multiple times throughout the year, your students will really grow confidence in their speaking skills, too!

MUSICAL DEBATES

Middle and high school students can at times feel intimidated by debate and persuasion. That’s why Melissa from Reading and Writing Haven recommends a mini debate activity that engages all students and makes debate relaxed and approachable.

Musical debates amplify the energy, creativity, and social interaction in the physical classroom and online. By adding a simple twist of music, it lightens the mood and provides natural brain breaks so students have time to collect their thoughts. 

Here are Melissa’s simple steps for using this debate-style discussion strategy in your classroom:

• Give students a thought-provoking or humorous prompt.
• Play music as students think, research, jot notes, and (if possible) walk around the room. 
• Stop the music and have students get into groups of two or three.
• Students quickly choose roles. Two of the students need to take one of the sides (pro / con or for / against). The third person is a neutral judge who can build on what the speakers say, offer a different perspective, or make connections between ideas.
• After a set amount of time, follow up with a question that digs deeper into the topic or provides another angle. Play music, and allow students to brainstorm again, or take some notes.
• Students then pair up again with different peers. 
• After as many rounds as you would like to run, bring the whole class together and use a Jamboard, Mentimeter, or Padlet as a common visual location to share ideas as a whole group.

To make this strategy work online, you can use breakout rooms to group students together randomly. 

Of course, you can run the same type of mini debates without the music. And, that’s fun, too! But, for students, the music adds energy and connectedness. Plus, it reduces the anxiety for students who are more reluctant to engage in debates. 

Musical debates create a warm, relaxed environment conducive to critical thinking and dialogue. And, students have multiple short opportunities to hone their skills and hear a variety of perspectives. Melissa wrote about engaging variations, prompts for musical discussions, and how to prepare students on her blog. Click here to read the post .

PSA PASSION PROJECTS

One way that Christina, The Daring English Teacher , likes to incorporate persuasion, argument, and debate into the classroom is by assigning a PSA Passion Project to students.

After learning about rhetorical appeals and argument writing , Christina assigns her students a PSA Passion Project. Her students select an important social issue and create a public service announcement campaign to raise awareness for their chosen issue.

The public service campaign usually includes a variety of items. To place students in charge of their learning, they choose several products to produce from a list of items: a speech, a persuasive letter, a graphic essay , a poster, an infographic, an informational video, a narrative video, a social media campaign, and more. It is important to make sure that students choose at least two items, and that their combination includes a writing component and a media literacy component.

To make the class project more fun, no two students can choose the same topic. To share their projects with the class, Christina likes to use Padlet.

ANALYZING MUSIC

Amanda from Mud and Ink Teaching likes to head the Disney direction when it comes to learning the ins and outs of argumentation. 

So many great Disney songs offer an argumentative core, and their popularity and familiarity help build engagement with students.  Take “Under the Sea” for example:  Sebastian has quite the task in front of him.  Somehow, he must convince an uninterested Ariel to curb her curiosity about the human world and appreciate her home under ‘de water.  Reversely, Moana sings of the importance of heeding the call to the ocean in “How Far I’ll Go” as she debates within herself how far she is actually willing to go.  Each of these speakers has an important message to impart, and these are things that students are comfortable wrestling with.

Amanda’s favorite song to teach, however, is the well-loved classic “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast .  In this lesson that she outlines in her blog post and provides a free Google Slide lesson download , Amanda teaches students the importance of understanding the rhetorical situation (the rhetorical triangle) as well as the devices and techniques that the speaker uses to communicate his message.  Through practice and discussion with familiar texts and characters, students begin to embrace the fundamental ideas of argumentation.

I hope this post helps you make persuasion more engaging, authentic, and student-centered! What are your other favorite activities to teach persuasion? Let me know in the comments!

If you like any of these ideas, don’t forget to pin them! 🙂

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My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Narrative Speech [With Topics and Examples]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Narrative Speech Topics

• Your Events, Life Lessons, Personal Experiences, Rituals and Your Identity.

The main point is that you are talking about yourself.

Your  thoughts, feelings, ideas, views, opinions and events are the leading ladies in this special public speaking speech writing process.

In this article:

Your Life Lessons

Experiences, narrative speech writing tips, 10 fast showcases.

Here are example narrative speech topics you can share in a speech class or other public speaking assignment in high school, college education. Narrow the speech topics appropriately to the public speaking occasion rules with the specialized checklist I have composed with seven narrative speech writing  tips .

The checks and tips also serve as hooks for to narrate a paragraph in an college essay.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

The backbone of my advice is: try to keep the story devoted and dedicated. If you find it hard to develop speech topics for narration purposes and you are a little bit overwhelmed, then try ten ways I’ve developed to  find narrative speech topics .

Most students mark out an event in their speeches and essays. An event that stipulate a great step in life or an important moment that has impact on your prosperity or lifestyle from that particular period:

E.g. An accident or remarkable positive event that changed my life. The birth of my brother, sister or other relative and the impact on our household and family-life. My first day at high school or college. The decision I regret most at my school or in my professional job career. My day of graduation (If you have not yet graduated from an educational institution, describe your hardworking and your planning efforts to achieve the qualification). My first serious date with my boyfriend / girlfriend. A significant family event in the summer. A memorable vacation. A historical event that impressed me. The day I will move overseas. A milestone that seemed bad but turned out to be good. My heroic sports moment at the campus field.

Take personal growth and development as starting point. Widen the horizon of the audience to a greater extent with narrative speech topics on wisdom. Construct a life lesson yourself, based on a practical wisdom acquired by own experience, or one you have been be introduced to by someone else:

E.g. The influence of a special person on my behavior. How I have dealed with a difficult situation. What lessons I have learned through studying the genealogy of my family. A prejudice that involved me. An Eureka moment: you suddenly understood how something works in life you had been struggling with earlier. How you helped someonelse and what you learned from her or him, and from the situation.

For this kind of public speaking training begin with mentioning intuitively the emotions you feel (in senses and mind) and the greater perception of the circumstances that lead to apprehension of a precarious situation:

E.g. My most frustrating moment. How you handled in an emergency situation. How I break up with my love. A narrow escape. A moment when you did something that took a lot of courage. A time when you choose to go your own way and did not follow the crowd. How I stood up for my beliefs. The day you rebelled with a decision concerning you. How you cope with your nerves recently – think about fear of public speaking and how you mastered and controlled it in the end. What happened when you had a disagreement with your teacher or instructor in class, this triggering narrative speech idea is great for speech class, because everyone will recognize the situation.

This theoretic method is close related to the previous tips. However, there is one small but significant difference.

Let’s define rituals as a system of prescribed procedures or actions of a group to which you belong. In that case you have the perfect starters to speak out  feelings .

Complement the ritual with your own feelings and random thoughts that bubble up when you are practicing the ritual:

E.g. How you usually prepare for a test at high school or for a personality interview or questionnaire. Your ritual before a sports game. Your ritual before going out with friends – make up codes, choosing your dress or outfit, total party looks. The routines you always follow under certain circumstances on your way to home. Church or other religious rituals you think are important to celebrate. Special meditative techniques you have learned from old masters in East Asia.

These examples are meant to accent the cultural and personal charateristics based on values, beliefs and principles.

What do you think is making life worth living? What shaped your personality? What are the psychological factors and environmental influences?

And state why and how you ground your decisions:

E.g. My act of heroism. The decisions my parents made for me when I was young – school choice, admission and finance. How curiosity brings me where I am now. I daydream of … A place that stands for my romantic moments – a table for two in a restaurant with a great view. My pet resembles my personal habits. A vivid childhood memory in which you can see how I would develop myself in the next ten to fifteen years. Samples of self-reliance in difficult conditions, empathy towards others in society, and your learning attitude and the learning curve.

Make a point by building to a climax at the end of your speech topic, whatever the narrative speech topics may be you want to apply in some sort of public speaking training environment. Build your way to the most intense point in the development or resolution of the subject you have chosen – culminate all facts as narrator to that end point in your verbal account.

Narrative speech tips for organizing and delivering a written description of past events, a story, lesson, moral, personal characteristic or experience you want to share.

• Select carefully the things you want to convey with your audience. Perhaps your public speaking assignment have a time limit. Check that out, and stick to it.This will force you to pick out one single significant story about yourself.And that is easier than you think when you take a closer look at my easy ways to find narrative topics.
• What do you want your audience to remember after the lapse?
• What is the special purpose, the breaking point, the ultimate goal, the smart lesson or the mysterious plot?
• Develop all the action and rising drama you need to visualize the plot of the story: the main events, leading character roles, the most relevant details, and write it in a sequence of steps. Translate those steps into dialogues.
• Organize all the text to speech in a strictly time ordered format. Make a story sequence. Relate a progression of events in a chronologically way.The audience will recognize this simple what I call a What Happened Speech Writing Outline, and can fully understand your goal. Another benefit: you will remember your key ideas better.It can help if you make a simple storyboard – arrange a series of pictures of the action scenes.
• Build in transition sentences, words or phrases, like the words then, after that, next, at this moment, etc. It helps to make a natural flow in your text.
• Rehearse your narrative speech in front of a friend and ask opinions. Practice and practice again. And return to my narrative speech topics gallore if you get lost in your efforts.Avoid to memorize your text to speech. When you are able to tell it in a reasonably extemp manner – everyone can follow you easily – it is okay.
• Finally, try to make eye contact with your listeners when you deliver this educational speech and apply my public speaking tips one by one of course.
• A good place to start finding a suitable narrative speech topic is brainstorming about a memorable moments in your life, a situation you had to cope with in your environment, a difficult setting or funny scene you had to talk your way out.

Try to catch it in one phrase: At X-mas I … and followed by a catchy anf active verb.

E.g. At X-mas I think … I want … I’m going … I was … I stated … I saw … .

After the task verb you can fill in every personal experience you want to share with your public speaking audience in a narration. These 40 speech topics for a storytelling structure can trigger your imagination further.

My most important advice is: stay close to yourself, open all your senses: sight, hearing, taste, and even smell and touch. Good for descibing the memorable moment, the intensity of it.

• A second way to dig up a narrative speech topic is thinking about a leading prophetic or predictive incident in the previous 10 years or in your chidhood. Something that illustrates very well why and how you became who you are right now.

E.g. Your character, moral beliefs, unorthodox manner of behaving or acting or you fight for freedom by not conforming to rules, special skills and qualities.

• The third way I like to communicate here with you is storytelling. Let yourself be triggered for a narrative speech story by incidents or a series of events behind a personal photograph or a video for example.

E.g. Creative writing on a photo of your grand-grandparents, of a pet, a horse, an exciting graduation party, a great architectural design.

• You also can find anecdotal or fictional storylines by highlighting a few of your typical behavior or human characteristics.

E.g. Are you a person that absorbs and acquires information and knowledge, likes to entertain other people or nothing at all? Or are you intellectually very capable in solving comprehensive mathematical calculations? Or are you just enjoying life as it is, and somewhat a live fast die young type?

Or a born organizer – than write speech topics about the last high school or college meeting you controlled and administered.

• The fifth method I would like to discuss is the like or not and why technique. Mark something you absolutely dislike or hate and announce in firm spoken language (still be polite) why. A narrative speech topic based on this procedure are giving insight in the way you look at things and what your references are in life.

It’s a bit like you make a comparison, but the difference is that you strongly defend your personal taste as narrator. It has a solid persuasive taste:

E.g. Speeches about drilling for oil in environmental not secure regions, for or against a Hollywood or Bollywood movie celebrity, our bankingsystem that runs out of trust of you the simple bank account consumer. Or your favorite television sitcom series.

• An exciting, interesting, inspiring or funny experience or event that changed your life is the next public speaking tip I like to reveal now.

E.g.? Staying weekends at your uncle’s farm shaped you as the hardworking person you are nowadays. A narrative speech topic in this category could also be about music lessons, practical jokes. Or troublesome events like divorce, or great adventures like trips at the ocean. Or even finding faith or a wedding happiness.

And what do you think of extreme sports tournaments?

• An important lesson you learned from someone you admire. This is a very classical narrative speech topic.

It tends to be a little bit philosophical, but if you tell you story people will recognize what you mean and compare that with their own stories and wisdom lessons.

Tell the story of a survivor of a traffic accident, and how you admire her or his recovery. Winners of awards, great songwriters, novelists, sportsheroes.

This list is almost exhaustive. Share the wisdom of their fails and achievements.

• The moment in your life you see the light, or that was very insightful. It seems a bit like my number six advice, but focus more on the greatness and happiness of that very moment. A moment’s insight is sometimes worth a life’s experience, American Judge Oliver Wendell Holmes have said.

Magnificent and breath-taking nature phenomenons, precious moments after a day of struggle, final decisions that replenish, lift your spirit.

• A fable or myth that has a moral lesson you try to live to.

Aesop Fables are a great source for a narrative speech topic idea structure. Think about The Dog and His Reflection, The Fox and The Grapes, and Belling the Cat. Talking about fairy tales as an inspiring source: what do you think of a personal story about the moral of The Emperor’s New Clothes?

• The relation between a brief series of important milestones in your life that mold your character is also possible – if catchy narrated storytelling of course :-).

First day of school, first kiss, Prom Night, your high school graduation, wedding, first job interview.

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Home » Blog » General » A Comprehensive Guide to High School Speech Curriculum

A Comprehensive Guide to High School Speech Curriculum

Welcome to my blog post on high school speech curriculum! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of speech curriculum in high school and provide an overview of key components, benefits, implementation strategies, and available resources. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or student, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you understand and prioritize speech education in high school.

Understanding High School Speech Curriculum

Before we delve into the benefits and implementation of high school speech curriculum, let’s first understand what it entails. High school speech curriculum refers to a structured set of activities, lessons, and assessments designed to develop and enhance students’ speech and language skills. It encompasses various components that address different aspects of communication. Let’s take a closer look at these key components:

1. Speech and Language Development

Speech and language development is a fundamental aspect of high school speech curriculum. It focuses on improving students’ ability to express themselves clearly and understand others effectively. This component includes activities that target vocabulary development, sentence structure, grammar, and comprehension skills.

2. Articulation and Phonology

Articulation and phonology are crucial components of high school speech curriculum, as they address difficulties in producing speech sounds accurately. Students with articulation and phonological disorders may struggle with pronouncing certain sounds or may exhibit patterns of sound errors. The curriculum includes activities and exercises to help students improve their speech sound production.

3. Fluency and Stuttering

Fluency and stuttering are areas of focus in high school speech curriculum for students who struggle with interruptions in their speech flow. This component aims to help students develop strategies to manage and reduce stuttering, improve speech fluency, and enhance overall communication skills.

4. Voice and Resonance

Voice and resonance refer to the quality, pitch, and volume of one’s voice. High school speech curriculum addresses voice disorders and helps students develop healthy vocal habits. It includes activities that promote proper breath support, vocal hygiene, and vocal projection.

5. Pragmatic Language Skills

Pragmatic language skills are essential for effective social communication. High school speech curriculum focuses on developing students’ ability to use language appropriately in different social contexts. It includes activities that target skills such as turn-taking, maintaining eye contact, understanding nonverbal cues, and engaging in conversations.

Benefits of High School Speech Curriculum

Now that we have a better understanding of high school speech curriculum, let’s explore the benefits it offers to students:

1. Academic Benefits

High school speech curriculum provides several academic benefits that can positively impact students’ overall educational experience:

• Improved communication skills: By developing strong communication skills, students can effectively express their thoughts and ideas, both orally and in writing.
• Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities: Speech curriculum encourages students to think critically, analyze information, and present logical arguments.
• Increased confidence and self-esteem: As students improve their communication skills, they gain confidence in their abilities, which can positively impact their academic performance.

2. Social and Emotional Benefits

High school speech curriculum also offers significant social and emotional benefits:

• Effective communication in personal relationships: Strong communication skills foster healthy relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners.
• Improved social interactions and peer relationships: By developing pragmatic language skills, students can navigate social situations more effectively and build positive relationships with their peers.
• Reduced anxiety and stress related to public speaking: Speech curriculum helps students develop confidence in public speaking, reducing anxiety and stress associated with presentations and public speaking engagements.

Implementing a Comprehensive High School Speech Curriculum

Implementing a comprehensive high school speech curriculum requires collaboration, assessment, and evidence-based practices. Here are some key steps to consider:

A. Collaboration with School Staff and Administrators

Collaboration with school staff and administrators is crucial for successful implementation. Engage in discussions with relevant stakeholders to gain support and ensure alignment with the school’s goals and curriculum.

B. Identifying and Assessing Students’ Speech and Language Needs

Identify students who may benefit from speech curriculum by conducting screenings or assessments. Collaborate with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to determine students’ specific needs and develop appropriate intervention plans.

C. Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Speech Therapy Goals

For students with identified speech and language needs, develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that outline specific goals and interventions. Collaborate with SLPs to ensure that therapy goals align with the high school speech curriculum.

D. Incorporating Evidence-Based Practices and Strategies

Ensure that the high school speech curriculum incorporates evidence-based practices and strategies. Stay updated with current research and best practices in the field of speech-language pathology to provide students with the most effective interventions.

E. Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Curriculum as Needed

Regularly monitor students’ progress and make adjustments to the curriculum as needed. Collect data, conduct periodic assessments, and collaborate with SLPs to ensure that students are making progress towards their speech and language goals.

Resources and Support for High School Speech Curriculum

Implementing a high school speech curriculum can be made easier with the help of various resources and support systems:

A. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Their Role

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a vital role in supporting high school speech curriculum. Collaborate with SLPs to assess students, develop intervention plans, and provide ongoing support and guidance.

B. Professional Organizations and Associations

Professional organizations and associations, such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), provide valuable resources, research, and professional development opportunities for educators and SLPs. Explore their websites and publications for guidance and support.

C. Online Resources and Educational Websites

There are numerous online resources and educational websites that offer materials, activities, and lesson plans for high school speech curriculum. Websites like EverydaySpeech provide comprehensive speech and language resources that can be integrated into the curriculum.

D. Parent Involvement and Support

Involve parents in the high school speech curriculum by providing them with information, resources, and strategies to support their child’s speech and language development at home. Encourage open communication and collaboration between parents, educators, and SLPs.

High school speech curriculum plays a vital role in developing students’ communication skills, boosting academic performance, and enhancing social and emotional well-being. By prioritizing speech education, we can empower students to become effective communicators and confident individuals. I encourage you to explore and implement a comprehensive high school speech curriculum to unlock the full potential of your students.

Start your EverydaySpeech free trial today and access a wide range of resources and materials to support your high school speech curriculum. Together, let’s make speech education a priority!

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, speech activities for high school.

I want to improve my public speaking skills during high school. What are some speech-related activities or clubs I could join? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

There are several speech-related activities and clubs you can participate in to improve your public speaking skills during high school. Here are some popular options:

1. Debate Club: Joining a debate club is an excellent way to enhance your public speaking abilities, as it involves arguing for or against specific topics in a structured format. You'll learn to think critically, construct compelling arguments, and communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively.

2. Speech and Forensics Team: Many high schools have a speech and forensics team, which competes in various speech categories, including original oratory, dramatic interpretation, and impromptu speaking. Being part of this team will help you gain valuable experience in crafting powerful speeches, adapting to different styles, and performing in front of an audience.

3. Model United Nations (MUN): MUN is a simulation of the United Nations, where students take on the roles of diplomats representing various countries, discussing and debating international issues. By participating in MUN, you'll improve your public speaking, negotiation, and diplomacy skills.

4. Drama Club/Theater: Joining a drama club or participating in school theater productions can significantly help build your confidence in public speaking. Acting, memorizing lines, and delivering emotionally charged performances will translate well into becoming a better speaker.

5. TED-Ed Club: Some schools offer TED-Ed clubs, where students can create, develop, and deliver their own TED-style talks on various subjects. This club will expose you to new ideas, help you hone your presentation skills, and give you the opportunity to share your unique perspectives.

6. Student Government: Running for student government or actively participating in it will provide you with ample opportunities to speak in front of your peers. You'll be required to present your ideas, communicate your goals to the student body, and take part in public meetings.

7. Toastmasters International Youth Leadership Program (YLP): Toastmasters offers a Youth Leadership Program aimed at empowering young people to become more effective communicators and leaders. In the program, you'll learn to run meetings, organize events, and give speeches.

You may also want to consider volunteering for events where you can practice your public speaking skills, such as emceeing or presenting at school assemblies, open houses, or local community gatherings.

Remember to try various activities and find the ones that suit your interests and goals best. Good luck!

The Ultimate Guide to High School Speech Therapy Activities

March 07, 2018 3 min read

The Ultimate Guide to High School Speech Therapy Activities provides Speech Language Pathologists a reference point for easily locating educational resources for older students.

Many children are able to master their speech goals in elementary or middle school and no longer require therapy services. But all too often we have students that carry over and need additional support at the high school level.

It’s no secret that most of these kiddos would rather disappear into their seats rather than be called from class to go to speech therapy. So how do we as SLPs get them motivated enough to keep them excited and working towards their language goals?

We understand your struggle! It can be a nightmare trying to find engaging speech therapy resources for the “big kids”!

This guide is full of high school speech therapy materials created especially for your teenage students. You’ll find awesome products, a ton of SLP tips, and don’t forget to pick up your fabulous freebies!

Learn About Fun High School School Speech Therapy Activities from Your Favorite SLP Bloggers

These tried and true tips and tricks from real SLPs will help you keep your high school students engaged and excited to come to speech therapy. Who better to get advice from than those working in the field everyday?!

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Find Engaging High School Speech Therapy Activities at Your Favorite SLP Stores on TpT

Seeking out quality themed resources for older students can be very time consuming. We know that your schedule as an SLP is already full, so we’ve tried to find a little bit of something for everyone on your caseload. To help save even more of your precious time, many of these brilliant products are low prep or NO PREP at all!

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Don’t Forget to Grab Your Freebies!

And now for our favorite part…FREEBIES! That’s right! If you’re on the fence about purchasing a particular product or simply want to “try before you buy” this is your lucky day. Find fabulous freebies from your favorite SLPs on TpT. We’re sure you’ll find something you can use!

Social Skills Activities: Social Inferences and Problem Solving FREEBIE

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Make sure to bookmark this page as we will be adding more awesome resources as we find them! We always love coming across a diamond in the rough, and we’re sure that you do to!

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Samantha in Secondary

Parts of Speech Practice for High School Students

September 5, 2022 by Samantha H.

You may not think that high school students need as much parts of speech practice as middle school or elementary students, and while you’d be right, I truly believe that they do need some. Each year I was always surprised to find that my freshmen students did not remember any parts of speech. I know that they learned the terms in middle school, but without fail, each year I’d find that my students needed constant refreshers. I developed a few activities to use throughout the year so that students could practice the eight parts of speech consistently. I’d use these activities for fast finishers or as fun classroom culture builders. Below are a few of my favorite ways to practice parts of speech with high school students.

#1: Review with Direct Instruction

The first thing I would always do with my students is provide 10 minutes of direct instruction on the 8 main parts of speech. I’d give my students a handy review sheet and let them fill in the notes as we’d go. That way, students have a reference to look at any time they might need it. This is especially helpful when students are studying more complex grammar concepts and need to quickly remember what a term means.

You can grab a pre-made review sheet as well as a Google Slides presentation and CLOZE worksheet using my full teaching resource here . Just download and teach!

#2: Practice Exercises

There really is no substitution for direct practice. Give students some simple review statements where they have to identify the correct part of speech, pair them up, and let them review. This doesn’t need to take more than 15-20 minutes, but it’s valuable time spent allowing students to refresh the terms.

#3: Color by Code

One of my favorite things for fast finishers to do is to complete color by code exercises. (Again, I was always surprised by how much my upperclassmen loved to color, but then I remember that I also love to color as an adult and it makes total sense.)

You can find both practice exercises and a pre-made color by code worksheet for parts of speech practice with my Parts of Speech Review Activities resource.

#4: Review Games

Review games are a great way to get in some parts of speech practice in a fun way. My favorite tool is Blooket , but you can also use Quizlet or Kahoot to do some fun review.

#5: Mad Libs

Even as an adult, I truly love the game Mad Libs. There is something about the silly, simple fun that makes them such a good time. I liked to use Mad Libs seasonally in my own classroom. Often these would make for a great day before break activity. They can also be used for fast finishers, stations, substitute plans, or you can even have students create their own. I loved having these in my back pocket for any time I had a few extra minutes to kill or if we finished something early and I needed a quick activity.

You can get my seasonal bundle here and have your own year-long set so you’ll always have something on hand when you might need them.

It’s important to assess your students to make sure they know the parts of speech. It’s not a bad idea to even start with a quiz to see what they know. That way you’ll know if you even need to re-teach.

I have a pre-made quiz resource that’s both print and digital. You just download and assess! There is even a self-checking Google Forms version, so the grading can be done for you.

#7: Task Cards

Task Cards are another way that I like to practice parts of speech in my own classroom. Come up with some easy parts of speech review questions and print them out for your more tactile learners. Have students rotate through them and notate their answers on an answer sheet. This is an easy way to add more kinesthetic elements to basic review.

You can check out my own set of task cards that I’ve used with my students right here .

#8: Decorate with Parts of Speech

Grab a set of free parts of speech posters right here from my shop. They were specifically created for a high school classroom. Just print, laminate, and post!

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Get everything you need to teach, practice, and assess parts of speech in an engaging way with my Parts of Speech Mega Bundle .

What are your favorite activities for teaching parts of speech? Sound off in the comments below or follow me on  Facebook  or  Instagram  to join the discussion!

Happy teaching!

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