Public Speaking for Middle and High School Students

Last year, at our public speaking Grand Finale, while presenting a speech in front of 150 people, an accomplished 11 grade student had a public speaking anxiety attack. Her stomachache was so excruciating that she couldn’t stand up straight, and her voice was shaking to a level that she couldn’t string together a cohesive sentence (six months later she won the 1st place award in her speech category). Do you know anybody who has had similar experience?

In my education journey, I have coached numerous teens on conquering their fear of public speaking and coming out with higher self-esteem and helping them apply this critical skill to practical applications (college interviews, presentation at competitions etc.). With structure, exposure to speaking opportunities and guidance on communication strategies, so far over 450 student have made significant strides towards becoming confident speakers.