Why is Public Speaking Important for Students to Learn

Many of us have experienced an early school memory of getting up in front of the classroom to do a presentation or oral report only to freeze and forget everything that we had prepared. This is because we allowed our nervousness and self-doubt to creep in and take over instead of being confident about what we had to say. And even as adults, many of us still dread the act of public speaking and debate.

That’s why mastering the art of public speaking should be taught to children. In fact, child psychology experts say that it is essential for children to be encouraged and given opportunities to practice public speaking from a young age. And when granted those opportunities, children gain more social awareness, a sense of responsibility and accountability, organizational skills, and more. 

The skills we learn from public speaking and debate tie directly into our everyday lives and are often the foundation of successful communication, leadership, and performance. Whether it’s in our career paths or personal relationships, public speaking skills have a huge impact.

Parents looking for new ways to improve their child’s confidence, cognitive abilities, and academic achievements should have their child try public speaking courses. In this article, you will learn the top five benefits of public speaking and debate and why it is essential for students to learn and develop. 

Builds and Improves Confidence

Mastering the art of public speaking empowers children to view themselves in a different, more positive light. It helps them learn practical communication skills, ultimately boosting self-confidence and other soft skills. Having a positive self-image enables children to talk more easily and naturally, which will help those who are inherently shy in nature. 

Once your child starts public speaking, they will feel like they are delivering value to their audience, which in turn helps them develop faith in themselves and provides a sense of pride in their work. 

Develops Leadership Qualities

Public speaking and debate practice helps children understand the importance of standing up for what they believe in and how to speak their minds without hesitation or fear. Having that understanding is essential in developing leadership qualities in your child. 

Children who believe that they can lead their peers from a young age, who are confident in expressing themselves, and feel comfortable talking in front of others build strong governance skills early on.

Enhances Academic Performance 

If you’re looking for a way to help boost your child’s overall academic success, public speaking is a great way to do just that. Providing an opportunity to learn more about public speaking and debate assists children in a wide range of academic areas. 

It challenges children to think on their feet and develop an analytical mindset toward problem-solving. Public speaking also encourages critical thinking, logic, research, memorization, and other vital cognitive skills as they make their way in the world.

Helps Them Express Thoughts, Ideas, and Feelings

A successful public speaker hones in on their own life experiences, beliefs, and understanding of the world by telling a story. When children are able to do the research, planning, and writing behind their speech or presentation, it gives them the opportunity to express their opinions in a well-thought-out way. 

Plus, it teaches them how to be assertive in their beliefs but politely and authentically. It also teaches them about empathy and active listening, to appreciate other peoples’ perspectives and points of view, and to learn from those experiences. 

Prepares Your Child for a Better Future

Teaching your child public speaking is perhaps one of the best ways to prepare them for a better future. A huge component of public speaking is learning how to overcome fears.

Additionally, it teaches your child skills such as critical thinking, broadens their self-awareness, and enhances their social connections, which are all vital to us as we get older. 

There you have it – the top five benefits of why public speaking is essential for students that parents should know. Developing public speaking and debate skills helps a child form a positive attitude towards themselves and the world. 

It may seem difficult at first, but the benefits far outweigh the efforts. A continued effort and practice of public speaking skills for children can boost their confidence and help them achieve more in life. And I’m sure you will notice a big difference, too!

At Ivy Camps USA, we ensure your child has the fundamentals of public speaking to help them foster confidence, creativity, and leadership. With the guidance of our Ivy League instructors, students will learn speech and debate best practices, how to improvise and think on their feet, strategic communication skills, speech and debate preparation, collaboration, and much more!