Academy for Public Speaking

Teen Speaking Skills Course Content

Teen Speaking Skills courses consist of 8 one hour sessions, which generally meet on a weekly basis.  Class size is limited to a maximum of 15 participants to ensure all students receive an exceptional level of individualized attention and plenty of opportunities to remain actively involved and engaged throughout each class session.

“The Teen Speaking Skills class made my son come out of his shell.  He really impressed me with what he learned and the confidence he now shows.  Kathleen, thanks for your efforts.  We will have him continue the classes.”  Gus Villasenor

Teen & Pre-Teen Speaking Skills – Level One

The Teen Speaking Skills courses empower children to become confident, effective communicators.  Whether your child is shy or expressive, experienced or inexperienced, Teen Speaking Skills provides a unique, safe, and fun learning environment in which your child can practice and enhance his or her communication and leadership skills.

The Pre-Teen Speaking Skills courses are designed specifically for 3rd-6th grade students.  The curriculum covers the same content, but the concepts are presented at an age appropriate cognitive level for students in the upper elementary grade levels.

In addition to writing and delivering several prepared speeches, the students also have opportunities to develop and practice their leadership skills through filling various meeting roles such as President, Timer, and Ah/Um Eliminator.  The following communication skills are also addressed:

The Importance of First Impressions & How to Make Great Ones

Selecting Speech Topics

Speech Structure & Organization – Writing Introductions & Conclusions

Effective Evaluations – Giving & Receiving Constructive Criticism

Building & Projecting Confidence – Confidence is Key!

Non-Verbal Communication – Body Language, Gestures, & Facial Expression

Verbal Communication – Voice Strategies & Techniques

Leveraging Language – Using Your Words Wisely

The Persuasive Process & Persuasive Speaking Skills

“I liked finding out about classmates, learning how to speak comfortably in front of others, and preparing for the classes.  This course was helpful and it let us get familiar with talking freely in front of others.”  Keerti

Teen & Pre-Teen Advanced Class

The Teen & Pre-Teen Advanced courses are only for students who have graduated from Teen Speaking Skills.  These challenging courses build directly upon the knowledge, skills, and confidence the students developed during the first course.

In addition to delivering 5 speech projects, the students have opportunities to enhance their evaluation and leadership skills through providing feedback for their peers and filling various meeting roles.  The following communication skills are addressed:

Dynamic & Dramatic Delivery Strategies

Timing Techniques – Powerful Pauses

Maximizing Vocal Variety – Expression, Volume, Rate, & Pitch

Incorporating Body Language – Facial Expressions, Gestures, & Whole Body Movement

Mastering Memory Techniques

Presenting Jokes without Notes

Impressive Impromptu Speeches & Short Answer Responses

Entertaining Audiences – How to Use Humor

Teen & Pre-Teen Masters Class

The Teen & Pre-Teen Masters Classes are for graduates of the Teen & Pre-Teen Advanced courses.  The Masters class provides opportunities for advanced grads to learn new techniques to deliver more powerful speeches as they continue to improve their confidence, public speaking, and leadership skills.

The Masters class students complete a self evaluation and set individual goals based upon the results of their self assessment. The class lessons are customized based on the specific goals of the students.

The students’ speeches are videotaped for them to review at home. The students learn the 4 Step Review Method, which is one of the most powerful tools for improving your public speaking skills.

The students also learn how to prepare and deliver longer speech projects with an emphasis on incorporating advanced techniques into their speeches.

The Masters class provides additional opportunities for the students to practice their extemporaneous speaking, evaluation, and leadership skills through responding to  impromptu questions, giving speech evaluations, and filling various meeting roles.  The Masters class also reinforces the concepts the students have learned as they practice and refine their skills.

The students also enjoy learning debate terminology and techniques, and they participate in two debates.

Interview Skills

The Interview Skills course is for high school students.  The students learn and practice the following communication skills:

Writing Effective Resumes

Acing Interviews – Preparation & Research

Mock Interviews – Self Presentation & Practice

Appearance & First Impressions

Intelligent Impromptu Responses – How to Impress Others

Elevator Speeches – Communicating Clearly in 30-60 Seconds

Debates with Classmates – Principles for Participation, Preparation, & Presentation

Creating Confident Communicators!

“I am very excited about Kathleen’s Teen Speaking Skills courses and how they help teens and pre-teens build confidence.  I have seen how inspired Kathleen has been in regard to teaching and public speaking.  She has so much to offer the students who participate in her courses.  I had the pleasure of co-teaching with Kathleen for two years.  She is an excellent teacher who is devoted to educating and building confidence in her students.

I have also seen Kathleen exhibit strong leadership skills as a member of Toastmasters International.  Kathleen is highly motivated, organized and thorough.  Her many years of experience as an educator coupled with her active participation in Toastmasters make her the perfect person to educate and build teen and pre-teen confidence in public speaking.”   Angela, Education Specialist for San Diego Unified School District, Member of Toastmasters International