Ideas on motivating kids to be interested in public speaking, debate

[eablair3]

Hello,

I don't post in here much, but I was wondering about how to get a youngster interested in wanting to do public speaking and/or debate. I know it's a broad topic, but I'd be interested in input from others. Is their actions one can take to get youngsters (say 7th, 8th graders) interested in wanting to take part in public speaking and debate. I find many seemed scared.

Anoyne got any recommedations for getting youngsters motivated to engage in communication, be more outgoing, want to participate in public speaking and debate?

[Red State Rebel]

1. I made all of mine take Public Speaking in H.S.

Try to make them understand that it doesn't matter how smart you are if are unable to communicate your ideas effectively you won't go anywhere.

[eablair3]

5. thanks, ... I was wondering if there are any books, videos, etc

thanks, .. I've found that making them understand the reasons why it is important to be very useful in motivating them to do things. And, I've found that just "making" them do it, not to be that helpful.

To help in the process of making them understand, do you or anyone know of any books (or other materials) that talk about how important it is to be able to be a good public speaker?

Any recommendations?

[La_Serpiente]

8. Ummm

I guess if they read a college level book, they will be ok. whenever I read my college textbooks, it all makes sense to me.

There is no quick fix to this. It takes time and patience.

[La_Serpiente]

2. Start them off with the basics

They have to feel comfortable talking in front of audiences. When I first started public speaking, I was in the 8th grade and I was terrified. However, after one year and a half, I could talk normally in front of an audience. Now, it is, how would the french say it, au naturale.

The purpose is not to get rid of all your fear at first. The first process is to control your fear. After you've mastered your fear, you can move on.

[Lefty48197]

3. Most people are terrified of speaking before large groups

The key would be to get them to do it over and over and over again, until they are comfortable. Perhaps giving a couple of short speeches every week in class would make them comfortable enough to consider it as a hobby.

[rwheeler31]

4. yuck

no real people want to do this

[Sticky]

6. All of my kids

MUST take public speaking in school. Not my rule - the school's rule.

You know how most 5 year olds love to be centre of attention? Well, our school strikes while the iron is hot. Every Friday at school assembly kids go to the stage and recite something they've written or lyrics to their favourite song or a summary of what happened on The Bugs and Tweety Show, whatever. Back in the classroom public speaking is part of the curriculum ... it's non-negotiable.

[eablair3]

9. but there's a difference in it be required and the kids wanting to do it

I know that one could just lay down a rule, and say you MUST do this. But, I've found that this does not really help in making them like it. I've seen many do the public speaking and communication and debate because it's required.

What I'm asking about is how to motivate them to WANT to do it. I know that a school or parent can MAKE them take a required course, and that is how many get initiated to public speaking with very mixed results. What I'd like to impart and my goal is to get them to want to do it, so that they will understand the importance and perhaps LIKE it. And, maybe they would WANT to go on to take more courses in public speaking and perhaps engage in the debate clubs, etc. So, I guess what I'm asking is, is there any methods or motivational tools (ideas, books, etc) other than what was already stated above for motivating youngsters to WANT to take classes on public speaking and debate, etc?

[La_Serpiente]

11. I had mixed results in my first class

Hmm...maybe you could introduce them more to the family. Do they have a extreme sense of isolation? Do they talk to people a lot?

If they do, then it should be fairly easy.

If not, maybe they should read about public speaking. It will give them a guideline as to how to approach it. It can also increase their confidence because it would make them self-assured.

It doesn't have to be exact, but use it as a roadmap to get to your relative location.

[Maple]

7. Lots of them

want to be in showbusiness, or the music business tho...tell them it'll help them do so, and maybe to think of it like rap....:D

[corarose]

10. Poetry and Book Readings

They put allot into the readings and sometimes it is fun.

Do you live in a major city? If you do you can take them to a talk show like Oprah.