Once summer vacations set in, your child is going to have a lot of free time on his hands, which he will in all likelihood spend on driving you up the wall if you don't keep him constantly immersed in fun, games and activity. You could go for a family vacation, which would be a great break for you and your kids, and which would provide them with wholesome entertainment. But if you're not going anywhere or if you're planning on a short one-or-two-week vacation, it would be a shame to let your child not gain something productive during the rest of the holidays. No, we are not suggesting that you enroll your child in extra tutorials, unless he is entering the tenth or twelfth standard and needs to appear for his boards. However, you could consider enrolling him in public speaking classes.
Why public speaking?
Less time consuming
Firstly, public speaking classes will not take up a lot of his time. He will still have enough free time to hang out with friends and have fun, and just a few hours a week will be devoted to public speaking.
Helps reduce shyness
Making your child join a public speaking class is one of the better ways to get him to open up, especially if he is a shy child.
Practically very useful
Public speaking, unlike most of the theory subjects he learns at school, is something that will come in handy even many, many years down the line. Most people, at some point in their career, are confronted with occasions where they need to speak in public, whether it is at a press conference, whether they simply need to introduce a speaker to a large gathering of people, or whether they need to make a presentation to the board of directors.
Affords hands-on practice
Often what happens to some of us is when faced with public speaking situations is what can be described as brain freeze. Our minds go blank with fear, and we don't remember what it was we were supposed to say. Needless to say, it takes practice to improve. But often, no amount of practice in front of a mirror can substitute for practice in front of a gathering, which is what a public speaking class affords.
Improves writing skills
In addition, your child will also get to brush up his writing skills, as often public speaking classes require the students to write their own speeches. Since students know they will be reading out their speeches to the rest of the class, they are motivated to write good, powerful speeches. In order to do this, they will refer to various motivating books, and will no doubt pick up lessons and pointers from them which they will put in use in their lives.
Increases motivation and confidence
Once your child has graduated from a public speaking course, he will be more motivated to participate in the next elocution competition. Make sure he does, and keep taking up his passage at home. Encourage him to speak in public at every opportunity he gets. You may need to keep a tab on activities organized in school, in order to ensure your childe participates in them, as chances to participate in such activities may go unnoticed by children.
Adds value to your child's school record
Speaking in front of the entire school will definitely give your child added confidence. In addition, your child may not realize it now or may not even be planning ahead, but if he ever wants to apply to universities abroad, every certificate that he receives will hold weight in helping him gain admission to a good university. It is not just his board marks or his SAT scores which will help him, but his overall performance in school.
