Public Speaking Penguins

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 master the speech structures that are available to us in order to get all of our ideas across efficiently and effectively.

Across Term #1, 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!

After completing the Mastering Speech Structures program, 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.

Our Public Speaking Penguins program is a mixed-level class for students in Years 5 – 7 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 Public Speaking Honeyeaters, Debating 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 critical) 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 on a similar level, especially students who have not been exposed to public speaking before.

Developing Engaging Speech Structures

The bulk of theory across the program will involve looking at different speech structures – what they involve, where they are most useful, and how I can 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 & Activities

The remainder of the program introduces them to various concepts and activities that will help enhance their presentation skills, which are, in turn, reinforced through regular practice speeches and feedback!

End of Term Presentation

Each term ends with a presentation, either to peers or parents (depending on the venue). This is an excellent opportunity for students to showcase what they’ve learned over the course of the term and continue their confidence-building journey.

Students generally spend the last couple of sessions preparing and practising their speeches for the presentation.

Coaches will also provide an update to parents on what was covered during the term, as well as what comes next for the students’ public speaking journeys.

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 Parrots 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 Public Speaking Honeyeaters or Debating Hummingbirds, which build on the skills learned during the term.

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