Speak Out Hummingbirds

Our Speak Out Hummingbirds workshop is an introductory level program.

It is designed for two types of students:

• those who are in late primary or early high school who have little (or even no) public speaking or debating experience; and
• those who have completed programs designed for younger students (such as Speaking Camp Koalas, Speaking Camp Kangaroos, Public Speaking Wombats and Debating Wallabies) who want to learn fun new skills such as policy debating in a fun and welcoming environment.

Importantly, our Speak Out Hummingbirds program is perfect for shy and confident students alike!

If your child has some public speaking experience and you’re not sure whether the introductory Speak Out Hummingbirds or the more experienced Public Speaking Polar Bears, Debating Hawks or Practice Debates programs would be more appropriate, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can talk through your circumstances!

Check out our video on what to expect at our in-person holiday workshops below!

Over the course of the workshop, students will be:

• exposed to techniques that help build confidence and overcome fears, particularly by changing the narrative around public speaking and debating more generally;
• introduced to the key components for preparing both public speaking and debating presentations, with a focus on both developing ideas (matter) and structuring them into persuasive speeches (method);
• shown a range of techniques to better engage their audience (manner); and
• given various opportunities to present both impromptu and prepared speeches to the class.

Connecting with Audiences

The start of the workshop focuses on both creating a supportive and welcoming class environment, as well as the connection that exists between speakers and their audience.  Students will consider the importance of keeping audiences at the forefront when preparing speeches, and strategies that they can use to help engage them more effectively.

Developing Speech Ideas into Presentations

As students progress, the focus will shift towards brainstorming ideas that they can craft into speeches.  This involves developing opinions on a range of concepts, which students are then shown how to craft into presentations using a range of different speech structures.

Exploring Essential Debating Skills

Students will cover the three core debating skills of cases, argumentation and rebuttal, taking on each through the lens of first, second and third speakers respectively.

At each step of the way, students will be given multiple opportunities to adapt what they’ve learned into debating-style speeches, so that they can see in real-time how debating functions and get a deeper understanding of the format.

Tying Things Together

On the final day, students will be given the opportunity to pull what they’ve learned together into both a full-scale debate and a formal presentation. These are great opportunities for students to present to a more formal audience, which not only helps them develop their confidence but also represents an opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned to their peers.

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

If all spots are taken, it’s likely due to full capacity. Please reach out to us, and we’ll explore options like opening another class, accommodating your child in the current one, or adding you to a waitlist in case of any cancellations.

After the workshop, students will get to keep:

• a digital 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 Speak Out Hummingbirds;
• 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 public speaking presentation and debating speech, which they deliver to their peers on the final day; and
• hopefully a changed narrative in their mind, where public speaking and debating are things to enjoy rather than fear!

As an introductory program, our Speak Out Hummingbirds class is designed to be completed once, and it remains the same every holiday.

Once completed, it’s recommended that students:

• move up to either of our Mixed Experience holiday workshops – Public Speaking Polar Bears or Debating Hawks – depending on their year group and which interests them more; or
• give one of our term programs a try, such as Public Speaking Penguins, Debating Parrots or Debating Club, which will build on the skills learned here.

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