15 Public speaking tips for kids

15 Tips to Make Your Kids Confident Public Speakers

Every parent wants their child to step onto any stage real or imagined with confidence, clarity, and charisma. Speaking well in public doesn’t just mean talking to a crowd it’s about clarity of thought, confidence in expression, and the ability to connect with listeners. Whether it’s sharing a project in class, introducing themselves in a group, or participating in a debate, strong speaking skills are life-enriching and empowering.

Here are 15 practical, parent-friendly tips, blending everyday techniques with structured learning, to help your child become a confident public speaker.

1. Start Small with Daily Conversations 

Begin at home your living room is the perfect stage. Ask open-ended questions to prompt thoughtful answers:

• "What was the best part of your day and why?"

• "How did you solve that puzzle/game?"

• "Tell me your plan for tomorrow."

These casual, routine conversations help children practice verbal expression without pressure. Over time, they learn to think through their words clearly and organize their thoughts foundational skills for public speaking.

2. Encourage Storytelling

Storytelling builds structure and creativity. It improves coherence, vocabulary, and expressiveness.

Try this activity:
Ask your child to tell you a story real or imagined in three parts: beginning, middle, and end. Encourage details: Who’s in the story? What happens? How does it resolve?

For example:

• Beginning: "My pet hamster, Nibble, found a map."

• Middle: "He followed it into the garden and saw a treasure chest."

• End: "It was full of sunflower seeds, and he shared them with his friends."

Having a narrative structure gives kids a built-in roadmap perfect for speaking with flow and interest.

3. Use the Mirror Technique

Practicing in front of a mirror helps kids become aware of non-verbal cues.

• Let them look at their posture, facial expressions, and gestures.

• They can try smiling while speaking or practice raising a hand for emphasis.

• It reinforces self-awareness and builds comfort with seeing themselves present content.

This visual self-feedback loop adds depth to their delivery and helps them avoid distractions like fidgeting.

4. Record and Review

Recording a speech even a minute long can be incredibly insightful.

How to do it:

1. Pick a topic (favorite toy, last trip, school pet).

2. Record them speaking about it for 1–2 minutes.

3. Watch together:

   • Praise strengths (“You spoke so clearly!”)

   • Gently point out areas to improve (“Let’s speak a little slower here.”)

It builds self-awareness, promotes self-reviewing habits, and shows tangible progress.

5. Enroll in a Public Speaking Course

Structured programs provide practice and expert feedback making them invaluable.

PlanetSpark’s approach includes:

• 1:1 live sessions with trained coaches

• Activities like role-play, debates, and short speeches

• Constructive feedback on voice, body language, and clarity

Professional guidance boosts confidence faster than ad hoc methods and ensures consistent improvement.

6. Celebrate Small Wins

Speech milestones, however small, deserve recognition:

• Speaking clearly for 30 seconds

• Trying out a story summary

• Finishing a video recording of a speech

Highlight their effort:

• “Wow, I could hear every word you said!”

• “Your structure was so clear great job!”

Positive reinforcement builds motivation, confidence, and the courage to keep improving.

7. Play Word and Vocabulary Games

Vocabulary and thinking-on-your-feet skills are crucial for public speaking.

Game ideas:

• 20 Questions: Guess the object with yes/no questions.

• Taboo: Describe a word without saying key vocabulary.

• Word Chain: Each person says a word that begins with the last letter of the previous word.

These sharpen thinking, boost vocabulary, and train spontaneity essential for impromptu speaking.

8. Encourage Participation in School Activities

Real-world experience is golden.

• Encourage joining the school debate or elocution team.

• Volunteer for segments in class like news, announcements, or story-reading.

• These small exposures help normalize speaking in a group, build resilience, and create real feedback loops.

Over time, stage anxiety turns into stage readiness.

9. Teach Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Nervousness can block clear voice and concentration. Teach:

• Belly breathing: Breathe deeply into the stomach, hold for count 3, slowly exhale.

• Balance breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 4.

Practice daily:

• Before bedtime

• Before assignments

• Before presentations

Regular breathing exercises build calm, composure, and a steady voice.

10. Use Positive Body Language Exercises

Words are half the story non-verbal cues make the rest.

• Teach confident posture stand tall, feet shoulder-width apart.

• Practice making eye contact with a toy or imaginary audience.

• Encourage open gestures: use hands thoughtfully, avoid crossing arms.

• Smiles matter warm and friendly tone builds connection.

Role-play presentations to practice visual storytelling through body language.

11. Expose Them to Great Speakers

Role models ignite ambition.

• Watch TED Talks by talented young speakers.

• Look online for student speech contests age appropriate and inspiring.

• Podcasts or short children's speeches can model diction, pacing, and style.

Discuss what made the speaker effective:

• “I liked how she paused for effect.”

• “He used fun stories to keep it interesting.”

This builds awareness of effective speaking dynamics.

12. Give Them an Audience

Reading to relatives, stuffed toys, or video chatting with family simulates a real audience.

• Set up a “mini-show” with siblings or toys.

• Record the session; it heightens presence and improves memorization.

• It simulates real-world stages, an important growth experience.

13. Create a ‘Speech Journal’

Building structure through writing supports speaking.

• Have your child write simple speech drafts: topic, main idea, supporting points.

• Example:

  • Topic: My favorite animal

  • Intro: “I love elephants because…”

  • Point 1: Big hearts

  • Point 2: Strong and smart

  • Conclusion: “They teach me that…”

Writing fosters clarity, organization, and confidence when speaking out loud.

14. Practice Impromptu Speaking

Thinking on the spot builds confidence and agility.

Try surprise prompts:

• “If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?”

• “Explain how to make your favorite sandwich to someone who’s never seen one.”

• “Tell a short story using three randomly chosen words.”

Start with 30-second responses, gradually extend to 1–2 minutes. These short drills boost relaxation and ingenuity in front of any audience.

15. Model Confidence Yourself

Children learn by mimicking.

• Speak clearly and confidently at home while reading, speaking on calls, or expressing opinions.

• Let them see how you prepare notes, practice, pause.

• Explain: “I’m a bit nervous before speaking, so I take a deep breath first.”

By including them in your process, you demystify public speaking and teach resilience by example.

Bringing It All Together

Here’s a sample 4-week plan to put these tips into practice:

Week 1 – Foundations

• Daily storytelling at home

• Mirror practice (1x daily)

• Play vocabulary game twice

Week 2 – Recording & Writing

• Record and review 1 brief speech

• Start speech journal (2 entries)

• Teach belly breathing (twice daily)

Week 3 – Real Audiences & Participation

• Perform for family/stuffed toys

• Join a class activity (elocution, sharing)

• Watch a TED-style video together

Week 4 – Impromptu & Expert Support

• Impromptu speech drills (3 times)

• Positive body language practice (video teachback)

• Optional: Enrol in a trial live public speaking session

Book a Free Trial Class for Your Child 

FAQs – Public Speaking for Kids

Q1. What age is best to start public speaking classes for kids?
Children as young as 5–6 years can begin learning basic speaking skills like storytelling and show-and-tell. Early exposure helps reduce fear and builds natural confidence.

Q2. What does PlanetSpark’s Public Speaking course include?
It includes structured modules on storytelling, speech writing, extempore, debates, and stage presence. Kids also work on voice modulation, gestures, and confidence building.

Q3. How is the PlanetSpark course different from school activities?
While schools provide limited opportunities, PlanetSpark offers regular, personalized coaching, structured curriculum, and real-world practice—all guided by expert trainers.

Q4. My child is shy will this course help?
Absolutely. Our trainers specialize in working with introverted or shy kids and gradually help them become confident speakers in a supportive environment.

Q5. Is there a free trial available?
Yes, you can book a free public speaking trial class to experience our program before enrolling.

Why PlanetSpark Helps Accelerate Progress

Parents often get stuck: despite effort, consistent strides need more structure, fresh ideas, and expert guidance. That’s where PlanetSpark fills the gap.

• Personalised 1:1 coaching prevents overwhelm in group settings.

• Structured curriculum ensures each session builds on the last.

• Interactive tasks debates, role-plays, and storytelling keep kids engaged.

• Real-world exposure through contests and webinars adds motivation.

• Progress tracking makes wins visible and growth measurable.

Conclusion

Confident public speaking is more than presenting it’s thinking clearly, standing tall, making eye contact, and connecting meaningfully. The 15 tips outlined here span everyday practice, written preparation, body language, and mindset.

With daily conversations, reflection, celebration, and expert support, parents become the ultimate speech coaches. Your child’s voice starts small—but with nurturing, it grows into one that commands pacemaking presence and leadership.