Public Speaking Penguins

Despite the common belief that arguments are the ideal method of winning over an audience, this is often not the case. Our focus for Term #2 encourages students to explore a different approach by helping them develop Winning Anecdotes that will captivate their audiences.

In this program, we examine the essential pillars of a good anecdote—characters, settings, and plots—before moving on to examine how these stories can be persuasive and where they fit into speeches to have the most impact.

Participants in this course will work towards mastering the art of storytelling, weaving engaging narratives that captivate their audience and leave them yearning for more!

After completing the Winning Anecdotes program, students should:

• have been exposed to the fundamental principles which form the foundations of good storytelling;
• understand how anecdotes can be used in speeches to make concepts more relatable and accessible for audiences; and
• have been given multiple opportunities to present to their class in each and every session.

Our Public Speaking Penguins program is a mixed-level class for students in Years 3 & 4 designed for students starting out in the world of public speaking as well as those with some speaking experience.

Public Speaking Penguins caters for:

• Students who have no (or negligible) public speaking experience (all students have to start somewhere, and there is no better place to do so than here – students are welcome to join any time throughout the year);
• Students who have already completed one or more terms of Penguins or Debating Parrots (the focus changes every term, so there’s no repetition of content for students);
• Students who have given our Year 3 & 4 term programs (such as Public Speaking Wombats or Debating Wallabies) or holiday workshops (such as Speak Out Hummingbirds or Speaking Camp Kangaroos) a try, and want to continue developing their speaking skills!

We usually recommend that students continue with Public Speaking Penguins for as long as feels comfortable before looking at our Debating Parrots program. There is a different focus every term, so there’s always something new for students to learn!

Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss what’s best for your child!

Revision of Fundamental Concepts

The program starts with a succinct (but necessary) revision of essential concepts, including audience engagement and speech structure.

This helps prepare students for the rest of the program and ensures that everyone starts at a similar level.

Speaking Manner Fundamentals

For the Speaking Manner focus for our Penguins program, students will generally cover:

• Topic #1 – Introductions & icebreakers
• Topic #2 – Characters, settings & plots
• Topic #3 – Fitting anecdotes into presentations
• Topic #4 – Finding the right anecdote for the situation

Please note that students will participate in speaking activities and practice giving speeches whilst also receiving constructive feedback almost every week in addition to covering the above topics!

Practice Speeches and Interactive Activities

As the term progresses students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of practice speeches and carefully chosen activities to bolster their presentation skills. These activities span a wide range of skills, but place a firm focus on developing student storytelling ability.

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

Coach Updates

The term ends with a coach update – an opportunity for parents to meet with coaches and learn about their child’s progress as well as having any and all of their questions answered.

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

Alternatively, if your child would like to try debating, our Debating Wallabies program teaches students all the essential skills they need to become great debaters!

However, if you’re looking for something during a school break, you may want to try one of our holiday workshops, such as Speak Out Hummingbirds and Public Speaking Polar Bears, which builds on the skills learned during the term.

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