Lesson Plan
Confident Voice Coaching
Students will develop individual public speaking confidence and clarity, focusing on overcoming stage fright and articulating points effectively.
Public speaking is a crucial life skill. This lesson provides personalized support to help students build confidence and refine their unique speaking style, which can benefit them in academic, professional, and personal settings.
Audience
Middle and High School Students
Time
30-45 minutes
Approach
One-on-one coaching with targeted practice and feedback.
Materials
Confidence Builder Handout, Speech Evaluation Rubric, Mastering Your Delivery, and Practice Speech Prompts
Prep
Review Materials and Prepare Space
15 minutes
- Review the Lesson Plan, Mastering Your Delivery Slide Deck, Practice Speech Prompts Script, Confidence Builder Handout, and Speech Evaluation Rubric.
* Prepare a quiet space for one-on-one coaching.
* Ensure any necessary display equipment for the slide deck is ready.
Step 1
Warm-Up & Goal Setting
5-7 minutes
- Begin with a brief check-in to assess the student's current feelings about public speaking.
* Discuss specific goals for the session, using the Confidence Builder Handout to identify areas of focus.
* Introduce the agenda for the session.
Step 2
Mastering Your Delivery Overview
10-12 minutes
- Go through the Mastering Your Delivery Slide Deck to cover key concepts such as body language, vocal variety, and engaging your audience.
* Encourage student questions and provide brief examples or demonstrations.
Step 3
Targeted Practice & Feedback
10-15 minutes
- Have the student select a prompt from the Practice Speech Prompts Script or use a prepared short speech.
* The student delivers the speech while the teacher observes and takes notes using the Speech Evaluation Rubric.
* Provide immediate, constructive feedback, focusing on 1-2 key areas identified in the goal-setting phase. Rehearse specific techniques as needed.
Step 4
Reflection & Next Steps
5-7 minutes
- Facilitate a brief reflection on what the student learned and practiced.
* Discuss strategies for continued practice outside of the session.
* Assign a small 'challenge' or focus point for their next speaking opportunity. Review the Confidence Builder Handout to track progress.
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Slide Deck
Speak Up! Mastering Your Delivery
Unlock your confident voice and captivate your audience!
Welcome the student and check in on their comfort level with public speaking. Explain that this session is about giving them tools to feel more confident and clear.
Body Language: Speak Without Words
- Stand Tall: Good posture shows confidence.
- Eye Contact: Connect with your audience.
- Hand Gestures: Use them naturally to emphasize points.
- Move with Purpose: Avoid pacing nervously; use movement to engage.
Introduce the idea that public speaking is more than just words. It's about how you present yourself.
Vocal Variety: Your Voice is Your Tool
- Pace: Not too fast, not too slow.
- Volume: Be heard, but don't shout.
- Pitch: Vary your tone to keep it interesting.
- Pauses: Use them for emphasis and to let ideas sink in.
Explain how different vocal techniques can change the impact of a speech. Encourage them to try out different tones or speeds.
Engaging Your Audience: Make Them Listen
- Start Strong: Hook them from the beginning.
- Tell Stories: Make your points relatable.
- Ask Rhetorical Questions: Get them thinking.
- Be Yourself: Authenticity is key!
Discuss ways to make the audience feel involved, even if it's just one person. Ask them what kind of speakers they find engaging.
Putting It All Together: Practice Makes Perfect
Remember:
- Confident Body Language
- Varied Vocal Delivery
- Engaging Storytelling
Every time you practice, you get better!
Summarize the key takeaways and remind them that practice is the most important part.
Script
Practice Speech Prompts
Choose one of the following prompts for your practice speech. Remember, the goal is to practice your delivery and clarity, not necessarily to create a perfect speech. You will have a few minutes to think, then you'll deliver your speech for 1-2 minutes.
Prompt 1: Share Your Passion
- Think about something you are passionate about – a hobby, a subject in school, a cause, a type of food, a video game, anything! Prepare a short speech to convince someone else why they should be passionate about it too. Explain what it is, why you love it, and why they might enjoy it.
Prompt 2: If I Ruled the World (or just my school!)
- Imagine you are in charge of your school for one day. What is one rule or change you would implement? Deliver a speech explaining your proposed change, why it's needed, and what positive impact it would have on the students or school community.
Prompt 3: A Day in the Life of...
- Describe a typical day in the life of an unusual or fictional character, or even an object. For example,
Journal
Confidence Builder Handout: My Public Speaking Journey
This handout is for you to reflect on your public speaking experiences and track your growth. There are no right or wrong answers, just honest thoughts.
Before My Speech Practice:
- On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = not nervous at all, 5 = extremely nervous), how nervous do you feel about giving a speech right now?
- What is one specific worry you have about public speaking today?
- What is one goal you have for this practice session? (e.g.,
Rubric
Speech Evaluation Rubric
Student Name: _________________________ Date: _____________
Speech Prompt/Topic: _________________________________________________
Use this rubric to assess the student's practice speech. Provide constructive feedback in the comments section to support their growth.
I. Delivery & Presence
| Criteria | 1 (Needs Development) | 2 (Developing) | 3 (Proficient) | 4 (Exemplary) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Language | Appears stiff, fidgety, or disengaged. | Shows some awareness, but needs more natural posture/gestures. | Maintains generally confident posture and uses some natural gestures. | Confident posture, purposeful movement, and natural, effective gestures. | |
| Eye Contact | Avoids eye contact or stares at one spot. | Makes limited eye contact with the listener. | Makes consistent, appropriate eye contact. | Consistently engages with eye contact, connecting effectively with the listener. | |
| Vocal Variety | Monotone, too soft, too loud, or very fast/slow. | Shows some variation, but could be more dynamic. | Generally clear and audible with some vocal variation. | Voice is expressive, clear, audible, and uses effective pace and tone. |
II. Content & Clarity
| Criteria | 1 (Needs Development) | 2 (Developing) | 3 (Proficient) | 4 (Exemplary) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity of Message | Message is unclear, disorganized, or hard to follow. | Message is somewhat clear but lacks strong organization. | Message is clear and generally easy to follow. | Message is exceptionally clear, focused, and well-organized. | |
| Articulation | Mumbles or mispronounces words frequently. | Some words are unclear; occasional mispronunciations. | Generally clear articulation and pronunciation. | Consistently articulates words clearly and pronounces them correctly. |
III. Engagement
| Criteria | 1 (Needs Development) | 2 (Developing) | 3 (Proficient) | 4 (Exemplary) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audience Connection | Shows little attempt to connect with the listener. | Attempts to connect, but efforts are inconsistent. | Generally connects with the listener throughout the speech. | Actively and successfully connects with the listener, creating strong engagement. |
Overall Feedback & Next Steps:
What did the student do well today? (Strengths)
What is one area for improvement for their next speech practice? (Goal)
Specific strategies or tips for their next practice: