Public Speaking Ideas for Kids

Public speaking is an essential skill that benefits children in countless ways, from building confidence to improving communication abilities. Developing public speaking skills at an early age can help kids express their thoughts clearly, engage with others and boost their overall self-esteem. Whether your child is shy or loves the spotlight, teaching them the basics of public speaking can open doors to exciting opportunities in school and beyond.

Here are some fun and practical public speaking ideas that will help kids feel more comfortable and confident in front of an audience.

1. Start Small with Storytelling

Storytelling is a fantastic way to introduce children to public speaking. Kids naturally enjoy telling stories, whether it's about their day at school, a family trip or an imaginary adventure. Encourage your child to tell their story to family members or friends. You can also have them read a favorite book out loud, focusing on clear pronunciation and expression. Storytelling allows them to practice speaking without the pressure of formal speeches, making it an easy and fun first step.

2. Show-and-Tell

Show-and-tell is a classic exercise that fosters public speaking skills in a comfortable, familiar setting. Have your child choose an object they love—a toy, a book or a piece of art—and present it to an audience. Encourage them to explain why the object is special, how it works or where it came from. This activity helps children practice organising their thoughts and speaking confidently in front of others.

3. Debate Club for Kids

Debates aren’t just for high school or college students—kids can benefit from learning how to present their opinions, too! Start with simple topics like "Which is better: dogs or cats?" or "Should school be longer or shorter?" Teach your child how to structure their thoughts with a clear beginning, middle and end, and to listen respectfully to others. This develops critical thinking and helps strengthen their public speaking skills by encouraging them to communicate their ideas persuasively.

4. Speech Writing Practice

Once your child is comfortable with storytelling and presenting simple ideas, challenge them to write a short speech on a topic they are passionate about. Help them outline their main points and practice delivering their speech aloud. This will enhance their ability to organise information and boost their speaking abilities. Writing their speech will also help them feel more prepared and confident when it's time to speak in front of an audience.

5. Play Public Speaking Games

Make public speaking fun with interactive games like “Talk for a Minute,” where the goal is to speak on a given topic without stopping or repeating oneself for one full minute. Another fun option is “Pass the Mic,” where kids take turns speaking about random topics. These games help children think on their feet and develop spontaneity in their speaking style, all while having fun.

6. Join a Public Speaking Course

If your child shows an interest in further developing their public speaking skills, enrolling them in a public speaking course designed for kids can be incredibly beneficial. These courses offer expert guidance and structured activities to help children practice public speaking in a supportive environment. In addition, your child will learn valuable techniques like voice modulation, body language and how to engage their audience. These are skills that can benefit them in school presentations, competitions and social interactions.

Learning with Reading Eggs & Mathseeds

Reading Eggs and Mathseeds is an interactive learning program designed to improve literacy and math skills but they also support the development of communication abilities. Through activities like reading aloud, answering questions and explaining solutions, children naturally practice their basic speaking skills in an engaging and low-pressure environment. This program offers children the chance to build their confidence in speaking while learning foundational skills that benefit them across subjects.

Conclusion

Helping children develop strong public speaking skills from a young age sets the foundation for lifelong confidence and success. Whether it’s through playful storytelling, participating in group discussions or enrolling in a public speaking course, kids can learn to express themselves clearly and with confidence. With patience and practice, any child can become a confident, articulate speaker!