Speaking Skills

Mastering Word Economy

Activities, Debate Skills, Speaking Skills /

“Mastering Word Economy” is an engaging and practical activity designed to help students refine their ability to present arguments succinctly. This resource guides students through the process of condensing a one-minute argument progressively into shorter segments—45 seconds, 30 seconds, and finally a 10-second summary. By recording themselves and reviewing their performances, students can observe how they adapt their delivery and focus as the available time decreases, enhancing their skills in word economy and persuasive clarity.

Survivor: Outspeak, Outargue, Outlast

Activities, Speaking Skills /

“Speech Survivor” is an engaging and dynamic public speaking activity parodying the popular TV show “Survivor.” This exercise challenges students to deliver impactful one-minute impromptu speeches on topics of their choice, with participants voting off fellow speakers in successive rounds until a winner is declared. This activity not only enhances speech-making skills but also encourages critical listening and evaluation abilities.

Self-Reflection: Preparing for the Final Stretch

Activities, Coaching Tips, Debate Skills, Speaking Skills /

As the debate season progresses towards its culmination, it’s vital for students to reflect on their experiences, learn from their performance in past tournaments, and set targeted goals for improvement. This resource guides students through a structured reflection process on their debate rounds so far, encouraging them to identify areas for growth and develop a focused plan for enhancement as they approach the final tournaments of the school year.

Cinematic Impromptu

Activities, Speaking Skills /

“Cinematic Impromptu” is a creative and engaging activity designed to enhance students’ impromptu speaking skills using movie quotes as prompts. Without additional context, students must craft a short speech inspired by the quote, challenging them to think quickly and creatively. This activity aims to improve spontaneity, adaptability, and the ability to connect diverse ideas under pressure.

Gesture Mapping

Activities, Debate Skills, Speaking Skills /

“Gesture Mapping” is an interactive activity designed to help students integrate natural and effective gestures into their speech delivery. By annotating a famous speech for gesture cues and practicing these gestures, students can enhance their nonverbal communication skills, which are vital for impactful public speaking.

Analyzing Great Orators

Activities, Speaking Skills /

This resource is aimed at enhancing students’ public speaking and debate skills by closely examining the techniques of renowned orators throughout history. Students will analyze famous speeches, identify key elements of effective oration, and apply these learnings to their own speaking styles.

New Year, New Goals

Activities, Coaching Tips, Debate Skills, Speaking Skills /

The start of a new year is an ideal time for students to set specific, achievable goals for their growth in speech and debate. This activity guides students in establishing clear, measurable objectives and developing a task-oriented action plan to reach these goals. It emphasizes the importance of thoughtful goal-setting as a foundation for success and improvement.

Staying Sharp Over Winter Break

Activities, Debate Skills, Speaking Skills /

Winter break provides a unique opportunity for students to independently maintain and enhance their speech and debate skills. This guide offers practical suggestions that teachers can share with their students, ensuring continuous skill development even when school is not in session.

Student Speech Self-Reflection

Activities, Debate Skills, Speaking Skills /

This self-reflection activity, designed for debate or public speaking students, focuses on the practice and review of speaking skills. The activity is particularly suitable to assign before the winter holiday break, as it provides students with an opportunity to independently practice and assess their skills while away from school. This exercise encourages self-analysis and helps students identify areas for improvement.

Crystal Clear

Activities, Debate Skills, Speaking Skills /

This activity focuses on improving students’ enunciation and clarity in speech. This is crucial for debate, as clear communication ensures that the message is effectively transmitted to the judges and the audience, increasing the likelihood of successful persuasion.