Launch: Public speaking or performing in front of a crowd
Launch: Public speaking or performing in front of a crowd [∞]
Public Speaking or Performing in Front of a Crowd (10-15 minutes)
Objective:
To help learners build confidence in public speaking or performing by addressing common fears and discovering strategies to connect with their audience.
Preparation (Before the Launch):
- Media Resource: Select a short video (2-3 minutes) that highlights a successful public speaking or performance moment, especially one that emphasizes overcoming fear. Example: Kid President’s Pep Talk to Teachers and Students (3:27).
- Arrange seating for discussion, ensuring learners feel comfortable and included.
Launch Outline
1. Opening (2-3 minutes)
- Play the selected media clip. If using Kid President’s Pep Talk [1], introduce it by saying:
“We’re going to watch Kid President—a young speaker who shows us that even small voices can make a big impact.”
- After the video, ask:
“What made this talk or performance memorable? What do you think helped the speaker connect with the audience?”
2. Introduction to the Topic (2 minutes)
- Share this insight:
“Speaking or performing in front of a crowd can feel nerve-wracking. But here’s a secret: even the best speakers and performers feel nervous! The key is learning how to work with those feelings and focus on your message or performance. Let’s explore how we can do that.”
3. A/B Socratic Questions (5-7 minutes)
Pose these A/B questions, encouraging learners to reflect and share their thoughts.
- Facing Nerves:
- Option A: Nervousness is a bad thing and shows I’m not ready.
- Option B: Nervousness is normal and means I care about doing well.
“How can nervousness help you instead of holding you back?”
- Connection vs. Perfection:
- Option A: A great performance means being perfect and not making mistakes.
- Option B: A great performance means connecting with the audience, even if it’s not perfect.
“What do you think audiences care about more: perfection or connection? Why?”
- Practice and Growth:
- Option A: Great speakers are born talented.
- Option B: Great speakers get better by practicing and learning.
“What role does preparation play in building confidence?”
- Recovering from Mistakes:
- Option A: If I make a mistake, my performance is ruined.
- Option B: If I make a mistake, I can recover and keep going.
“How might mistakes actually make a performance feel more authentic or real?”
4. Reflection and Takeaway (3-5 minutes)
- Reflection Prompt: Ask learners to reflect silently:
“Think about a time you had to speak or perform in front of others. What did you do well? What could you try differently next time to feel more confident?”
- Group Share: Invite a few learners to share their reflections or strategies they’ve used to overcome nerves.
- Challenge for the Week:
“This week, if you get the chance to speak or perform, focus on one thing: connecting with your audience, not being perfect. Remember, your voice and story matter.”
Optional Activity (if time allows):
- 30-Second Speeches or Performances:Invite learners to share a quick message or act in front of the group. Encourage them to focus on connection, not perfection. Example: “Tell us your favorite hobby and why you love it.”Here’s a list of silly topics that will have the students laughing while still practicing their public speaking skills:
- What would you do if you woke up and were suddenly a llama?
- How to convince a dog to go on vacation with you.
- The best way to communicate with aliens using only dance moves.
- If you were a pizza topping, which one would you be and why?
- How to survive a day in a world where everyone speaks in rhymes.
- Explain how to become best friends with a robot.
- What would you do if your shoes started talking to you?
- The ultimate guide to training a pet rock.
- If you could invent a new holiday, what would it be and how would people celebrate it?
- Describe the adventures of a sock that’s lost its partner.
- If you were the ruler of the world for one day, what’s the first law you’d make?
- Why cows are secretly plotting to take over the world.
- How to convince your parents to let you live in a treehouse forever.
- Explain how to make the perfect sandwich using only unusual ingredients (e.g., spaghetti, marshmallows, pickles).
- What would your superhero name be and what would your superpower do?
- How to throw a party for invisible guests.
- What happens when penguins start running their own businesses?
- How to teach a goldfish how to play soccer.
- The secret life of your backpack.
- What’s the best way to prank your shadow?
