Giving a speech—whether it’s for school, a presentation, or a special event—can feel intimidating for children (and adults too). The good news is that speech is a skill that improves with practice. With the right strategies, your child can feel more confident, speak more clearly, and enjoy sharing their ideas with others.
At Vero Speech Therapy, I help children and families build communication skills that go beyond therapy sessions—skills that can make everyday conversations, classroom participation, and even public speaking more enjoyable and successful.
1. Practice Out Loud, Not Just Silently
Reading a speech in your head isn’t the same as saying it out loud. Encourage your child to practice speaking the words, so they become comfortable with the rhythm, pacing, and sound of their own voice.
🎤 Tip: Start in a quiet room, then practice in different spaces to build confidence in new environments.
2. Break It into Sections
A long speech can feel overwhelming. Breaking it into smaller chunks makes it easier to remember and rehearse.
📖 Tip: Focus on one paragraph at a time, then gradually link the sections together.
3. Use a Mirror or Video Recording
Practicing in front of a mirror—or recording on a phone or tablet—helps children see their posture, gestures, and facial expressions. This builds awareness of how they look and sound while speaking.
📹 Tip: Review recordings together and celebrate what went well before suggesting small improvements.
4. Focus on Pacing and Pauses
Many children rush through speeches when nervous. Remind your child to slow down and use pauses for emphasis. This not only makes the speech clearer but also helps them stay calm.
🕰️ Tip: Count “one, two” silently during pauses to create a steady rhythm.
5. Practice in Front of a Friendly Audience
The more your child practices in front of others, the easier it becomes. Start with family members, then expand to friends or small groups.
👨👩👧 Tip: Remind your child that mistakes are okay—every practice session builds confidence.
6. Add Gestures and Expression
Encourage natural hand movements, eye contact, and vocal variety. These elements bring energy to the speech and help keep the audience engaged.
🌟 Tip: Encourage your child to smile at the beginning—it helps relax nerves and sets a positive tone.
Building Confidence One Speech at a Time
Public speaking doesn’t have to be stressful. With consistent practice, encouragement, and the right techniques, your child can turn nerves into confidence and share their ideas with pride.
At Vero Speech Therapy, I work with children on both speech clarity and communication confidence, giving them tools they can use in everyday life and special moments like school presentations.
👉 If your child struggles with speech clarity or confidence, contact me today to schedule a consultation!
Every child has a voice worth hearing—let’s help them share it.
