Speak Up: Verbal Power Up - Teacher Script

Introduction & Warm-Up: Confidence Check-in (5 minutes)

(Display Slide 1: "Speak Up: Your Voice Matters!")

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Welcome. Today, we're going to talk about something incredibly important for school and beyond: professional communication. Specifically, we'll focus on how to 'speak up' with confidence and clarity.

To start, I want you to think for a moment. Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to say something, share an idea, or ask a question, but you hesitated? Maybe you felt nervous, or unsure how to phrase it? Give me a nod if that sounds familiar." (Pause for responses/nods)

"Why do you think it's important to be able to communicate clearly and confidently, especially in a group setting or a more formal interaction, like an interview? Take a minute to jot down one thought."

"Great. Let's hear a few ideas. What are some reasons why speaking up effectively is a valuable skill?" (Call on 2-3 students, encouraging them to elaborate slightly.)

"Excellent points! Whether it's a job interview, a group project, or presenting an idea, making your voice heard clearly and confidently is a 'verbal power-up' for your future. Today, we're going to learn how to do just that."

What is Professional Communication? (5 minutes)

(Display Slide 2: "What is Professional Communication?")

"So, what exactly is professional communication? It's more than just talking. When we talk about professional communication, we're focusing on three key elements: it needs to be clear and concise, respectful and appropriate, and delivered with confidence.

Think about it: in a job interview, you want to get your message across directly, right? You also want to be polite and serious. And you want to sound like you believe in what you're saying! This applies to so many areas: school presentations, group work, even just asking your boss a question someday."

Clarity is Key! (7 minutes)

(Display Slide 3: "Clarity is Key!")

"Let's dive into making your message super clear. Nobody wants to listen to someone who mumbles or races through their words. So, here are some tips:

• Slow Down: It sounds simple, but many of us speed up when we're nervous. Take a breath, and consciously slow your pace.
• Enunciate: That means speaking clearly, making sure each word is distinct. Imagine you're trying to share a secret with someone across the room – you wouldn't mumble!
• Organize Your Thoughts: Before you speak, take a quick second. What's the main point? What evidence do you have? A mental outline helps so much.
• Avoid Filler Words: We all do it – 'um,' 'like,' 'you know.' These can be distracting. Try pausing instead of filling the silence with a filler word.

One of the best ways to get better at this? Practice! Try reading a paragraph aloud, or even record yourself talking and listen back. It might feel awkward at first, but it makes a huge difference."

Boost Your Confidence! (7 minutes)

(Display Slide 4: "Boost Your Confidence!")

"Now, for confidence. This is often the biggest hurdle. But confidence isn't just about feeling brave; it's about appearing brave, which in turn helps you feel braver. Here are some ways to boost your confidence when speaking:

• Eye Contact: When you talk, look at people. Not a creepy stare, but make eye contact with different individuals in the group. It shows you're engaged and confident.
• Posture: Stand or sit up straight. Open up your body language. It makes you feel, and look, more confident.
• Voice Volume: Speak loud enough so everyone can hear you without straining. If you're too quiet, your message gets lost.
• Tone: Your tone of voice can say a lot. Aim for an approachable, engaged, and professional tone.

Remember, practice builds confidence. The more you put yourself out there, the easier it becomes."

Listen Actively, Speak Thoughtfully (5 minutes)

(Display Slide 5: "Listen Actively, Speak Thoughtfully")

"Communication is a two-way street. Being a great speaker also means being a great listener. When others are speaking, make sure you:

• Pay Attention: Really hear what they're saying, not just waiting for your turn to talk.
• Don't Interrupt: It can be rude and disruptive. Wait for a natural pause.
• Ask Clarifying Questions: If something isn't clear, ask. 'Could you elaborate on that point?' or 'So, if I understand correctly, you're saying...?'
• Connect Your Thoughts: When you do speak, try to connect your ideas to what has already been said. This shows you're listening and contributing to the conversation."

Time to Practice: Role-Play! (10 minutes)

(Display Slide 6: "Time to Practice: Role-Play!")

"Alright, it's time to put these skills into action! We're going to do a quick role-play activity. I'll divide you into small groups.

Each group will receive a Role-Play Scenarios (Activity). Your task is to act out the scenario, focusing on applying the tips we just discussed: clarity, confidence, active listening, and thoughtful speaking. This is a safe space to try things out and make mistakes! Learn from each other.

I'll give you about 7 minutes to work through your scenario, and then we'll briefly share what you learned."

(Distribute Role-Play Scenarios (Activity). Monitor groups, provide feedback and support as needed.)

(After 7 minutes)

"Okay, let's bring it back together. What did you notice during your role-plays? Was it easy to apply these tips? What was challenging? What did you learn from your group members?" (Facilitate a brief discussion.)

Keep Speaking Up! (6 minutes)

(Display Slide 7: "Keep Speaking Up!")

"Fantastic work, everyone. Remember, building strong communication skills is a journey. It takes practice and self-awareness.

• Clarity plus Confidence equals effective professional communication.
• Keep practicing these skills in all your interactions – in class, with your friends, and at home.
• Your voice is important, and learning how to use it effectively is a superpower!

For your next steps, please take a few minutes to complete the Reflection Journal (Journal) and then the Exit Ticket to summarize your learning." (Distribute Reflection Journal (Journal) and Exit Ticket (Cool-Down).)

Role-Play Scenarios: Speak Up!

Objective: To practice verbal professional communication skills in simulated real-world scenarios.

Instructions:

1. Work in your assigned small groups.
2. Read your assigned scenario carefully.
3. Assign roles within your group (e.g., student, teacher, interviewer, peer).
4. Act out the scenario, focusing on applying the communication tips we discussed:
   • Clarity: Speak clearly, slowly, and organize your thoughts.
   • Confidence: Use eye contact, good posture, and appropriate voice volume/tone.
   • Active Listening: Pay attention and respond thoughtfully.
5. After your role-play, discuss within your group:
   • What went well?
   • What was challenging?
   • What did you learn from observing others?

Scenario 1: Group Project Presentation Prep

You and your group members are discussing how to present a challenging part of your history project to the class. One member (Student A) has a strong idea but struggles to articulate it clearly, often getting cut off. Another member (Student B) tends to dominate the conversation. You (Student C) want to ensure everyone's ideas are heard and the presentation is strong.

Roles: Student A (struggles with clarity), Student B (dominates conversation), Student C (facilitator/peacemaker)

Task: Discuss how to best present your challenging project section, ensuring all voices are heard and the final plan is clear.

Scenario 2: Asking for Clarification from a Teacher

You are confused about an assignment's instructions, but the teacher seems busy. You need to ask for clarification without being disruptive or sounding unprepared. Your friend is also confused and might interrupt. You want to politely and effectively get the information you need.

Roles: Student (you), Teacher, Friend (also confused)

Task: Approach the teacher and ask for clarification on the assignment. Your friend may try to interrupt or ask irrelevant questions; practice redirecting respectfully.

Scenario 3: A Quick Interview Question

You are at a school career fair, and a representative from a company you're interested in asks you, "Tell me a little about yourself and why you're interested in our company." You have about 30 seconds to make a good first impression.

Roles: Student (you), Company Representative

Task: Practice a concise and confident answer to the interview question. Focus on clarity and making eye contact.

Reflection Journal: My Verbal Power Up Journey

Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________

Prompt 1: Before the Lesson

Think back to before this lesson. How confident did you feel about speaking up in class, group projects, or in front of adults (like teachers or interviewers)? Describe a situation where you felt hesitant to speak and why.

Prompt 2: Key Takeaways

What was the most important tip or strategy you learned today for improving your professional communication? Why do you think this tip will be helpful for you?

Prompt 3: Role-Play Experience

During the role-play activity, what was one thing you did well when communicating? What was one area where you still feel you need to improve? Be specific.

Prompt 4: Future Application

How will you apply what you learned today in a real-life situation this week or in the near future? Give a specific example.

Confidence Check-in: Speak Up!

Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________

Quick Poll:

On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident do you generally feel about speaking up in the following situations?

(1 = Not at all confident, 5 = Very confident)

1. Sharing an idea during a group discussion:
   1     2     3     4     5

2. Asking a question to a teacher:
   1     2     3     4     5

3. Giving a short presentation:
   1     2     3     4     5

Quick Write:

Think about a time you wanted to speak up but didn't. What held you back? (e.g., fear of judgment, not knowing what to say, feeling shy)

Exit Ticket: Verbal Power Up Reflection

Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________

1. One Key Idea: What is one new idea or strategy you learned today about professional communication?
   
   
   
   

2. One Goal: What is one specific goal you have for yourself to improve your verbal communication in the next week?