Life at PlanetSpark

Sun, 10 Aug, 2025

Is Public Speaking Just a Fancy Add-On? Here’s What Happened When My 13-Year-Old Tried PlanetSpark

I used to think public speaking was one of those “nice to have” skills. You know, like learning the guitar or joining a robotics club. Cool, but not essential. Especially for a 13-year-old who already had school, homework, and cricket practice.

But then came the school debate competition.

My son, who’s usually chatty at home and full of opinions, froze. He didn’t sign up. Said he “wasn’t ready.” And when I asked why, he just shrugged and said, “I don’t know what to say in front of people.”

That’s when it hit me—he didn’t lack ideas. He lacked the confidence to express them.

So we started looking for something that could help. Not a tutor. Not a crash course. Just something that could help him speak up, clearly and confidently. That’s when we found PlanetSpark.

Click Here To Book Your Free Demo

🧑‍🏫 First Impressions: Not Just Another Class

I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure what to expect. Online classes can be hit or miss. But the first session felt different.

His mentor didn’t jump into speeches or grammar drills. She asked him about his favorite sport, what he’d do if he were Prime Minister for a day, and even made him do a fun voice exercise where he had to narrate a cricket match like a commentator.

He laughed. He spoke. He didn’t feel judged.

That was a win already.

📅 Week 1 to Week 4: Small Steps, Big Shifts

The first few weeks were all about warming up. They covered:

  • How to structure a speech
  • Voice modulation (which he found hilarious at first)
  • Eye contact and posture
  • How to open and close a talk

He started practicing in front of the mirror. Sometimes even in front of me, which was rare.

One evening, he asked, “Do you think I should start with a question or a story?”
I blinked. This was the same kid who once said, “I don’t know what to say.”

🧠 Teacher Feedback That Actually Helped

His mentor, Riya ma’am, was amazing. She didn’t just say “good job” or “needs improvement.” She gave real, thoughtful feedback.

Here’s a snippet from one of her weekly updates:

“He’s beginning to use pauses effectively. Still a bit rushed during transitions, but his storytelling is improving. Loved his take on ‘Why Homework Should Be Optional’—very expressive!”

Another time she said:

“He’s more confident in group sessions now. Took the lead during a mock debate and even helped a quieter student speak up.”

That kind of feedback made me feel like someone really understood my child—not just his speaking skills, but his personality.

🎙️ The Turning Point: A Speech on Climate Change

Around week 6, he had to prepare a 2-minute speech on climate change. He researched, wrote it himself, and practiced for two days straight.

When he delivered it in class, his mentor said:

“That was powerful. You used facts, emotion, and a strong closing line. You’re ready for a bigger audience.”

He was glowing. I hadn’t seen him this proud of himself in a long time.

🏫 School Started Noticing Too

At the next school assembly, his teacher asked if anyone wanted to volunteer for a short talk on kindness.
He raised his hand.

He spoke for 90 seconds. No script. Just his thoughts.
His teacher later told me, “He’s come out of his shell. We’re seeing a new side of him.”

That was the moment I knew—public speaking isn’t just a fancy add-on. It’s a core skill. One that helps kids express, lead, and connect.

💬 What My Son Says About It

I asked him recently, “Do you like the classes?”

He said, “Yeah. It’s not like school. They actually listen. And I get to say what I think.”

That’s all I needed to hear.

He’s not just learning to speak. He’s learning to think out loud. To organize his thoughts. To listen to others. To disagree respectfully.

🧩 What PlanetSpark Does Right

Here’s what I think makes PlanetSpark work:

✅ 1. Personalized Mentorship

His mentor knows when to push and when to pause. She adapts based on his energy and mood. That’s rare.

✅ 2. Structured Curriculum

It’s not random. Each week builds on the last. From storytelling to debate to extempore—it’s all planned.

✅ 3. Real-Time Feedback

Not just “you did well.” But “try this next time.” That’s what helps kids grow.

✅ 4. Safe Space

No judgment. No pressure. Just encouragement. That’s what helped my son open up.

Click Here To Book Your Free Demo

🧒 What Changed in My Child

  • He speaks up in class
  • He asks questions at home
  • He explains his opinions with clarity
  • He’s more confident in social settings
  • He even corrects my grammar sometimes (not always politely 😅)

❤️ Final Thoughts From a Parent Who Wasn’t Sure

I used to think public speaking was for future CEOs or aspiring politicians.
Now I think it’s for every child who has something to say—but doesn’t know how to say it.

PlanetSpark didn’t just teach my son to speak.
It taught him to believe that his voice matters.

And that belief? That’s the real win.

 

No matter what type of learner your child is, PlanetSpark helps set your child up for success by providing online classes with a curriculum that's designed to develop essential skills to make your child future-ready.

traits

No matter what type of learner your child is, PlanetSpark helps set your child up for success by providing online classes with a curriculum that's designed to develop essential skills to make your child future-ready.

traits

No matter what type of learner your child is, PlanetSpark helps set your child up for success by providing online classes with a curriculum that's designed to develop essential skills to make your child future-ready.

traits