Public Speaking Honeyeaters

Knowing where to start is an incredibly important part of speechwriting. We need to consider the topic, our thesis, the key points we want to make – but all of that means little unless we can utilise an engaging speech structure that will get all of our ideas across efficiently and effectively.

Over the July holidays, students will consider a range of different speech structures, starting with IBC, before branching out into a range of different choices. The aim is to help students understand the different scaffolds available to them, so they can adapt to their circumstances and deliver their ideas in an engaging manner.

Students will then have the opportunity, via a range of activities and speeches, to pick and choose different structures to practice, giving them a well-rounded repertoire of scaffolds to call upon when preparing their next presentation!

Our Public Speaking Honeyeaters workshop is a mixed-experience level workshop.

There are three groups of students who would benefit from undertaking the Public Speaking Honeyeaters program:

1. those who have previous formal coaching in public speaking or debating – this may be from one of our programs (including our Debating Hummingbirds holiday program, or our Penguins or Parrots weekly term programs), from another provider or potentially through their school;
2. anyone who is trying out public speaking for the first time, as each focus starts from a clean slate allowing students to come in fresh each holiday; and
3. students who have previously completed the Honeyeaters workshop who are interested in developing their speaking skills even further – given the program changes from holiday to holiday, students are more than welcome (and even encouraged) to try it again and again.

If you’re not sure whether your child fits into any of these categories, please get in touch and we can chat about your circumstances!

Alternatively, please check out our video below to see how our holiday workshops function!

After completing the Engaging Speech Structures workshop, students should:

• be familiar with a range of different speech structures;
• develop the ability to adapt those structures to a range of different circumstances and topics; and
• have the opportunity to practice their newfound skills each and every session.

Fundamental Concepts

The program starts with a succinct (but necessary) revision of the essential concepts covered in our introductory-level programs, including audience engagement and speech structure. This helps set students up for the rest of the program and ensures that everyone starts on a similar level, even if they’ve not undertaken an SSA program before.

Mastering Speech Structures

The bulk of theory across the program will involve looking at different speech structures – what do they involve, where are they most useful, and how can I develop speeches of my own?

Each structure will be investigated individually, ensuring students understand the core ideas, before utilising activities that help students pick and choose which structures are best suited to different situations.

Practice Speeches and Interactive Activities

As the workshop progresses, students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of practice speeches and carefully chosen activities aimed at bolstering not only their ability to structure speeches, but also their presentation skills. These activities span a wide range of emphases, encompassing everything from adapting topics to body language.

These abilities are fortified through consistent practice speeches and constructive critiques, guaranteeing that every student is given a chance to flourish and enhance their skills!

Our classes vary in size every holiday depending on how many bookings we receive – however, the maximum size of our Public Speaking Honeyeaters class is 10 students with one coach, and 16 students with two coaches.

If there aren’t any spots left, it’s usually because we’ve hit capacity – please get in touch with us and we’ll see what we can do about either opening an extra class, fitting your child into the existing class, or putting you on a waitlist in case any students pull out!

After the workshop, students will get to keep:

• a personal feedback sheet prepared by their coach, which goes through what they’ve improved on, and what still needs some work;
• a certificate recognising their achievement of completing Public Speaking Honeyeaters;
• a booklet that includes all the concepts they’ve covered over the course of the program, as well as any notes that they’ve taken;
• a completed persuasive speech, which they deliver to their peers at the end of the final day; and
• hopefully a changed narrative in their mind, where public speaking is something to enjoy rather than fear!

As a mixed-experience program, our Public Speaking Honeyeaters program is designed to be completed multiple times – with a different focus every holiday, there’s always something new for students to take away from the program!

However, if you’re looking for something different, it’s recommended that students:

• if they want to give debating a try, have a go at our Debating Hummingbirds holiday workshop or Debating Parrots weekly term program;
• if they would like some more regular public speaking practice, giving our Public Speaking Penguins weekly term program a try; or
• if they’re in Year 7 and want more of a challenge, considering moving up to our Public Speaking Polar Bears holiday workshop.

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or get in touch using our contact form to learn more!