Public Speaking

Awareness & Understanding

Most people feel nervous before speaking in public — even professional speakers. That nervousness is normal, and the good news is that it gets better with practice. Start by exploring what public speaking actually is and why it matters. Watch two or three short videos on YouTube: search "why public speaking matters" or "overcoming fear of public speaking." Read the free article "The Science of Stage Fright" on TED.com. Think about a time you had to speak in front of others — in class, at a family event, anywhere. How did it feel? What do you wish had gone better? Utah has a strong network of Toastmasters clubs (toastmasters.org) where adults practice speaking every week — look up a club near Salt Lake City. You're ready for the next step when you can describe what public speaking is, name one reason it is important, and identify one specific fear or challenge you want to work on.

Research & Investigation

Now explore the specific skills that make public speakers effective. Research three key areas: body language (eye contact, posture, gestures), voice (pace, volume, tone), and content structure (opening hook, clear points, strong close). Use free resources like the Toastmasters "Competent Communication" manual excerpts on their website, or watch "The 7 Secrets of the Greatest Speakers in History" on YouTube. Visit slcolibrary.org and check out a free ebook on public speaking through the library's Libby app. Look up how Utah's student government representatives and debate team members prepare their speeches — some Utah high schools share resources online. You're ready for the next step when you can list five specific skills that strong public speakers use and explain why each one matters to an audience.

Planning & Preparation

Write and rehearse a two-minute speech on a topic you genuinely care about. Choose something connected to your school, neighborhood, or the Salt Lake community — maybe a local issue, a value you hold, or a story from your own life. Use a simple structure: one opening sentence that grabs attention, two or three main points, and one closing line that leaves the audience with something to think about. Practice in front of a mirror, then record yourself on your phone. Watch the recording and mark one thing you did well and one thing to improve. Practice at least four times before moving on. You're ready for the next step when you have a written speech, four practice sessions logged, and a recording you have watched and analyzed.

Taking Action

Deliver your speech to a real audience. Start small if you need to — three classmates, your family, or a youth group. Then stretch: look for a community setting where your voice can make a difference. Salt Lake City holds regular public comment periods at city council meetings (slc.gov) that are open to anyone. Utah's State Legislature also accepts public testimony on bills during the legislative session (le.utah.gov). Ask a teacher to arrange a classroom speaking opportunity. After you speak, ask two people for honest feedback using specific questions: Was my opening clear? Did I seem confident? Speak again within the same week using that feedback. You're ready for the next step when you have spoken in front of at least two different audiences and can describe one specific improvement you made between the first and second time.

Leadership & Expansion

Use your growing confidence to bring others along. Organize a small "speak-off" event for your class, club, or neighborhood — a low-stakes gathering where everyone shares a two-minute story or opinion. Create a simple judging rubric based on the skills you learned (eye contact, clear structure, confident voice). You could also connect with a local Toastmasters club in Salt Lake and ask if they offer a youth visit day. Look into starting a speech or debate club at your school using the free resources from the National Speech and Debate Association (speechanddebate.org). You're ready for the next step when you have organized or helped run a speaking event for others and can describe how the experience strengthened your own skills.

Impact & Reflection

Reflect on how far you have come. Write a one-page essay comparing your very first speech attempt to your most recent one. Be specific: What changed in your body language? Your voice? Your confidence? Now use your public speaking skills for real civic impact. Identify a community issue in Salt Lake City or Utah — education funding, public transit, air quality in the valley — and write a speech aimed at a decision-maker. Deliver it at a public meeting, submit it as a video to a local news outlet, or post it on a school social media account with adult permission. Document the response you receive. You're ready for the next step when you have a written reflection with specific before-and-after evidence and have delivered a civic-focused speech to a real or public audience.