(Grades 6–8)
Course Overview:
Public Speaking will be an interactive and dynamic class designed to help students develop the essential skills needed to speak confidently, clearly, and persuasively. The course will cover a wide range of speaking situations and topics such as debate, famous speeches, pep talks, storytelling, sales messaging, court arguments, tour guiding, and monologues. Students will have the opportunity to practice speaking in various formats, challenging themselves to take risks, think quickly, and engage their audiences. The objective is to educate, entertain, influence, inform, and engage through the spoken word.
Using Catholic values of respect, integrity, and advocacy, students will learn to speak with purpose, compassion, and confidence. This course will emphasize both the skill of public speaking and the power of using one’s voice for good—advocating for justice, charity, and the dignity of all people.
Key Catholic Values Integrated into the Course:
- Respect for Human Dignity: Communicating with empathy and understanding, acknowledging the worth of each person, and speaking out against injustice.
- Solidarity and Advocacy: Using the platform of public speaking to stand up for the marginalized and advocate for social change.
- Charity and Compassion: Sharing messages with kindness, promoting peace, and fostering love through speech.
- Justice and Integrity: Speaking truthfully and responsibly, upholding the dignity of all through words and actions.
- Service: Engaging in speeches that advocate for the common good and reflect the Christian call to serve others.
Course Components:
Presentation (50%)
- Diverse Speaking Formats: Students will be required to prepare and deliver presentations in different formats such as debates, famous speech reenactments, storytelling, persuasive speeches, and courtroom-style arguments.
- Risk-Taking and Creativity: Students will be encouraged to take risks and explore various speaking styles. This includes delivering impromptu speeches, engaging in creative monologues, or presenting persuasive sales pitches.
- Confidence and Clarity: Students will develop the ability to speak with clarity and confidence, honing their presentation skills while keeping their audience engaged.
- Catholic Value of Service: Speeches will encourage students to consider how their words can positively impact others and advocate for causes aligned with Catholic values, such as justice, human dignity, and service to others.
Research (20%)
- Catholic Foundation: Students will conduct research to support their speeches, selecting topics that are grounded in Catholic social teachings or current events related to justice, human rights, or the environment.
- Informed Speeches: Research will help students build well-rounded arguments, ensuring their speeches are not only engaging but also grounded in facts and a deep understanding of the issues they address.
- Engaging Content: Students will be encouraged to research famous speeches, historical figures, or social movements, and integrate relevant insights into their presentations.
Collaboration (20%)
- Team-Based Projects: Public speaking is not only about individual performance; it’s also about collaboration. Students will work together to prepare speeches, debates, and group presentations, learning how to collaborate effectively and respect others’ ideas.
- Peer Feedback: Students will engage in peer evaluations and offer constructive feedback to help each other improve their speaking and presentation skills.
- Active Dialogue: Students will also practice speaking in group discussions, learning how to communicate their ideas while listening and responding to others with respect and clarity.
Class Participation (10%)
- Engagement and Effort: Active participation in class discussions, exercises, and speaking opportunities is essential. Students will be assessed on their enthusiasm, contributions to discussions, and willingness to participate in speaking activities.
- Active Listening: As much as public speaking is about speaking, it’s also about listening. Students will practice active listening during presentations and debates to respond thoughtfully and appropriately.
Active Learner Traits:
As students grow in their public speaking abilities, they will develop the following traits, which are essential both in communication and in Catholic values:
- Responsibility: Taking ownership of their speeches and collaborative projects with dedication and care.
- Organization: Structuring speeches and presentations clearly, ensuring they are compelling and effective.
- Independent Work: Demonstrating initiative in researching, preparing, and delivering speeches, as well as in their own development as speakers.
- Collaboration: Working effectively with others, respecting differing viewpoints, and contributing to group success.
- Initiative: Taking the lead in speaking opportunities, volunteering for class presentations, and challenging themselves with new formats.
- Self-Regulation: Managing nerves, time, and content effectively, ensuring clear and thoughtful communication.
Course Reflection and Catholic Connection:
Throughout the course, students will reflect on how their speaking skills can be used to promote Catholic values, such as justice, compassion, and advocacy. They will be asked to consider questions such as:
- How can I use my voice to advocate for those who are marginalized or in need, as the Catholic Church teaches?
- In what ways can public speaking be a form of service to others and the community?
- How do I ensure my speech is grounded in truth and promotes the dignity of others?
- What responsibility do I have to speak out for justice and equality, especially in light of Catholic values?
At the end of the course, students will give a final speech on a topic that reflects their growth as a public speaker and their commitment to using their voice to advocate for the common good, in line with Catholic social teachings.