Since public speaking continues to be one of the top fears amongst adults world-wide, it makes perfect sense to teach our children how to maneuver these choppy waters while they are still impressionable and before a persistent, life-long fear takes hold.
Communication is essential to absolutely everything we do in life. Mastering the ability at a young age can help a child to feel and behave more confidently in social situations, improve relationships at home (e.g., sharing pertinent details about their day; expressing their thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully), and asserting themselves in the classroom setting.
In Soverex’s Youth Programming classes for Elementary through High School, all programs are highly interactive to hold student interest and make lessons memorable. Each session will include brief lecture punctuated with stories and examples, interactive discussions, and fun exercises to help students learn effective communication techniques.
Elementary School
At the Elementary School level, children are taught the basic elements of communication, why they are important and techniques to use them effectively. Topics covered in this program include:
- Managing Anxiety
Students often find themselves in situations they find uncomfortable, difficult, or embarrassing. This module allows students to identify and discuss those situations, while learning techniques to manage their thoughts and behavior during such situations in a calmer, more focused manner.
- Storytelling
In this module, students learn and practice the art of storytelling. This includes putting themselves in the shoes of their audience (e.g., parents, teachers, friends, classroom), reducing filler words and repetitious phrases, and focusing on key details.
- Body Language
The concept of body language and how we communicate without words will be introduced to the students. They will learn the various aspects of body language and get the opportunity to evaluate and demonstrate the different messages delivered via eye contact (or lack thereof), facial expressions, body posture, hand and arm gestures, and movement. All students will learn and practice confident but respectful body language.
- One-on-One Communications
In this module, students will learn the concept of “think first, then speak.” They will practice answering common questions such as, “What did you do today?” with meaningful answers. They will learn to ask for a moment to think when the words are not clear in their minds. They will practice thinking through what they want to say so they may communicate more clearly and confidently.
Middle School
The Middle School Program will cover the same basic elements of the Elementary School Program, but with deeper complexity at each stage. In addition, students will work on a presentation that they will deliver to parents on the last day of class.
High School
The High School Program is offered in two (2) parts:
- Program 1: The Basics of Communication
- Program 2: Communicating as a Professional
Program 1 is a pre-requisite for Program 2. In Program 2, Juniors and Seniors on track for college and a professional career will learn important communication skills in preparation for college, interviewing, and workplace communications.