Syllabus: Bold Voices, Bright Futures
Course Overview:
This professional development series aims to equip educators with the skills and strategies needed to help students of all grade levels develop confidence in public speaking. The sessions will focus on guiding students to articulate their stories, express their dreams, and present their plans for bright futures. The series culminates in a student-led event where participants showcase their speaking skills.
Session 1: Building Confidence in Student Voices
Objective: Help students discover and trust their unique voices.
Topics:
Overcoming fear of public speaking
The importance of personal narratives
Creating a safe space for self-expression
Activities:
Icebreaker speaking exercises
Group discussions on personal experiences
Reflective journaling
Deliverables: Educators design a confidence-building speaking activity for their classroom
Session 2: Crafting Personal Narratives
Objective: Guide students in shaping their personal stories.
Topics:
Storytelling structure and techniques
Identifying key life moments and lessons
Writing and editing narratives
Activities:
Storytelling workshops
Peer review sessions
Group practice presentations
Deliverables: Lesson plan for a storytelling workshop
Session 3: Developing Persuasive and Inspirational Speeches
Objective: Teach students to inspire and influence through speech.
Topics:
Elements of persuasive speaking
Writing speeches that motivate and captivate
Emphasizing dreams and future goals
Activities:
Persuasive speech writing exercises
Small group speech presentations
Peer feedback
Deliverables: Draft of a persuasive speech template for classroom use
Session 4: Enhancing Delivery and Presentation Skills
Objective: Strengthen students' speaking delivery and body language.
Topics:
Voice projection, pacing, and tone
Effective use of body language and gestures
Overcoming nervousness
Activities:
Voice and articulation exercises
Video recording and self-assessment
Partner coaching and feedback
Deliverables: Classroom checklist for assessing speech delivery skills
Session 5: Preparing for Live Audiences
Objective: Prepare students to speak confidently in front of large audiences.
Topics:
Engaging audiences of different sizes
Managing stage presence and using visual aids
Handling Q&A sessions effectively
Activities:
Mock audience presentations
Group feedback sessions
Role-playing Q&A scenarios
Deliverables: Plan for organizing a classroom speaking event
Session 6: Culminating Student Speaking Event
Objective: Organize and facilitate a student-led event to showcase their public speaking growth.
Topics:
Event planning and promotion
Supporting students in final speech preparations
Celebrating student achievements
Activities:
Rehearsals and final coaching
Organizing speaking schedules and event logistics
Hosting the event and facilitating audience participation
Deliverables: Comprehensive plan and checklist for a student speaking showcase
Assessment and Evaluation:
Participants will complete a final project, guiding students through the creation of a business plan and culminating in the execution of the school-wide sales event.
Resources:
Zoom calls with experts
Presentations from Kevin Honeycutt
Launch Me playlist
Study examples and resources and Kevin's Launch Me and Elevator Pitch content
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