Author Description

This is a textbook and a workbook for students to improve their public speaking and communication skills. The lessons in this book are based on research in the field of education and psychology and the exercises are based on proven methods used in the Young Speakers Club classrooms. Beginner lessons focus on helping students develop self-confidence and better public speaking style by building the habits of eye contact, posture and gestures, and voice modulation. Assignments and exercises help students overcome stage fright and present their ideas to the audience with clarity and impact.Educators agree that the essential skills students should gain for the 21st century are Communication, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Collaboration - the four C's. The speech topics and the research questions will help students think critically and creatively. The class discussions on speech topics will improve their collaboration skills. Presenting the speeches in front of the class will help them overcome stage fright, improve presentation skills, and build better habits of communication. By making Speak Right Up training a regular weekly exercise for students, parents and teachers can help them become better communicators, better thinkers, and better leaders.