Public Speaking Wombats

One of the hardest parts of writing a speech is knowing where to start. What should I speak about? Which part ought I write first? How can I express my ideas, so my audience will understand where I’m coming from?

Over the course of Term #1, our Wombats students will be focusing on the methods involved in preparing a presentation, with a particular focus on Structuring Speeches. Utilising activity-based, experiential learning, students will spend most of their time in this program developing a range of presentations and sharing them with the class. This helps them learn how to piece together their thoughts into a coherent and engaging presentation, whilst also finding some time to develop their speaking manner as well!

Over the course of the term, students will have the opportunity to:

• learn the fundamental concepts that underpin persuasive speeches, with a particular focus on logical and engaging speech structure;

• be exposed to a range of different speaking activities, with the view to helping them develop both their confidence and good speaking habits; and

• practice their newfound skills in a nurturing environment with other students at a similar experience level.

Our Public Speaking Wombats 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 Wombats caters for:

• Students who have little or no public speaking experience (students are more than welcome to join the program any term of the year);
• Students who have already completed one or more terms of our Presentation Skills Leopards or Presentation Skills Lions programs when they were in Years 1 or 2;
• Students who have already completed one or more terms of Wombats (the focus changes every term, so there’s no repetition of content for students);
• Students who have given our holiday workshops (such as Speaking Camp Koalas or Speaking Camp Kangaroos) a go, and are looking to continue their public speaking journey!

We usually recommend that students continue with Public Speaking Wombats throughout Years 3 & 4 – 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.

Speech Structure and Method

After covering the fundamentals, the following sessions focus on creating persuasive, well-organised speeches. The program emphasises structuring introductions, conclusions, and especially body paragraphs, alongside techniques to engage audiences and select topics.

Each concept includes interactive activities that allow students to practice crafting structured, compelling speeches that apply all of the theory covered in class.

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 aimed at bolstering their presentation skills. These activities span a wide range of skills, encompassing body language, verbal expression, and more. These abilities are fortified through consistent practice speeches and constructive critiques, guaranteeing that every student is given the chance to flourish and enhance their skills!

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 Wombats 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 Speaking Camp Kangaroos, 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!