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Speak with Confidence

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Cheri Cluff

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Speak with Confidence

Manage anxiety in public speaking

This lesson aims to help high-level high school English learners manage anxiety related to public speaking and presentations. By using a combination of trauma-informed teaching, active learning, and collaborative strategies, students will engage in activities that build confidence and reduce anxiety. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills for academic success and future career opportunities, fostering a supportive environment for all learners, including those who speak Portuguese.

Audience

High-level HS English learners

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Trauma-Informed Teaching, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning, Experiential Learning, Game-Based Learning, Project-Based Learning

Materials

Discussion Questions, Worksheet: Anxiety Management Techniques, Worksheet: Public Speaking Strategies and Hints, Quiz: Public Speaking Strategies, Exit Ticket: Reflection on Anxiety Management, Handout: Tips for Public Speaking, and Printable Cards: Role-Playing Scenarios

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Welcome students and introduce the lesson's objective: managing anxiety in public speaking.
  • Briefly discuss the importance of public speaking skills in academic and professional settings.

Step 2

Discussion

10 mins

  • Conduct a discussion using the provided questions to explore students' feelings about public speaking.
  • Encourage students to share their experiences and coping strategies.

Step 3

Activity: Role-Playing

15 mins

  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Assign each group a scenario where they must present a topic to the class.
  • Encourage students to practice their presentations within their groups, focusing on managing anxiety.

Step 4

Worksheet Completion

10 mins

  • Distribute the 'Anxiety Management Techniques' worksheet.
  • Have students complete the worksheet individually, reflecting on strategies they can use to manage anxiety.

Step 5

Worksheet: Strategies and Hints

5 mins

  • Distribute the 'Public Speaking Strategies and Hints' worksheet.
  • Review the strategies and hints with the class, discussing how they can be applied in real-life situations.

Step 6

Quiz and Exit Ticket

5 mins

  • Administer the 'Public Speaking Strategies' quiz to assess understanding.
  • Have students complete the exit ticket, reflecting on what they learned about managing anxiety.

Step 7

Closure

5 mins

  • Recap the key points discussed in the lesson.
  • Encourage students to apply the strategies learned in future presentations.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions

A set of questions to guide a discussion on public speaking anxiety and strategies to manage it.

What makes you anxious about public speaking?

Encourage students to share personal experiences and feelings.







What strategies have you used to manage anxiety in the past?

Discuss various techniques and their effectiveness.







How can we support each other in reducing public speaking anxiety?

Promote a supportive classroom environment.







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Worksheet

Anxiety Management Techniques

A worksheet to help students identify and reflect on techniques to manage public speaking anxiety.

List three techniques you can use to manage anxiety before a presentation.

Consider breathing exercises, visualization, and positive self-talk.







Describe a time when you successfully managed anxiety. What did you do?

Reflect on past experiences and strategies used.







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Worksheet

Public Speaking Strategies and Hints

A worksheet providing a list of strategies and hints for high school adolescents to use for public speaking.

Review the following strategies for managing public speaking anxiety:

  • Practice regularly
  • Use positive visualization
  • Focus on your message, not yourself
  • Engage with your audience
  • Breathe deeply and slowly

These strategies can help reduce anxiety and improve performance.







Which strategy do you think will be most helpful for you? Why?

Consider your personal experiences and preferences.







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Quiz

Public Speaking Strategies

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Quiz

Exit Ticket: Reflection on Anxiety Management

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Reading

Tips for Public Speaking

A handout providing practical tips for students to improve their public speaking skills and manage anxiety effectively.

Tips for Public Speaking

  1. Know Your Material: Be familiar with your topic and practice your speech multiple times.
  2. Organize Your Content: Structure your speech with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
  3. Practice Deep Breathing: Use deep breathing techniques to calm your nerves before speaking.
  4. Visualize Success: Imagine yourself speaking confidently and successfully.
  5. Engage with Your Audience: Make eye contact and interact with your audience to build rapport.
  6. Focus on Your Message: Concentrate on the content of your speech rather than your anxiety.
  7. Use Positive Self-Talk: Encourage yourself with positive affirmations before and during your speech.
  8. Start with a Smile: Begin your presentation with a smile to set a positive tone.
  9. Pace Yourself: Speak slowly and clearly to ensure your message is understood.
  10. Seek Feedback: After your presentation, ask for feedback to improve your skills.
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Worksheet

Role-Playing Scenarios

Printable cards with various public speaking scenarios for students to practice in groups.




Scenario 1: Present a new school policy to the student council.







Scenario 2: Give a speech about your favorite hobby to a group of classmates.







Scenario 3: Explain a scientific concept to a younger audience.







Scenario 4: Persuade your peers to join a new club or activity.







Scenario 5: Share a personal story that taught you an important lesson.







Scenario 6: Present a book report to the class.







Scenario 7: Lead a discussion on a current event.







Scenario 8: Introduce a guest speaker at a school event.




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