Help Your Tween/Teen with Public Speaking!
Who doesn’t love public speaking right? I would guarantee that the thought of it makes 90% of students want to pee in their pants. What’s better than being judged in front of all your peers? Well, public speaking is a crucial life skill that many schools fail to teach. Summer is a perfect time to engage your child in creating their very own TED talk and instilling the value of being a strong public speaker in any future career.
First, introduce your teen to appropriate TED talks so they can view some models. I have posted some below but you can research on your own as well.
Challenge them to come up with their own topic of interest. If your tween or teen is having problems thinking of their own idea, here is a link with a bunch of ideas that they can develop:?http://wordgen.serpmedia.org/s_weekly2016.html. I have also posted a list of topics below
After they have watched some TED talks and have chosen their topic, introduce the TED talk format:
Students will need an opener, thesis, at least two pieces of evidence appropriately framed, explanations of their evidence, and visuals that are catchy and engaging. Finally make sure to to include a strong conclusion. Students should plan their script and the total talk time should be 1.5-3 minutes. Once they have practiced, film them and allow them to critique their own performance. They can share the talks with their friends and family if they like and knowing teens they may even want to post it on Youtube…..
ADDITIONAL TOPIC IDEAS
Should single gender education be an option for everyone?
Should the government impose a mandatory year of service?
What is the purpose of school?
When should we consider someone an adult?
Junk food: should schools sell it?
Do professional athletes deserve multimillion dollar salaries?
Should students be paid for performance in school?
Are green technologies worth the investment?
Should middle and high school students be required to meet a grade requirement to participate in sports?
How should organ recipients be chosen?
When is it okay to lie?
Are after school jobs helpful or harmful to students?
Should American students be required to learn a second language?
OTHER IDEAS: What are you personally interested in? ?(Challenge option)
Benefits of kids sharing rooms
Having a pet
Benefits of more recess
Importance of breakfast
Cell phones in school
Social Media
Benefits of growing your own food
Allowance
Immersion
School sports: harmful or helpful
School uniforms
Extended school day
Year round school
Laptops for all students
School lunches longer
Nutrition break
Air conditioning
School should start earlier
A pet for a family
Healthier school lunches
Low/no cost college
Benefits of handwriting
Cursive
Typing as a separate class
1: 1 device at school
Sibling order
Siblings v only children