Giving a speech or oral report can be a scary experience, particularly if it's a child's first experience with public speaking. If your child is feeling nervous about speaking in front of teachers, parents or his fellow students, assure him that he is not alone. The fear of public speaking is a very common fear, according to HelpGuide.org. Thoroughly researching his speech will help your child feel more confident and less anxious when he faces his audience.
Choose an Interesting Topic
Suggest that your child choose a topic that interests her. If she enjoys her topic, chances are she will feel more confident when she gives her speech. She can find information on her topic by visiting the library or doing an online search. The Learning for Life website suggests writing down the purpose or objectives of the speech before beginning research. When your child conducts her research, suggest that she write down only the most important and interesting information. Writing down only the most pertinent information can help your child from feeling overwhelmed when writing a draft of the speech.
Write Your Speech
Speeches consist of an introduction, body and conclusion. Writing a brief outline can help your child decide which points to include in each part of the speech. Explain that the introduction is important because it lets the audience know why the topic is important or interesting. After completing the introduction, your child should begin the body of the speech by discussing key points that he identified while researching the topic. Using the conclusion to summarize the content of the speech will help listeners remember important facts presented during the speech.
Suggest that your child write a few notes on each section of his speech on a note card. He can refer to the note cards when giving his speech. The Learning for Life website suggests not memorizing the speech or reading it word for word. Using notes can help your child deliver the speech in a more natural, conversational way.
Rehearse and Make Changes
After your child finishes writing her notes for the speech, offer to listen to the speech. She may want to practice the speech a few times alone before she performs it for you. Give her feedback regarding any areas that can be improved, and time the speech if there is a time limit. Toastmasters International suggests making sure that speakers limit filler words in their speeches. Filler words, such as "ah" and "um," fill space while you think of your next point. Tell your child to refer to her notes if she forgets the next point she wants to make. Explain that making eye contact with the audience is an important part of giving a speech. If she finds this too hard at first, suggest that she keep her eyes on a distant spot in the room and gradually begin making eye contact when she feels more comfortable.
Find a Way to Relax
Keeping anxiety at bay is easier if the speaker feels confident that he is well-prepared. If your child is using any audio-visual aids, he must make sure that computers, slide projectors or other aids are working properly before giving his speech. Explain that he may be able to reduce pre-speech anxiety by practicing deep breathing or visualizing himself giving a successful speech. Dale Carnegie Training suggests pausing after first addressing the audience, smiling and silently counting to three as a way to help calm the nerves.
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