If I went back to college again, I’d concentrate on two areas: learning to write and to speak before an audience. Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then your teen might benefit from conversational and public speech instruction.
We get it. It’s tough being a teenager. School gets harder. Social situations become more complicated. Physical and emotional changes can be unnerving. Insecurity increases. Patience decreases. And, stress levels skyrocket. For some it feels like everyone in their lives has suddenly become more demanding. Sometimes they have no idea who they are anymore. It’s no wonder they can become fuzzy-brained and tongue-tied.
In the midst of all of this chaos, their success at school (or work) is tied to their ability to effectively communicate.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a magic wand to erase the awkwardness that accompanies the “coming of age process”, but we can provide some confidence-boosting communication tools.
The ability to transmit ones thoughts and ideas effectively is empowering. Sadly, adolescence is often perceived as a season of powerlessness by those in its tumultuous midst.
Becoming a confident and savvy communicator doesn’t happen overnight, so it’s advantageous to start sooner than later. There are numerous advantages for developing verbal communication skills early. Being able to comfortably articulate your thoughts results in lower frustration levels, an increase in successful interactions, and a higher self-esteem.
In other words, one has the opportunity to experience the benefits of being an effective communicator earlier. This can result in the willingness to take more risks…which leads to greater personal growth.
Short and long-term benefits:
Communication is a skill that you can learn. It’s like riding a bicycle or typing. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.
– Brian Tracy
Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you.
– John C. Maxwell
Old habits and patterns generally don’t change overnight, so it would be unrealistic to think that a reluctant or extremely fearful public speaker will be ready to do a Ted Talk in a mere eight weeks.
However, you’d be surprised at the transformation that is possible with external support, helpful tools, mindset shifts and, of course, your teen’s willingness to try.
During our time together your child will be introduced to the basics of public and practical speech. More importantly, they’ll make connections that allow them to see the significance speech has on their everyday lives.
Speech ABC’s for Teens is designed to help students:
The more opportunities your child has to experiment with his new skills the more quickly his confidence will build. Our goal is to inspire your teens to become more confident, comfortable, competent and creative communicators.
Speech topics covered include:
We’ve created a fun, interactive, simple process designed to decrease your child’s speech resistance. It’s also likely to positively impact other areas of his/her life. As a result, our integrative approach also incorporates:
The culmination of your teen’s committed effort will be an in-class presentation of one formal speech your teen has researched and written. If your child applies himself, the end result should be an improvement in his public speaking skills from conversation to presentation.
Our intention is to increase students’ public speaking comfort, writing competence, critical thinking skills, and personal confidence.
Students will be provided a syllabus for the course and are expected to make a commitment to themselves and our time together. It is expected that they will turn in assignments on time.
Worksheets, videos, text excerpts, role-play, lectures, team activities, gaming and other strategies will be employed to further increase the students’ knowledge base of the materials presented.
Class rules will be provided for all participants and must be followed to ensure that our classroom is a safe space for all. This is so crucial to the process that a student’s failure to comply will result in dismissal from the class without refund.
During our first class students will learn our class rules and become acquainted. An assessment will be done to identify their current speech level and they’ll set personal goals. They’ll do an Introduction activity and their first Extemporaneous “speech”. Then we’ll launch into the basics of speech. Homework: Memorize a short passage for presentation in Week Two. (1 Min. Max)
During Week 2, students will deliver their Reading/Recitation speeches, explore the impact mindset has on their behavior and outcomes, learn about breathing and articulation, and learn the fundamentals of the Expository Speech. Homework: Choose an Expository Speech topic.
During Week 3, students will review what we’ve already covered and share their Expository Speech topics. We’ll explore what it means to be a superstar student and dissect and respect the mighty outline. Homework: Complete Expository Speech outline.
During Week 4, students will continue to review material covered. Expository outlines will be reviewed and we’ll do an Impromptu Speech exercise. We’ll also explore and evaluate what takes to speak so that we’re heard. Homework: Do first draft of Expository Speech.
During Week 5, students will continue to review material covered. We’ll talk about the power of Openings, Closings, Transitions & Memorization. Homework: Write second draft of Expository Speech.
During Week 6, students will continue to review material covered. We’ll do Impromptu Speeches, cover additional elements necessary for a successful speech & provide feedback on the Expository Speech drafts. Homework: Complete final draft of Expository Speech.
During Week 7, students will present their Expository Speech masterpieces! Homework: Review Interview materials.
During Week 8, students will play a game that tests their knowledge of the interview process, They will also participate in and evaluate mock interviews.
FALL ENROLLMENT CLOSED. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR WNTER CLASSES BEGINNING JANUARY 20, 2021.
PREREQUISITES: The only thing required of students is that they come with a willingness to learn and a spirit of cooperation. All levels are welcome. Students may be public, private, cyber or homeschooling teens. (Ages 13-19)
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: Students are responsible for presenting works and speeches that are both written by themselves and others. Homework is expected to be completed as assigned and turned in on-time.
MATERIALS REQUIRED: Notebook, pens/pencils, folder, and a 3-ring binder for handouts. A computer with Internet access and a printer for printing handouts.
CLASS LOCATION: Classes will be held through the ZOOM platform which can be downloaded prior to class at ZOOM.US. Class materials will be disseminated using Google Classroom. All codes will be sent at least 3 days prior to the first class.
CLASS DATES: Two Sessions (Choose one, Same content.)
SESSION 1 (WEDNESDAYS): 10/21, 10/28. 11/4. 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9. 12/16
SESSION 2: (SATURDAYS): 10/24, 10/31. 11/7. 11/14. 11/21. 12/5. 12/12. 12/19
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT: REGISTER HERE. Payment will be made following accepted registration via PayPal. (Payment information will be sent after registration is received.)
FOR QUESTIONS EMAIL: TheLearningPlace19@gmail.com.
Deb and Nia Esposito are a mother/daughter team who have collaborated to create the virtual edition of Speech ABC’s.
Deb (Ms. Deb to her students) brings to the table a B.A. and M.A. in Communication, decades of experience as both a performer and a Media Producer and Story Coach. As a home educator, she shared her love of communication with her own daughter as well as other homeschooled students.
Nia began her own journey into speech and communication fun at 9 years old and hasn’t stopped talking since then. The skills she’s developed have resulted in her being thrust into leadership positions, invited to organize and host events for organizations and chosen to be a youth spokesperson on numerous occasions.
The duo’s love of speech resulted in the launching of a mother-daughter podcast entitled Real Talk With Deb and Nia that can be found on all major podcast platforms.
For both Deb and Nia, fun should be at the heart of learning. And, learning must always be an adventure. Their goal is to pass this on to all whom they touch and teach.
My child has had speech at school. Why does she need this course? As homeschoolers we maintained a pretty busy schedule so we understand that this may feel like an unnecessary addition. However, we can honestly say that ongoing speech development and opportunities to practice what you learn are invaluable. The best part is that it has an impact on every area of one’s life.
What does my child need for the course? Your student should have a notebook, folder and pens. We will provide all of the informational speech tools your teen needs. Your teen only needs typical school supplies, access to a computer with a camera and microphone (with Internet service), access to ZOOM (free), an email address to receive correspondence and materials and a willingness to stretch outside of his/her comfort zone.
How are you better than others who provide the same service? There are probably many great options in the market. Some may even be less expensive. (Although our Corona pricing is half-off!) However, ours is a unique approach that incorporates many other aspects important to effective communication that are often overlooked, such as mindset and critical thinking. We also place an emphasis on fun, which helps teens relax while they’re learning.
Who is it for? My child attends public school. Can she still attend? Our course is for all teens who are ready and willing to take the risk and develop their speech skills.
Is there homework? Homework is often a part of the learning process. And so it is with Speech ABCs. However, it is mostly reading material and review of the notes from class, which we’ve packaged as guided notes. We know this is a challenge for some and don’t want them to miss any important points. It is also recommended that they practice some wacky tongue twisters (we provide) to improve their articulation and enunciation. Finally, they’ll need to memorize a short reading of their choice and near the end of the course to research, write, memorize and present a 2-3 Expository speech an approved topic of their choice.
Are there refunds? Unfortunately, we’ve discounted the price so much that we won’t be able to provide refunds.
What if my student can’t make a class? If there is another class running during the semester they are attending, they may request to substitute days for the week they will miss. Classes will also be recorded and can be reviewed for a missed session.
Will my teen be graded? We will have quizzes (this allows them to asses their own progress) and a final test as a way of reviewing concepts and encouraging study. Their speeches will also be evaluated (not graded) as a means of providing feedback for improvement and a celebration of what they did well. Our philosophy, however, is that progress is more important than getting all of the answers correct on a test. So, we won’t be assigning grades. It is our hope that they will recognize that there is a correlation between their personal effort and their outcomes.
Are you issuing certificates of completion? Absolutely! There is nothing like celebrating success.
If you have any additional questions, please email TheLearningPlace19@gmail.com.