Guidance for first-time speakers

Building speaking confidence

For many pupils speaking in a classroom debate for the first time will be a nerve-wracking experience.

Some confident pupils will volunteer for speaking roles at the first classroom debate whilst others may be reluctant to speak in public. They may, however, become more involved in debating through time (speaking in Floor Debates a number of times and then taking part in the debate proper).

However, even the most experienced debaters get nervous before speaking in public.

Teachers should make it clear to pupils that it is perfectly natural to be nervous before speaking in a debate and that, in many ways, it is a positive thing - a few nerves can encourage dynamism and quick thinking.

Most young people are much better public speakers than they think are. However, many pupils will be very nervous about speaking in public, especially in front of their peers.

Working with Pupil Coaches and with their team mates helps encourage speakers - it will help in their preparation and o working with their peers will show them that all speakers get nervous before a debate. The Pupil Coaches and team mates can play an important role in encouraging and supporting speakers.

There are a number of strategies that can help young people overcome their nerves. These strategies may be particularly useful for pupils speaking in a debate for the first time or for pupils that find debating difficult.

Good Preparation Helps - most Classroom Debates will be long-preparation (ie there will be a good amount of time between the motion being announced and the debate itself) so the speaker will have time to research for the debate and prepare themselves. If a speaker has done a lot of research, worked in a group in a Preparation lesson, worked as part of a team and practised hard, they will be much less nervous.

The Audience is on the Speaker’s Side - as the class is involved in the debate, they want the speakers to succeed. The audience has invested time in preparing for a debate and may have been involved in the Preparation Lesson. Speakers should not see the audience as an intimidating factor but remember that they are on their side! Teachers or the Chairperson should encourage the audience to applaud when they agree with a point being made - this will really boost the speakers.

Encourage a Positive Mental Attitude - encourage speakers to be confident. Team mates should encourage each other and Pupil Coaches should say encouraging words to their teams. If a pupil is especially worried before a debate, the teacher can go through their speech with them and offer reassuring advice.

Constructive Feedback from Judges - Pupil judges or adult judges are encouraged to give positive feedback to speakers. Judges should highlight the strong aspects of a speaker’s performance and, rather than criticise elements, should suggest areas where the speaker can improve. Positive and constructive feedback is a useful way of building a speaker’s confidence.

Debating case study - St Maurice's High School (2)

The development of public speaking and debating at St Maurice’s High School has helped develop the confidence of its students, and helped fellow students to see the power and humour of good public speaking.