What Teachers Look for In Public Speaking
Public speaking has many people heading for the hills...yet we ask children to do it regularly. I didn't even do Show and Tell at my small country school, so when confronted with a poetry oral at boarding school in Year 8 I was like a deer in headlights...I was road kill.
Since then I have had to speak in front of groups frequently. As a teacher, I even have to teach others how to do it. It is important to note that developing public speaking skills is a process and in the early stages it can be heavily scaffolded. This stage can last several months or more. As students become more confident less support is needed.
The following is an idea of the aspects which Show and Tell and oral presentations focus on. It is important to remember that this is a process and embarrassing or berating a child severely hinders that process. The aim of a parent and educator should be to model, scaffold, support, develop and encourage students so that they move toward greater success.
Success Keys for Early Show and Tell:
Start young. Kindy or Pre-School are great places to begin Show and Tell. Just having a go is really important.
Be confident in the topic. When starting out talk about things that you know alot about. Don't try and talk about something you know nothing about.
Have something to show: It's called Show and Tell for a reason. Make sure to do both.
Keep to a time. Don't talk for too long. If the 'umms' start coming it's time to say thank you and sit down.
Compliment away. Be really positive. Allow time to get into the Show and Tell groove before making suggestions for improvement.
Success Keys for Settled Show and Tell:
After several success at Show and Tell begin to add 3 positives and 1 help. A little take home sheet could be made stating the 3 wonderful things about the Show and Tell and the 1 thing to work on for next time.
Positive Examples:
(there are so many more)
Great volume - everyone could hear you clearly!
You projected your voice so well - the people at the back understood every word.
What a lot of bit words you know. (vocabulary)
Fabulous sequencing - everything was in a logial order.
Your props/PowerPoint etc suited your topic really well.
The topic was really interesting.
Examples of Suggestions for Next Time:
(there are so many more)
Talk a little bit louder as I really wanted to hear your wonderful Show and Tell.
The people at the back were sad because they didn't hear all the words.
I'd really like it if there was something to see.
Most schools use a set of criteria to assess Show and Tell and orals. These are graded into levels of success. The common elements of these criteria based assesments are outlined below along with a series of questions to help check the speach is on track.
Purpose. Why are you doing the presentation?
What is it about? What are you trying to achieve? This is often stated at the beginning and referred back to at the end. What type of talk is it? (Informative, entertaining, persuasive, etc)
Sequencing. Is there a logical flow? Does it make sense? Is there a clear beginning middle and end? Is each point achieved and developed well? Are examples / supporting facts needed? Is the same thing being said over and over again? Does the beginning capture the audiences attention? Does the conclusion sum up the purpose?
Timing. If there is a set time have a few practises using a timer and check for accuracy. Be careful not to rush.
Evidence of Preparation. Has the Show and Tell/oral been memorised? Are palm cards used effectiely? Is the prop/Powerpoint etc appropriate and well used?
Speaking. Is the speaking clear / articulate / relaxed / confident / without hesitation / projected well / uses expression.
Non-vocal Features. These includes facial expressions, hand and arm actions (gestures) and eye contact. Are these features engaging / entertaining the audience? Negative body language / gestures include nervous fidgets such as placing hands in pockets, rocking / swaying, twisting Interactive Whiteboard Pens, learning on the wall etc. Hand and arm gestures that open up the body (eg. arms open, palms up) are the most effective.When planning gestures consider matching them to the words and ideas of the speech. To use gestures effectively they should be planned and mastered.
Eye contact is a key non-focal feature. It engages the audience and communicates the speakers sincerity, humour, etc. When using eye contact look people in the eye long enough for them to recognise the connection. This makes them believe you are talking directly to them and increases audience engagement. If this is difficult to begin with find a friendly face and come back to it frequently.
Approach / Method of Delivery. Consider the audience - is it formal, informal? Method of delivery would be most effective?
Dramatisation / Role Play. If the speech was based on a particular historical character, dressing up and pretending to be that character may make the speech more engaging.
Documentary. This approach is ueful when informing and using lots of facts. Think Steve Irwin, David Attenborough, a person passionate about a topic who wants to convey that passion to the audience.
Humorous. This must always be appropriate, but can be extrememly effective. Using wit and enhanced real life experieces which the audience can relate to help to make the topic and content stick.
Direct Delivery. This is most common amoung young students. It is the Show and Tell approach.
Visual Aids (Props / PowerPoints etc). These will either add to the presentaion or distract from it, depending on how they are used. Some tips with visul aids:
- Always use large fonts so that people at the back can still see.
- Pictures and print should be large. Around font size 24 is usually fine, however it depends on the distance from the board to the back row.
- Provide lots of contrast between, print, graphics and background.
- Only use relevant aids .
Real Life Examples: I would ask your teacher if you can watch Show and Tell a few times a year every year until your child does not want you to. Children can be perfect in practise at home and when they get to school nerves can get the best of them. The best ways to combat these nerves is to make sure that the child is extrememly confident in their presentation, that they feel emotionally safe in the class and that they are proud and excited about what they are presenting.
Examples - Click the pictures