Speak Up - Seniors (Grades 6 to 8)

Ten parts on building an argument, holding a room, and answering the question you were dreading. Ends with a talk delivered to a real audience.

Who it is for

Grades 6 to 8. Directly useful for class presentations, debates, speech contests and interviews. Also for the student who is fine one to one and freezes in front of a group.

The ten parts

• Why We Freeze Nerves as information rather than a warning, plus speaking on day one
• Something Worth Saying Finding a point somebody could disagree with
• Three Points, And Why Three Structure, order, and cutting the weak one
• Openings That Land Four openings written and tested
• Your Voice Pace, pausing, and counting your own filler words
• Being Watched Eye contact on video and in a room, and the stillness test
• Telling A Story One story, thirty seconds, one sensory detail
• Handling Questions The three hardest questions, answered honestly in advance
• Full Rehearsal Timed runs, cuts, and a readiness checklist
• Showcase The talk and a real question period

What makes this the harder edition

Students write the strongest version of the opposing argument, then find real evidence for it, because a speaker who can state the other side fairly is trusted far more than one who pretends it does not exist. There is a filler word count, an impromptu speaking round, and reflection prompts that expect an honest answer.

How it works

No schedule and no start date. Each part takes about 45 minutes. Most students work through a part alone and then run their talk past somebody.

The details

• 46 pages, instant PDF download
• Letter size, prints clearly in black and white
• Works on a tablet with a stylus if you would rather not print
• A pencil, a timer, and somewhere to stand up and talk out loud
• A one page talk plan they fill in as they go, plus a certificate