Examples

Speech for Elementary Students

speeches for elementary students

Speech writing and delivery can be a daunting task for many students. Not only should you pick a good topic for listeners to relate to, but you must also create an interesting and well-structured content for the speech to make sense.

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It is an imaginative art form that allows a speaker to be creative with their words and the manner in which they present their pieces. For this reason, knowing the proper way to compose and deliver a speech is essential in the craft.

elementary student

How to Choose the Perfect Topic

Choosing a topic that appeals to you is a significant ingredient for effective speech writing. You need to choose a topic that you’re comfortable with and possess certain knowledge about. This will serve as a foundation for your formal speech in order to attain a quick and easy writing process.

When choosing a suitable topic for your speech, consider the following tips:

1. Consider different options.

It’s always good to focus on subjects that you’re most passionate about. This includes hobbies, interests, and personal favorites that might be compelling enough to talk about in front of a crowd. If the assignment does not require a specific topic to tackle, then you are free to choose something out of your own interest. You may also see how to start a speech .

You can start by creating a list of these potential topics, and then researching about any relevant information that may be shared. Make sure you gather enough details that could form major points for your speech.

2. Avoid overused topics.

You may want to steer clear from subject matters that have been presented for over a thousand times. Chances are, your audience may know more about the topic than you do, or perhaps they already possess a clear idea of where your speech is headed. But since it’s nearly impossible to find an original topic these days, it would be best to choose something more specific instead. You can narrow down these options to something fresh and interesting to spark curiosity among listeners. You may also like tribute speech examples & samples .

3. Do your research.

Once the topic has been finalized, you can then move on to one of the important steps of planning process: the research procedure.

This step involves a lot — and we mean A WHOLE LOT — of reading to complete. A visit to your local library will make it easier to collect information from a variety of sources. Here, you can gain in-depth knowledge on a particular topic, as well as a few theories and concepts provided by some authors. The internet also has its own reading materials to offer in case a trip to the library isn’t possible. You may also check out appreciation speech examples & samples .

4. Deliver well.

Body language says a lot about what goes on inside your head. Your nerves and emotions can sometimes radiate in the room if you fail to compose yourself properly. Proper posture and appearance are just a some factors that can affect your delivery. In most cases, a speech must be kept short and to-the-point as well, especially when time is a major issue. With this in mind, consider timing your delivery during practice and adjusting it accordingly to the time limit given. You might be interested in dedication speech examples .

High School President Speech Example

High School President Speech Example1

Size: 161 KB

Short Application Essay for Students Example

Short Application Essay for Students Example

Size: 243 KB

Informative Speech for Students Example

Informative Speech for Students Example

Size: 53 KB

Speech Contest for Elementary School Students

Speech Contest for Elementary School Students

Size: 132 KB

Popular Speech Topics for Elementary Students

Speech topics can vary from simple to complex themes that include social problems or political issues in today’s society. These may either form a persuasive speech or an informative speech, or possibly a combination of both types.

But when it comes to speech topics for grade school or elementary students, choosing a topic that is simple yet relatable is extremely important. Given the age bracket of this particular group, the topic chosen or provided by the teacher must cover familiar grounds. These topics are often more subjective in nature, wherein an extensive research process isn’t necessary. You may also see presentation speech examples & samples .

The subject of family is probably the most popular speech topic there is. Since it’s about something you’re completely accustomed to, it wouldn’t be hard to find the right words to complete your speech.

Say for example, you could make a speech about an unforgettable memory with your family. This could be about a vacation out of town, a fun get-together over the holidays, or maybe a significant event in your life that your family was a huge part of. Anything you wish to share about your family, as long as it conveys a moral value, would be a good option for your speech topic. You may also like how do you write a speech?

2. Dreams & Ambitions

What do you want to be when you grow older? What are your dreams and aspirations? Where do you see yourself twenty years from now?

The answer to these questions can help you construct a strong topic for your speech. This could be about the things you’ve imagined yourself doing in the near future or the direction you wish to take. To fill the rest of your speech, you can also add a little backstory as to why this has become one of your goals, as well as your means of reaching these ambitions. Including other major points that are closely related to the topic is also advised. You may also check out thank-you speech examples & samples .

3. Hobbies & Interests

If you’re into sports and other recreational activities that go beyond the academic circle, then consider this as an opportunity for you to draw attention towards the things you deeply love and enjoy doing. Talk about your strengths in the said field, and the limitations you wish to improve on. Turn this into a learning experience by sharing to the group how it has shaped you into a becoming the person you are today. You may even connect this to the dreams you wish to achieve one day. You might be interested in speech examples for students .

For example, making a speech about basketball and its principles apart from being a regular pastime is a great way to let listeners view the subject matter from a different perspective. Composing a speech about something that means a lot to you can be less intimidating in most instances.

4. About Yourself

Although not everyone would be too keen about putting themselves in the center of a speech, it’s still a recommendable topic to consider.

The great thing about topics that focus on your personal life is that they can be very broad. So instead of making a speech about your likes and dislikes, you can go deeper with some intriguing thoughts that fill your mind. You can talk about your fears, along with the things you wish to change in the world. This is a great way to go out of the norm and take on speech topics that some people may consider as taboo. You may also see launch speech examples .

Opening Speech for Students Example

Opening Speech for Students Example

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Elevator Speech for Students Example

Elevator Speech for Students Example

Size: 111 KB

Student Graduation Speech

Student Graduation Speech

Size: 75 KB

Useful Speech Planning & Delivery Tips for Students

There are two things that matter most in speech planning and delivery: the content of your speech and your ability to broadcast it to a group of individuals. But to ensure that your message reaches its audience, you must tailor your speech accordingly with the help of the following tactics:

1. Planning the Content

  • Define your goals.  What is the purpose of your speech? Apart from it being a requirement in class, you must identify what your end goal actually is. Will it educate listeners? Or create awareness regarding a specific topic? This would also depend on who your listeners are. Keep in mind that the content of your speech should convey a message that listeners can grasp and learn from. You may also see youth speech examples .
  • Prepare your material.  Never settle for an impromptu speech, or you may end up regretting it when you’re standing in front of an audience with dead air filling the atmosphere. It’s always important to create a speech outline to organize thoughts and ideas accordingly. This way, you can easily point out grammar mistakes or statements that don’t make proper sense when read aloud.
  • Observe others.  If you’re struggling with your speech presentation , try watching a few videos online and observe how these speakers deliver their piece. Take note of their body language as well as how they utter each word.
  • Follow a logical flow of ideas.  Don’t make it hard for listeners to understand the main point of your speech. Ensure that your speech consists of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Kick off with your strongest arguments followed by the subpoints that support the main thought.
  • Practice.  Stand in front of a mirror and begin delivering your speech. You need to practice how you could transmit information from your speech to the minds of your listeners. This will also help you specify any qualities about your delivery that must be enhanced. You may also like leadership speech examples & samples .

2. Delivering the Content

  • Maintain eye contact with your audience. Building a connection with every member of your audience can be achieved through proper eye contact. This will you capture the attention of each individual in order to encourage them to listen attentively to what you have to say.
  • Engage actively with listeners.  Another reason why preparing your material beforehand is a must, is for you to actively engage with members of the audience. If you pay attention to what people are doing, then they’re bound to pay attention to you as well. Along with your speech, you can also conduct interactive activities or use visual materials to engross listeners. You may also see wedding speech examples & samples .
  • Be time-conscious.  Watch the time. Given the short attention span of the average person, you must keep your speech short and direct to the point. Refrain from exceeding the allotted time given, or you may end up damaging the whole presentation.
  • Don’t read.  There’s nothing wrong with bringing a copy of the speech for you to refer to, until it turns into a distraction instead of a useful tool. Rather, you can take a few glances every now and then to see where you are in your speech, and what point to emphasize next. You may also like campaign speech examples .
  • Entertain questions.  Take the time to address questions and concerns that audience members may have. But instead of holding a Q&A session by the very end of your speech, you can invite people to ask questions during certain parts of your presentation. This will serve as a breather to allow interaction between the speaker and the listeners.

Essay Speech for Students Example

Essay Speech for Students Example

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Demonstration Speech for Students Example

Demonstration Speech for Students Example

Size: 99 KB

Valedictory Speech for Students Example

Valedictory Speech for Students Example

Student Speech at Elementary School

Student Speech at Elementary School

And there you have it! With the help of these tips and techniques, you can prepare and deliver the best speech possible to leave a lasting impact with your audience.

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

130 Awesome Speech Topics for Kids

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Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Kids always do best when they are interested in what they are asked to talk about. But every child has different interests, and therein lies the challenge – selecting awesome speech topics that kids will want to talk about.

A few points you want to consider:

  • If the topic is too “adult,” they may be too young to cope with what they find.
  • If the topic is too simplistic, their growing sense of awareness may be stunted.

speech topics kids

  • Keep in mind the goal of the speech – do you want to educate, to entertain, to express ideas, or something else?
  • Consider topic that suits child’s character: someone who has an extensive imagination won’t like the same topics as someone who is more factual and practical.

Here is a broad range of  speech topics for kids you can choose from.

Family and friends, miscellaneous, more miscellaneous….

  • Why I love my mom and dad
  • Funny things my parents say
  • Let me tell you about my imaginary friend
  • Things that really happen at grandma’s house when mom and dad aren’t there
  • Secrets my mom does all day when I’m not around
  • What my brother/sister thinks of me
  • What my dad does in the bathroom for all that time
  • If I had a choice between getting money or spending time with my family, I would choose…
  • What did I do for my mom last mother’s day
  • Let me tell you about my family
  • My family’s traditions
  • Original projects to surprise my parents on Mother’s Day (in the Spring) and Father’s Day (often marked in June).
  • Where we went on vacation/holiday with my family
  • What is my favorite song
  • My favorite band or singer, and one of his or her greatest hits I would like to play with some clarification.
  • The best fairy tale, or a variation child speech topic can be a cartoon character.
  • My favorite season of the year is…
  • My favourite time of day or week.
  • The funniest April Fool’s Day joke.
  • 5 of my favorite words
  • Top favorite Christmas song of all times
  • 3 favorite things to buy at the market
  • If I went to my favorite restaurant I would order…
  • Mom and my favorite place to visit is..
  • My favorite thing about summer
  • What my favorite pizza toppings are
  • My favorite New Year’s tradition
  • Favorite sundae toppings
  • The most delicious meal I’ve ever had
  • If I built the ultimate sandwich, it would have…
  • The worst vegetable on the planet
  • How many things can you make with a potato
  • Describe the flavors of Thanksgiving foods
  • One thing I know how to cook is…
  • The contents of your lunch box.
  • Different ways to eat an apple
  • Why I don’t care about the “Five second rule”
  • I don’t like to eat … Fill in something you dislike
  • A day in the life as a fly
  • What my dog is thinking
  • What would it be like if dinosaurs roamed the Earth?
  • My dream mythical creature for a pet would be…
  • If I could talk to animals…
  • What do cows think about
  • How do animals talk to each other
  • How to care for your pets, the right way
  • What rights should animals have?
  • What different wild animals have I seen
  • How penguins live on Antarctica and only there and not on the North Pole (besides the zoo of course)
  • A day at the wildlife sea aquarium, with dolphins, sharks, whales and seals.
  • How kangaroos care for their children.
  • What birds visit your backyard at home
  • How do rainbows work
  • What planet would I visit if I had my own rocket ship
  • Why the sky is blue
  • How are stars made
  • Where do clouds come from?
  • Where babies come from
  • What outer space is like
  • Why do the leaves on trees change color in the fall
  • How water is so important
  • What makes the Sun so bright
  • How do boats float
  • Why do we have dreams when we sleep
  • Why are eyes different colors
  • What makes the world go ’round
  • How do planes fly
  • The stars, black holes, galaxies and the interstellar medium in our cosmos
  • Biggest birthday wish
  • Best indoor winter activities
  • Coolest superhero power
  • If I was the President of the U.S….
  • My dream vacation
  • If I were a character in a book, I would be…
  • Why I’m on Santa’s nice/naughty list
  • The inside scoop on __________
  • If I could change one thing about the world, it would be…
  • How I really feel about seeing the doctor
  • The best part about holidays
  • If I had three wishes, they would be…
  • If I were famous, it would be for my…
  • My secret life as a spy
  • My best invention
  • Fun games to play on long car rides
  • Silly songs I know
  • In my dream house, there would be…
  • The best part about being sick
  • Why the tooth fairy must be real
  • What my name means
  • Disney World: the first person I’d want to see is…
  • If I was the author of a book, I’d write about…
  • The charity I’m going to donate to when I’m older is…
  • What happiness means to me
  • The best thing about me is…
  • If I could be a character in any video game, it would be…
  • How I care for the environment every day
  • Why are farmers important
  • What I want to be for Halloween next year
  • What I want to be when I grow up
  • Why best friends are so special
  • If I was a princess or prince, I would …
  • My toys, dolls or mini racing cars collection.
  • My trip to Disney World or other resort.
  • How I decorate my room at home.
  • My biggest adventure.
  • Good kid games online.
  • Nice birthday presents you like to get.
  • What you could do without television or video.
  • Foreign hollidays we do not celebrate.
  • Things – food or scary situations – that make you sick.
  • What is more important: Doing what’s right or being popular
  • The best memory I can remember
  • Who I was named after
  • What it would be like to meet an alien
  • My greatest fear
  • The happiest day of my life
  • Something I have done that I am proud of
  • What adult in my life do I look up to the most
  • How to plan a surprise party
  • A day at the beach
  • The coolest toy I have
  • What I know about (insert sport)
  • Vampires or werewolves?
  • Steps to drawing a flower
  • If I re-wrote the story, “The Little Mermaid” or “Bambi” it would go like this…
  • How to make a snowman
  • The strangest place I’ve ever been
  • Are table manners really important
  • Tell a myth or legend about your future self
  • The coolest art/craft I’ve ever made
  • If I were in charge, the rules I would make would be…

If you are selecting a topic together, sit down with your child and read through this list together and make your own list of which topics stood out to your child . Suggest alternatives or adaptations to some topics. The goal is to get their juices flowing. You want this to be a choice that they are comfortable with.

Help them decide by reminding them who their audience will be and what the occasion is . This will help determine what is appropriate and what the audience will want to hear. Your child probably wouldn’t want to talk about Barbie at a formal function or to an audience of mostly boys.

All that’s left to do is prepare and practice, because we all know – practice makes perfect!

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205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate

206 Great Speech Topics for Teens [Persuasive, Informative]

25 thoughts on “130 Awesome Speech Topics for Kids”

Sure! It’s about I only want a ribbon about u are afraid Togo on stage and don’t want to go to the next level except a good grade.

A day in a life of me as an old person

im so bad at writing speechs

You should keep some simple and affective topics on which children can speak on. But still good.

this really helped me I am trying to look for a speech and this helped me ALOT!!!!thanks and had lots of good ideas

it’s very good for a child under like 8 but i am 9 and i use it and when our teacher said were have a speech contest i flip out! but i found this web site and it helped me a lot. In fact, i won the speech contest!

Ok you guys are good in all but I feel like I don’t know if kids are going to want to listen to these baby ideas and where baby’s come from and I am in grade six and I don’t think people really want to listen but you guys ar good for like grade threes or something like that because I don’t think people over the grade of four are going to want to listen to this

OK you guys r good but i need more ideas all of are cool but i need to win a speech contest

I love the ideas kind of random but still funny and interesting

please help me to write speech

ya i’m in a speech contest too and thx you have helped me lot’s 🙂

I couldn’t think of anything so I simply did: why I can’t think of a speech topic!

I LOVE your topic Me it inspires me and I think I am going to write about that for my speech contest entry.

i LOVVVE the ideas im going to come first in my speech comments

i wish you would give more responsible topics because i don’t want to write a speech on the steps to write a flower i would want to amaze the judges with a out of this world speech not a stupid one i am in sixth grade and i am about to do a huge essay contest and i want to write something jaw dropping

thank you!!! this is very helpful to us it give us more confidence and knowledge

I need a topic that I can talk about for 20 MINUTES!!!. These topics seem too trivial for an impromptu speech for 20 minutes, but good topics for shorter speeches!

love your ideas so good you really have a brillant brain sir

Thank u a lot

No this is not the topics i am looking for….. I’m looking for persuasive speeches could u please add topics for that

Winning Isn’t Everything

Well, it’s pretty good for school, but I need topics like “Benefits of ___” or “What we should do about pollution”, etc. I’m doing this for a Public Speaking class and we have to do speeches sort of like a ‘TED talk’

I want a speech on the Democratic for my school

I’m kinda annoyed they don’t take you to a site that helps you write it like I need this thing next Monday!

I love those crazy and cute topics….once I read them they grab my heart at once and now my mummy is saying me to make ur speech on this and that blaa … blaaa…. but I can’t leave those cute science topics….thank you so much for whoever have those kind of sweet topics

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  • Elementary School Speech Topics

Elementary school speech topics shouldn't be too challenging, but that doesn't mean they have to be boring! The 30 ideas on this page are just right for younger kids who want to create a cool presentation.

First Set of 10 Elementary School Speech Topics

  • my favorite silly family story
  • why I should be President
  • why my favorite subject is science, English, math, gym... etc.
  • tell us the rules for baseball, soccer, go fish...etc.
  • tell us some of the consequences of lying, stealing, cheating, etc.
  • I would ________ if I won a million dollars
  • I want to be a ____________ when I grow up because....
  • convince us that it is better to be a kid than an adult
  • convince us that it is better to be an adult than a kid
  • why I want to travel to outer space

Second Set of 10 Elementary School Speech Topics

  • if I could talk to any cartoon character it would be______ because...
  • my greatest strength is...
  • what I would most like to learn how to do is...
  • my favorite creative outlet is painting, music, acting, etc.
  • being a kid sucks because...
  • being a kid is great because...
  • what peace means to me
  • war scares me because...
  • if I could have anything I wished for it would be _______ because...
  • the best day of my life was...

Elementary school speech topics

Third Set of 10 Elementary School Speech Topics

  • my school is the best because...
  • tell us about your most prized possession
  • tell us about the best way to study for a test
  • I would never smoke cigarettes because...
  • my favorite movie is...
  • convince us that spinach is something we should eat more of
  • convince us that candy is good/bad for our health
  • why we should use paper bags instead of plastic
  • hot dogs are better than hamburgers/or the other way around
  • convince us that kids should be allowed to choose their own bedtime

Didn't see an idea that inspired you?

Then try these 40 speech topics for kids for even more great ideas to work with.

And although they're slightly more advanced, you may like to check out these high school speech topics too!

I do hope these topics have given you some ideas that will help you develop an exciting speech.

Don't forget to have a look at these positive quotes for kids before you begin writing. The inspirational words may help provoke further creative thinking, or you may be able to use one of them within the speech itself. Never give up teaching young students to give presentations and public speeches. According to experts, schools worldwide are elevating speech to a core component of education, and communication is a necessary skill to succeed. Gallo, Carmine. “Don't Abolish In-Class Presentations, Teach Students To Enjoy Public Speaking.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 11 Oct. 2018, www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2018/09/23/dont-abolish-in-class-presentations-teach-students-to-enjoy-public-speaking/#2f50a637ccb8 .

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16 Public Speaking Tips for Students

Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

speeches for elementary students

Aron Janssen, MD is board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry and is the vice chair of child and adolescent psychiatry Northwestern University.

speeches for elementary students

Public speaking tips for students aim to reduce anxiety that can interfere with giving presentations or speeches in class. These tips can also be helpful for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD)   who have difficulty speaking in front of a group or telling a story among friends.

Public Speaking Tips

If you have SAD and need to give a speech  in elementary school, high school, college, or university, it helps to be as prepared as possible . Beyond preparation, however, there are strategies that you can use to reduce anxiety and fight the urge to stay home with a fake illness.

Even great speakers practice their speeches beforehand. Practice out loud with a recording device or video camera and then watch yourself to see how you can improve. If you are feeling brave, practice in front of a friend or family member and ask for feedback.

  • Talk about what you know : If possible, choose a topic for your speech or presentation that you know a lot about and love. Your passion for the topic will be felt by the audience, and you will feel less anxious knowing that you have a lot of experience to draw from when other students ask you questions.
  • Concentrate on your message : When you focus on the task at hand, anxiety is less likely to get out of control. Concentrate on the main message of your speech or presentation and make it your goal to deliver that message to the other students in your class.
  • Grab the audience's attention : Most of your fellow classmates will pay attention for at least the first 20 seconds; grab their attention during those early moments. Start with an interesting fact or a story that relates to your topic.
  • Have one main message : Focus on one central theme and your classmates will learn more. Tie different parts of your talk to the main theme to support your overall message. Trying to cover too much ground can leave other students feeling overwhelmed.

Tell Stories

Stories catch the attention of other students and deliver a message in a more meaningful way than facts and figures. Whenever possible, use a story to illustrate a point in your talk.

Being prepared to speak in public can also be important if you have social anxiety disorder. Feeling confident and prepared to give your speech may help lessen your feelings of anxiety. Some of the things that you can do to prepare include:

  • Visit the room : If you have access to the classroom where you will be speaking outside of class hours, take the time to visit in advance and get used to standing at the front of the room. Make arrangements for any audio-visual equipment and practice standing in the exact spot where you will deliver your speech.
  • Rack up experience : Volunteer to speak in front of your class as often as possible. Be the first one to raise your hand when a question is asked. Your confidence will grow with every public speaking experience.
  • Observe other speakers : Take the time to watch other speakers who are good at what they do. Practice imitating their style and confidence.
  • Organize your talk : Every speech should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Structure your talk so that the other students know what to expect.

Manage Your Anxiety

Taking steps to deal with your feelings of anxiety can also make public speaking easier. Some of the things that you can do:

  • Tell someone about your anxiety : If you are speaking in front of a high school or college class, meet with your teacher or professor and describe your public speaking fears . If you're in elementary or high school, share your fears with your parents, a teacher, or a guidance counselor. Sometimes sharing how you feel can make it easier to overcome stage fright.
  • Visualize confidence : Visualize yourself confidently delivering your speech. Imagine feeling free of anxiety and engaging the students in your class. Although this may seem like a stretch for you now, visualization is a powerful tool for changing the way that you feel. Elite athletes use this strategy to improve performance in competitions.
  • Find a friendly face : If you are feeling anxious, find one of your friends in class (or someone who seems friendly) and imagine that you are speaking only to that person.

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Maintain Perspective

Remember that other students are on your side. Think about a time when you have been an audience member and the student delivering the speech or presentation was noticeably nervous. Did you think less of that student? More likely, you felt sympathetic and wanted to make that person more comfortable by smiling or nodding.

Remember—other students generally want you to succeed and feel comfortable. If for some reason the audience is not on your side or you experience bullying or social exclusion, be sure to discuss this with a parent, teacher, or guidance counselor.

Be Confident

Sometimes just knowing what makes a good speech can help you feel more confident. Focus on some of the following elements and practice them before you have to speak in public.

  • Develop your own style : In addition to imitating good speakers, work on developing your own personal style as a public speaker. Integrate your own personality into your speaking style and you will feel more comfortable in front of the class. Telling personal stories that tie into your theme are a great way to let other students get to know you better.
  • Avoid filler words : Words such as "basically", "well", and "um" don't add anything to your speech. Practice being silent when you feel the urge to use one of these words.
  • Vary your tone, volume, and speed : Interesting speakers vary the pitch (high versus low), volume (loud versus soft), and speed (fast versus slow) of their words. Doing so keeps your classmates interested and engaged in what you say.
  • Make the audience laugh : Laughter is a great way to relax both you and the other students in your class, and telling jokes can be a great icebreaker at the beginning of a speech. Practice the timing and delivery of your jokes beforehand and ask a friend for feedback. Be sure that they are appropriate for your class before you begin.
  • Smile : If all else fails, smile. Your fellow classmates will perceive you like a warm speaker and be more receptive to what you have to say.

Don't Apologize

If you make a mistake, don't offer apologies. Chances are that your classmates didn't notice anyway. Unless you need to correct a fact or figure, there is no point dwelling on errors that probably only you noticed.

If you make a mistake because your hands or shaking, or something similar, try to make light of the situation by saying something like, "I wasn't this nervous when I woke up this morning!" This can help to break the tension of the moment.

A Word From Verywell

It's natural to feel frightened the first time you have to speak in front of your class. However, if you fear continues, interferes with your daily life and keeps you awake at night, it may be helpful to see someone about your anxiety.

Try talking to a parent, teacher, or counselor about how you have been feeling. If that doesn't get you anywhere, ask to make an appointment with your doctor. Severe public speaking anxiety is a true disorder that can improve with treatment .

Spence SH, Rapee RM. The etiology of social anxiety disorder: An evidence-based model . Behav Res Ther. 2016;86:50-67. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2016.06.007

By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

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Speaking as a Skill for Success

Through a four-part framework for public speaking, students find their voice and confidence.

A student is speaking in front of the classroom.

At School 21, oracy -- the ability to speak well -- is a core element taught throughout every class, and in every lesson. Starting in the primary grades of this London-based public school, students learn an array of skills to help them become more effective speakers: how to speak in complete sentences, make eye contact, and build on each other's ideas. "I remember in primary," recalls Rummana, a Year 7 student, "I would never say a single word, and when teachers used to pick on me, I used to sit there thinking, 'Oh, no. Oh, no.' Because I was too scared to speak to people, and now I feel like I've changed, and I like my new self."

School 21's secondary students put those oracy skills to use in speeches, where they practice speaking to different real-world audiences.

In Year 7 , students speak on a topic about which they're passionate. The idea is that each student deserves to find his or her voice and learn to use it.

In Year 8 , students choose a subject in which they are experts and deliver a speech on that. They have developed their voice, and their focus is now sharing their knowledge.

In Year 9 , students speak about a political topic. Their focus has become using their voice to engage with the world.

School 21 teaches students from Reception (pre-K) through Year 11, and will ultimately serve through Year 13.

"We spend a lot of time getting students to speak in different arenas, forums, and environments," says Rachael Futo, a Year 7 coach, "so that they're ready and prepared for things like interviews where students who come from public schools often don't do as well."

Learn how you can use public speaking as a tool to prepare your students for speaking in different real-world contexts.

How It's Done

Start with a public speaking model.

School 21 bases their students' speeches on the Ignite model (which in turn is based on the TED Talk model) -- a five-minute, no-notes speech with 20 slides changing every 15 seconds behind the speaker. The school holds an Ignite Talks event each summer term, involving the whole school community, including parents.

Build Your Students' Public Speaking Skills Using the Oracy Framework

Year 7 students focus on building their public speaking skills through the four strands of the oracy framework : physical, linguistic, cognitive, and emotional -- a range that helps them decide on tones of voice or body language that will help them effectively communicate their message.

"It's a lot to keep in mind at first," says Matilda, a Year 9 student, "but we're practicing it all the time in every lesson we're in, and by the time you get to Year 9, it's almost instinctive."

Have Your Students Write an Essay or Respond to Prompts to Help Develop Their Speech

In Year 7, before performing their Ignite, students develop a pre-Ignite speech. This precept speech defines and shares their life philosophy. "The precept speech is their chance to make mistakes, find their feet, and test out their voice," explains Shakela Uddin, a Year 7 teacher.

In preparing for their precept speeches, students complete two writing assignments and create a visual map to reflect different parts that they will include in their speech.

A Visual Map: First, they create a graphic representation of their lives from infancy to the present. This helps them reflect on their memories, whether they remember learning something new about themselves from one of those past experiences, and which of these discoveries they want to talk about.

Me in a Different Way: After reflecting on their memories from the visual map, they select a memory on which they'll focus. In writing, they explore what they learned about themselves from that experience, how they were before, how they have changed after, and what that journey was like.

Word Vomit: "This is a writing exercise where you write, write, and write until you're like, 'I have nothing to say,' and then you're like, 'OK, I'm going to carry on writing,'" says Uddin. She takes her students through this exercise four times. First they focus on writing the hook. What can they say to draw in their audience from the beginning of their speech? Second, they write about their story. Next, they focus on why they want to talk about that story, what they want to say about it, and reflect on which parts of the story are boring and exciting. In their last word vomit, they write about what they learned from that experience.

"Before they know it, they've written a speech already, and they’re like, 'OK, I’ve done four parts, and that’s my speech,'" says Uddin.

Year 8 students first write an essay related to the topic of their proposed speech, and later they convert it into a talk. "The idea is that it builds their cognitive skills more," explains Jess Hughes, an English teacher and coach.

They spend four weeks drafting and critiquing their essay with teacher and peer feedback, and then each student meets one-on-one with a student from the University of Cambridge for further feedback. "There's a real audience and purpose for their essay," says Hughes. "The idea is they'll come away from that tutorial with loads of feedback to then turn that essay into a speech. That's their big, midpoint critique, and then we'll have about seven weeks to convert those into speeches."

Once the essay is finished, students begin looking at the four strands of the oracy framework and building those techniques into their speech. They'll decide how they'll open their speech to hook their audience, how they'll stand and move around, and how they'll project their voice.

"What writing speeches has helped me with is definitely confidence," reflects Matilda. "I've been able to perform my speech in front of a big crowd. All of that practice really does pay off. It's a skill we can transfer to the rest of our life."

Use Peer Critique to Guide Your Students in Redrafting Their Speech

As they develop their oracy skills, School 21 students present their speeches to one or a small group of peers for feedback based on the four oracy strands: How are they emoting? How impactful is the vocabulary they're using? How effective are the gestures they're making? Are they engaging their audience?

In Year 9, instead of giving a solo speech, students debate in teams. One group speaks for -- and another group against -- a political issue. "The two proposers would critique the two opposers, and vice versa," explains Rosie Goodhart, a history teacher. "I think the value of critique is that it's a constant thing of thinking and rethinking. You're constantly being questioned. It opens up dialogue."

School 21 believes that critique helps students reflect on their development, self-assess their strengths and weaknesses, and learn how to create high-standard, beautiful work.

Related Article: How to Infuse the Arts in Core Curriculum (and Why It Matters)

Incorporate a Real-World Audience

Bring in outside experts to judge students' speeches. By having them deliver speeches to authentic, real-world audiences, you're increasing your students' drive to meet higher expectations. You're also expanding their comfort zone and skill set by developing their ability to address a wide range of real-world audiences in different environments.

"You don't know how good your oracy is until you're put into a different context and are asked to do something with it," says Oli de Botton, a School 21 co-founder and head teacher. "Imagine the context we put our children in: in front of their parents in the first year, in front of undergraduates in their second year, in front of political experts in their third year, and in front of employers in their fourth year. They have the acuity, agility, and ability to frame their speech depending on the audience, which is often the missing link in speaking."

100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Kids

Michele is a writer who has been published both locally and internationally.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Kids' persuasive speech topics cover everything from current events to age old childhood milestones. If you've been assigned a persuasive writing speech, look for a topic you know a lot about and really stand behind.

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics for Beginners

Students in grades two and up who are just starting to learn about the different types of essays and writing can select easy topics about things they are very familiar with. These persuasive writing prompts work great for short speeches.

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Fun and Interesting Topics

  • Kids should start every morning with yoga.
  • Cereal is not a healthy breakfast.
  • Showering every day isn't important.
  • Kids' clothing should always be designed by kids.
  • Being a YouTube star is a real job.
  • Boredom is good for kids.
  • Borrowing books from the library is better than buying them from a store.
  • Hamsters are the best first pet for kids.
  • Every person is completely unique.
  • My town is the best place for families with young children to live.
  • Being an only child is better than having siblings.
  • Kids should have TVs in their bedrooms.
  • Jeans are the most uncomfortable article of clothing.

Educational Topics

  • Cursive writing shouldn't be taught in schools.
  • Lunch periods should be longer for younger kids and shorter for older kids.
  • Kids shouldn't be allowed to bring homemade treats to share at school.
  • Homework should be optional for kids.
  • Schools should mandate that all kids learn about all holidays celebrated around the world.
  • All schools should have outdoor classrooms available.
  • All foods should be grown or raised by small farmers.
  • Playing video games is a good hobby for kids.
  • Gardening is an easy way to eat healthier.
  • Reading is more important than math.
  • Kids should get to choose what classes they take in elementary school.

Global Topics

  • People's differences make the world a more interesting place.
  • Kids under age 13 shouldn't be allowed to have jobs anywhere in the world.
  • The world is round.
  • Dinosaurs really did exist and go extinct.
  • People should only be allowed to eat food that grows or lives in their country.
  • International pen pals are good for kids.
  • Learning a second language is helpful for everyone.
  • There should be one form of money that every country uses.
  • Every country should have its own kind of schools.
  • Governments should offer free travel to other countries for educational purposes.

Intermediate Persuasive Speech Topics for Children

Kids in upper elementary grades who have some practice in writing persuasive speeches can choose topics that might be a little more controversial. These unique speech topics leave room for longer arguments and feature more interesting subjects.

  • Kids should have cell phones.
  • Kids, not adults, should decide how much screen time to have each day.
  • Every town should be required to have a playground.
  • Waffle cones are better than regular ice cream cones.
  • Dogs are better companions than cats.
  • Wearing pajamas in public is inappropriate.
  • Short hair is for boys and long hair is for girls.
  • Kids should have fewer toys and more cardboard boxes to play with.
  • Girls like to play with action figures.
  • Pokemon are cooler than Yo Kai.
  • Mosquitos are the most annoying of all bugs.
  • Zoos are unsafe for young children.
  • Kids under age 13 should be banned from having social media accounts.
  • Classrooms shouldn't have traditional desks.
  • School lunches should include some junk food options.
  • Every school should have child representatives on their hiring committee.
  • Naps are important for kids of all ages, not just babies and toddlers.
  • The government should stop making paper money and only use coins.
  • Robots make life easier for humans.
  • Children's books should be written by children.
  • Field trips and real-world experiences are more useful than classroom lectures.
  • Columbus discovered America.
  • Kids should be allowed to skip high school and go to college early if they want.
  • Dancing in public should be outlawed.
  • Voice recognition locks are safer than fingerprint recognition locks.
  • People should only eat foods they grow or catch.
  • All people in the world should speak English.
  • All countries should have the same rules about weapons.
  • Every child should spend a year living in another country with their family.
  • Men and women should have the same rights no matter what country they live in.
  • Adults should encourage child participation in strikes and marches for important causes.
  • The current U.S. President represents the country well.
  • Global competition is good for everyone.

Advanced Persuasive Speech Topics for Kids

Upper elementary and lower middle grade students with lots of speech writing experience can pick more complex topics that elicit bigger emotional reactions.

  • TV shows and movies for kids should have stronger content guidelines.
  • Real life heroes like police officers and firefighters would be more approachable if they dressed like Power Rangers and other super heroes.
  • Virtual reality games are better than 3D games.
  • Parents of bullies should be punished for their child's actions.
  • "Crap" and "Heck" are bad words.
  • Riding a bike is not that easy.
  • Funny cat videos are funnier than funny baby videos.
  • There's no such thing as too many stuffed animals.
  • Goats say "maa," not "baa."
  • Kids sports are safe.
  • Holidays shouldn't be celebrated in schools.
  • Kids should rate their teachers at the start and end of every school year.
  • Recess and classroom physical activity breaks help kids focus in school.
  • School buses should have a driver and at least two aides.
  • Classes should be grouped by ability levels rather than ages.
  • Technology makes people's lives better.
  • Middle school is still elementary school.
  • Schools should mandate classes where kids teach each other.
  • No one, teachers or students, should be allowed to bring cell phones into the school.
  • Kids should be allowed to take off their shoes in their classroom.
  • Students should not have to ask permission to take drinks and bathroom breaks.
  • Global warming isn't real.
  • Every country can have its own guidelines for who is allowed to leave or enter.
  • Kids can help combat climate change.
  • Astronauts will find life on other planets.
  • Daylight Savings Time should be eliminated.
  • Aquariums and zoos help with wildlife conservation.
  • People should be allowed to clone animals.
  • Sugar should be outlawed.
  • McDonald's is better than Burger King.
  • Tribal cultures should be preserved.
  • Companies should not be allowed to build their products in other countries.
  • People should call countries by their native name, not a translated name.

More Speech Topics for Kids

Speech topic examples and ideas from other types of speeches can be adapted to persuasive writing with a few minor wording changes.

  • Get students started with motivational speech topics for kids that are uplifting and less controversial.
  • Beginning writers can select simple kids speech topics for their first persuasive essays.
  • Some of the most interesting speech topics for kids include subjects they haven't encountered in real life.
  • Use examples of funny speeches for kids to show how students can inject humor into any kind of speech.

State Your Case

Most people agree that writing in elementary school is important because it gives kids a way to express their thoughts and feelings in a way others can understand. Persuasive writing is all about stating your case, or point, and all the facts that support this opinion. Choose a topic you believe in or are passionate about to create the best persuasive speech.

  • Grades 6-12
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Learn How to Support Stressed and Anxious Students.

45 TED Talks That Will Intrigue, Encourage, and Inspire Your Students

Amazing speakers on fascinating topics.

Woman presenting on stage with Best Educational TED Talks logo.

By now, you probably know about TED , a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing important ideas through brief, impactful talks. TED Talks can be an amazing classroom resource that sparks meaningful conversations. (Their TED-Ed videos are especially valuable, since they include complete lesson plans for teachers.) We’ve rounded up some of our favorite TED Talks students will really enjoy. You’ll find options here for every age and interest.

STEM TED Talks for Students

History and culture ted talks for students, inspirational ted talks for students.

These videos include Ted Talks students can learn from, in ways that will truly engage them. See hands-on science in action, and explore topics in a way kids can easily understand.

Emma Bryce: What really happens to the plastic you throw away? (3:53)

Screen shot from TED Talk video showing trash gyres in the world's oceans

Plastic bottles are everywhere these days. In this video, you’ll follow the life cycles of three different bottles. Each journey teaches us something about how plastics affect the environment.

Angela Koine Flynn: The science of skin color  (4:39)

Why do some people tan (or burn) so fast while others can sit in the sun for hours? How did our skin develop so many different hues to begin with? Find out, then follow up with The Beauty of Human Skin in Every Color !

Anita Collins: How playing an instrument benefits your brain  (4:30)

When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout.

Myriam Sidibe: The simple power of hand-washing (11:32)

This talk begins with some sobering statistics: 6.6 million children worldwide don’t make it to their fifth birthday. But Myriam Sidibe reveals the simplest of solutions that may reverse the trends—a bar of soap.

Beau Lotto and Amy O’Toole: Science is for everyone, kids included (15:10)

Neuroscientist Beau Lotto shares the parallels between science and play with the help of 25 elementary-age children.

Eva-Maria Geigl: The history of the world according to cats (4:21)

Still shot from a TED Talk about the history of cats

Long ago, wild cats were fierce hunters. Over the centuries, they’ve become the house pets we now know and love. Learn how our furry friends came to be in this fun video.

Kelli Sandman-Hurley: What is dyslexia? (4:20)

There’s probably at least one student in your classroom with dyslexia. Learn how it affects learning and why we should celebrate neurodiversity.

Arthur Benjamin: Mathemagic (15:02)

Art Benjamin combines his two loves, math and magic! Watch him perform three-digit multiplication in his head faster than his helpers using a calculator.

AnnMarie Thomas: Hands-on science with squishy circuits (3:52)

Kids will love learning how to create circuits using two different kinds of homemade play dough. Don’t be surprised when they want to try it for themselves.

Jack Andraka: A promising test for pancreatic cancer … from a teenager (10:36)

Jack developed an inexpensive, effective, and non-invasive test for pancreatic cancer. Oh, and he did it all before his 16th birthday!

Claire Simeone: The lovable (and lethal) sea lion (4:37)

Still shot from a TED-Ed talk about sea lions

Go for a swim with one of the ocean’s coolest creatures, the sea lion. They can hunt for up to 30 hours at a time and reach speeds of 18 mph. Amazing!

Thomas Suarez: 12-year-old app developer (4:24)

“Where do you go to find out how to make an app?” Thomas was 12 when he asked this question. He taught himself to build apps and wants to inspire other kids to do the same.

Daphne Bavelier: Your brain on video games (17:45)

Kids are often told video games are “bad” for them. Brain scientist Daphne Bavelier challenges that notion. She believes that playing video games in “reasonable doses” can actually have lots of positive effects on our brain. Bavelier shares how she and other scientists are using their research to help others.

William Kamkwamba: How I built a windmill (3:59)

At age 14, a Malawian boy named William Kamkwamba sought a way to help his village combat famine. Ultimately, he built a wind turbine entirely out of spare parts and scrapyard materials. Next, learn how it changed his life in How I Harnessed the Wind .

Terry Moore: How to tie your shoes (2:43)

Terry Moore believes that most of us are tying our shoes incorrectly. Surprisingly enough, he’s probably right. In this informative TED Talk, Moore demonstrates how to tie a stronger knot that won’t let us down. As Moore notes, sometimes small advantages can yield big results.

Joe Smith: How to use a paper towel (4:15)

Still shot from a TED talk about paper towels

Joe Smith is on a mission to save paper by teaching us the correct way to use a paper towel. Spoiler alert: We’re doing it wrong and creating a lot of waste in the process.

John Green: The nerd’s guide to learning everything online (18:01)

John Green talks about the importance of the internet and why it makes learning more awesome. He demonstrates how platforms like YouTube can help build engaging communities of learning and discovery.

Explore topics from history and the arts and make connections with people around the world.

Soraya Field Fiorio: Who was the world’s first author? (4:55)

Still shot from animated video about Sappho

Would you have guessed that the world’s first known author was a woman? Find out about her life and writings, dating back 4,300 years.

Iseult Gillespie: How to see more and care less: The art of Georgia O’Keeffe (5:00)

Artist Georgia O’Keeffe was inspired by the shapes and rhythms of nature. Her unique way of looking at the world gave rise to American Modernism.

Brian A. Pavlac: Ugly History: Witch Hunts (5:25)

For much of human history, people believed witches were real—and evil. They hunted the suspected witches, put them on “trial,” and tortured them, often to death. Take a closer look at this difficult chapter of our past and how it came to be.

Diane J. Rayor: Ancient Greece’s greatest popstar (5:25)

Kids who love Beyoncé or Adele will love learning about Sappho, one of ancient Greece’s most famous poets. She coined the word “bittersweet” to describe the ups and downs of romance. Her writings made her a superstar of her day!

Kayla Wolf: Why every world map is wrong (4:57)

It’s simply impossible to make a map of the spherical world that’s accurate. So why do we keep using them? And how can we change them to shift our point of view? Find out in this intriguing video.

Ann-Helén Bay: Why is it so hard to escape poverty? (4:45)

Still shot from a TED-Ed video about poverty

Many people believe that if you work hard enough, you’ll automatically succeed. But poverty is a trap that frequently pulls people back down, no matter how hard they try. Why should that be, and how can we overcome it?

Danielle Feinberg: The magic ingredient that brings Pixar movies to life (11:55)

Go behind the scenes with Danielle Feinberg, Pixar’s director of photography. See what happens when science and art collide to create Pixar’s incredible three-dimensional worlds.

Kevin Allocca: Why videos go viral (7:04)

Only a tiny percentage of online videos go viral. But when they do, they become part of a cultural phenomenon that fascinates and mystifies us. Kevin Allocca shares the secret ingredients that contribute to a video’s viral success.

Jamila Lyiscott: 3 ways to speak English (4:16)

In this powerful spoken-word performance, Lyiscott challenges the standard notion of what it means to be “articulate” in today’s society. She shares her experience navigating three distinct English dialects at home, at school, and with friends.

Doug Levinson: What gives a dollar bill its value? (3:26)

Ever wonder how inflation works or what determines the value of a buck? Join the workers of the Federal Reserve and learn how it all works.

The LXD: In the Internet age, dance evolves (17:13)

Still shot from a video featuring LXD dancers

The LXD (Legion of Extraordinary Dancers) believes that dance can have a transformative effect on the world. Their stunning street dance performance makes for a TED Talk video students will want to watch again and again. Fans of Glee and So You Think You Can Dance may see some familiar faces.

Mac Barnett: Why a good book is a secret door (16:51)

Everyone needs a little whimsy in their lives. Children’s writer Mac Barnett shares the power of imagination in this playful talk. He introduces us to Nico, an imaginative child who brings Barnett’s message to life.

Tavi Gevinson: A teen just trying to figure it out (7:14)

Tavi Gevinson noticed that women, particularly young girls, were often misrepresented in popular media. In response, she created a web magazine where teenagers can share stories, ask questions, and “figure it out” together.

Encourage kids to ask more questions and seek out the best the world has to offer with these TED Talks.

Matthew Winkler: What makes a hero? (4:30)

Still shot from a TED Talk about heroes

What trials unite Harry Potter, Frodo Baggins, and more of literature’s most interesting heroes? And what do ordinary people have in common with these literary heroes?

Manoush Zomorodi: How boredom can lead to your most brilliant ideas (16:04)

Believe it or not, boredom can actually result in your most creative accomplishments. Zomorodi explains that when your body is on autopilot, your brain gets busy!

Clint Smith: The danger of silence (4:09)

“Read critically. Write consciously. Speak clearly. Tell your truth.” Teacher Clint Smith explains the relationship between silence and discrimination.

Derek Sivers: How to start a movement (2:53)

How do movements gain traction? According to Derek Sivers, it’s different than you might think. In less than three minutes, Sivers takes us step-by-step through a movement forming in real time. He shares the lessons we can learn from those who have the courage to follow.

Angela Lee Duckworth: Grit: The power of passion and perseverance (5:54)

Angela Lee Duckworth is a public school teacher turned psychologist. Her research indicates success and IQ are not as interconnected as many might think. In this motivational talk, she reinforces the importance of building grit in ourselves and our students.

George Takei: Why I love a country that once betrayed me (15:45)

Still shot of George Takei delivering a TED talk

Explore patriotism and social justice with this engaging talk by actor and activist George Takei. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, young George and his family were forcibly relocated to a Japanese American internment camp. He shares how his father helped him reconcile this experience with the core ideal of American democracy.

Christian Picciolini: My descent into America’s neo-Nazi movement—and how I got out (20:10)

In this courageous talk, Christian Picciolini shares his personal journey of overcoming prejudice and hate. A former neo-Nazi, Picciolini now dedicates his time to helping others combat violent extremism in their own lives. He notes that these movements often target the young, vulnerable, and marginalized—like he once was. (Mature content and drug references.)

Tim Urban: Inside the mind of a master procrastinator (13:55)

Procrastinators, unite! In this relatable TED Talk, Tim Urban offers hilarious insight into the mind of a procrastinator. Kids will find the “instant gratification monkey” both funny and relatable.

Susan Cain: The power of introverts (18:48)

Author Susan Cain argues for the importance of introverts in a world that seems to favor the opposite. She explains why solitude matters, as well as how it contributes to creativity and leadership.

Shane Koyczan: To This Day … for the bullied and beautiful (11:47)

In this powerful video, Koyczan shares his viral spoken-word poem about bullying and survival. This beautiful talk is a must-see for anyone who has ever felt life’s uncertainty, loneliness, or frustration. (Mature content and language.)

Joachim de Posada: Don’t eat the marshmallow! (5:46)

Child trying not to eat a marshmallow

Joachim de Posada explains the value of self-discipline, demonstrated by a famous experiment. Students will laugh at little ones trying hard not to eat a marshmallow. But there’s a lot to learn here too.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka: Why lunch ladies are heroes (5:12)

Children’s author Jarrett J. Krosoczka illustrates the power of a simple thank-you in this talk. He encourages us to celebrate our cafeteria staff and the important work they do throughout the year.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story (18:33)

Stories matter. In this eye-opening talk, novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explains how power shapes the stories we hear and tell others. She warns against the danger of a single story. They can be incomplete and even offer harmful understandings of others based on a single narrative or experience. Adichie raises important questions that can encourage students to explore concepts of identity and perspective.

Drew Dudley: Everyday leadership (6:01)

In this inspiring talk, Drew Dudley explains how small acts of kindness can transform the lives of others. He believes leadership isn’t about changing the world but about changing each other’s understanding of the world.

Amy Cuddy: Your body language may shape who you are (20:46)

Cuddy explains how our body language shapes how others see us—and how we see ourselves. Learn how “power posing” can help us feel more confident.

What are your favorite TED Talks students will want to watch? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out 12 must-see ted talks for teachers ..

These brief impactful videos are ideal for the classroom. Try these TED Talks students will love and talk about long after they're over.

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Speech Topics for Kids

101 Incredible Speech Topics for Kids

16 February 2023

Are you looking for some incredible speech topics for kids?

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

In this blog post, we’ll give you 101 amazing ideas for speech topics that will have your young public speaker feeling confident and excited to take the stage for their next presentation. From discussing their favourite sports team to sharing a personal story, there will surely be a topic on this list that resonates with every child.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

Looking for some fun debating topics? Check out our blog on debate topics here !

speeches for elementary students

What makes a good public speaking topic?

Finding good speech topics, especially as a kid, can be an intimidating task.

As children, our interests tend to change, and it may be difficult to find speech topics that we can expand upon and still engage the audience.

It is important to remember that kids should aim to give presentations on any topic they are passionate about. Ideally, when looking for successful kids’ speech topics, school students should pick a particular topic:

  • they know well, as this will help them give a good speech without too much extra research;
  • that has enough content, which will help with speech length; and
  • is interesting and relevant to the audience they’ll be presenting to.

Taking some time to consider all of these factors will go far in making sure kids create informative, valuable presentations that make their parents proud!

speeches for elementary students

The three different kinds of speeches

Whether your child is a budding public speaker or simply looking to bolster their confidence in front of an audience, it’s important to be aware of the three main types of speeches they can give: Informative, Entertaining, and Persuasive speeches.

  • An informative speech teaches people something as they explain a process, inform about a topic, or share information with an audience.
  • An entertaining speech is more light-hearted and focuses on entertaining an audience with a story, joke, or anecdote.
  • A persuasive speech aims to convince an audience of a particular viewpoint. In these types of speeches, it’s important for the speaker to have strong topic knowledge as well as supporting evidence to back up their argument.

By understanding these three speech styles, young public speakers can choose the speaking style that makes them feel the most comfortable and excited about the task of public speaking.

We have provided a range of topics that fit into each of these three speech types and therefore will be perfect for any young public speaker, regardless of their personal preference!

Remember: you can always put a spin on any speech topic to make it more informative, persuasive, or entertaining. Feel free to challenge yourself by turning one of our persuasive speech topics into a comedic presentation or taking an entertaining topic and using it to build a persuasive speech – there is usually no need to restrict yourself to one particular style of expression!

speeches for elementary students

Informative Speech Topics

At our public speaking courses for kids, we know how important it is to find the perfect informative speech topic. We want your young public speakers to explore ideas and topics that resonate with their interests and spark their passion for presenting!

From urban bees to sports nutrition, science experiments to art history, the possibilities are endless!

Our list of kid-friendly speech topics provides a great starting point for creating an informative, engaging presentation. Whether they choose a familiar subject or something new and exciting, our goal is to support student excellence in every way possible.

Check out these informative speech ideas:

  • Exploring the Benefits of Outdoor Play
  • The History of Video Games
  • How to Become an Eco-Friendly Consumer
  • The Positive Impact of Music Education
  • What Makes a Great Leader?
  • The Science Behind Climate Change
  • Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
  • Understanding the International Space Station
  • Discovering Ancient Civilizations
  • Exploring Different Cultures Through Dance and Music
  • Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
  • The Art and Science of Computer Programming
  • Every Day Victories
  • The Harms of Violent Video Games
  • Types of Alternative Energy Sources
  • Exploring Different Types of Art
  • The Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep
  • Ancient Mythology and Folklore
  • The Science Behind the Human Brain
  • Famous Scientists in History
  • The Most Delicious Meal of All Time
  • Recycling and Waste Management Solutions
  • Global Warming vs Climate Change
  • Robotics: Past, Present, and Future
  • Understanding the Solar System
  • The Biggest Social Issues of our Times
  • The Secret Life of…
  • Investigating Animal Habitats in Nature
  • Why E-Books are the Future
  • Exploring the Wonders of Chemistry

speeches for elementary students

Entertaining Speech Topics

Figuring out entertaining topics for public speaking can be a challenge, especially when the speaker is young.

However, the right topic can be the key to making a great impression on your audience.

Whether you are interested in discussing robotics or telling stories of your own life experiences, there is bound to be an entertaining speech topic suitable for everyone!

Our rich variety of topics ensures that young public speakers have plenty of choices when it comes to finding what will make for a captivating performance.

Check out these 30 fun topic ideas that can humour, shock, or entertain the audience:

  • Proof that We Live in a Computer Game
  • The Best Jokes for Kids
  • My Imaginary Friend
  • My Crazy Summer Vacation
  • How I Got In Trouble With My Parents
  • Weird Foods Around the World
  • Fun Facts About Dinosaurs
  • Frighteningly Funny Ghost Stories
  • If I Were a Cartoon Character…
  • Embarrassing Moments We’d Rather Forget!
  • Epic Pranks I’ve Pulled off So Far
  • Interesting Reasons Why We Laugh
  • Life Through a Dog’s Eyes
  • My Favourite Outdoor Activity
  • If I had One Superpower…
  • Superheroes and Their Amazing Powers
  • The Best Thing About Dragons
  • Why Too Much TV is a Good Thing
  • Funny Things I’ve Heard on the Bus
  • Unusual Hobbies Around the World
  • Weird Etiquette Rules That Don’t Make Any Sense
  • How to Make Your Own Board Game
  • Mysteries of the Deep Sea
  • Exploring Outer Space: Astronomy for Kids
  • Fantastic Fables from Other Countries
  • Bizarre Traditions From Around the World
  • The Art of Storytelling: Creative Writing Ideas
  • Fun Facts About Animals
  • Learning with Lego: Building a Better Future
  • The Power of Imagination: Mindful Meditation Techniques

speeches for elementary students

Persuasive Speech Topics

Writing a persuasive speech can be intimidating for kids, but it doesn’t have to be.

Not sure where to start? No problem! We have plenty of kid-friendly persuasive speech topics to get students’ creative juices flowing.

From discussing the importance of friendship and relationship building to spurring environmental awareness, we have the perfect persuasive speech topics for any young public speaker.

Become confident and display your power of persuasion with our helpful advice and engaging list of topics.

Have a look at these 30 persuasive speech topics that can help kids call others to action:

  • The Benefits of Social Media
  • How to Become a Responsible Citizen
  • The Value of Having Good Manners
  • Taking Care of the Environment: Reducing Pollution and Waste
  • The One Thing I Know About Eating Healthy Foods
  • Exercise for Kids: Why It Is Important
  • The Impact of Technology on Education
  • Building Better Communities Through Community Service
  • Developing Self-Discipline for Success in Life
  • Argumentative Strategies That Can Be Used In Everyday Life
  • The Power of Positive Thinking
  • Creating Lasting Memories with Family Time
  • Exploring Different Cultures with Travel and Adventure
  • The Importance of Teamwork and Collaboration
  • My Favourite Restaurant
  • Why I Learned a Second Language (and You Should Too)
  • Exploring Causes for Climate Change and Possible Solutions
  • Learning the Benefits of Reading for Pleasure
  • Making Wise Choices When Shopping Responsibly
  • Understanding Cyberbullying and Taking Action Against It
  • Finding Success in Failure: Reframing the Mindset
  • Learning About Money Management through Financial Literacy Programs
  • Practising Compassion, Kindness, and Respect For Others
  • Building Self-Confidence Through Leadership Activities
  • Using Creativity to Solve Everyday Problems
  • Exploring Ways to Balance School and Extracurricular Activities
  • Making Healthy Choices Through Positive Leadership
  • The Wisdom of Being a Young Person
  • Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Schools
  • Learning How To Analyze Fake News with Critical Thinking Skills

Classic Speech Topics for Kids

Not sure if you want to do an informative, persuasive, or entertaining speech?

Are you looking for classic topics that have been done time and time again but are popular topics for a reason?

Look no further than these classic speech topics:

  • My Favorite Book
  • What I Learned From My Pet
  • How to Have Fun Without Technology
  • The Place That Inspires Me the Most
  • The Power of Music
  • What It Means To Be A Good Friend
  • My Best Day Ever
  • If I had Three Wishes…
  • Living a Simple But Fulfilling Life
  • Celebrating Diversity in Our Community
  • My Hero: The Person Who Inspires Me the Most

speeches for elementary students

Impromptu and Abstract Speaking Topics

Whilst approaching impromptu and abstract speech topics can be daunting, there actually isn’t much difference between them and normal speech topics.

Impromptu speech topics are usually more generic, providing students with the opportunity to reflect on their own lived experiences and share that with their audience. Rather than spending time finding the perfect content to fit impromptu speech topics, the better approach is generally to bend the topic to something that you’re familiar with and comfortable speaking about, whether it be knitting being the best part of your day or a conversation you had with a friend about time travel.

Being prepared will give your child the confidence necessary to make their presentation successful – so if you’re not sure what speech topic you’re likely to get, make sure to think up plenty of anecdotes before the presentation!

Picking the perfect speech topics for kids

Now that you have a fantastic speech idea, it’s time to get writing!

Let our resources help guide you through the speech crafting process (we’ve got plenty of blogs and videos to help) and give your child the opportunity to shine on the stage. Don’t forget to practice your speaking manner either, including your tone of voice and body language!

Moreover, our in-person and online courses provide step-by-step instruction and guidance throughout each program so kids learn exactly how real-world speaking works – all tailored specifically for your own future speaker.

You can also visit our YouTube Channel for advice to guide you through the entire speech writing process, as well as expert tips for practising your performance!

So don’t wait – take advantage today and get ready to stand out from the crowd with an amazing speech!

50 Topics for Impromptu Student Speeches

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

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  • M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
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For the many people who break out in a sweat at the very idea of speaking in front of an audience , the prospect of speaking on an unknown topic with little to no preparation is likely terrifying. But you don't have to be afraid of impromptu speeches. As it turns out, the secret even to off-the-cuff speeches is preparation.

Impromptu Speech Tips

  • Decide on your topic
  • Come up with three supportive statements related to your topic
  • Prepare a strong conclusion

Use this list of impromptu speech topics to practice making a quick speech outline in your head. For each of the topics below, just think of three main points you'd like to make. For example, if your speech topic is "Your least favorite chores," you could quickly come up with three statements:

  • I don't know anybody who likes to fold laundry, so the first task on my list of unhappy chores is folding laundry.
  • Taking out the trash is another chore that most people dread, and I'm no different.
  • The worst chore in the entire household has to be cleaning the toilet.

If you go into your speech with these statements in your head, you can spend the rest of your time thinking up supporting statements as you speak. When you've identified your three main points, think of a great finishing statement. If you end with a great closer, you'll really impress your audience.

Start Practicing With This List

  • My three favorite animals.
  • What you would find in my closet. Make something up.
  • What you'd find under my bed.
  • The best letter of the alphabet.
  • Why your mom/dad is special.
  • A day that stands out.
  • The best surprise ever.
  • If I had a million dollars to give away.
  • If cats/dogs ruled the world.
  • A trip to remember.
  • My favorite day of the year.
  • If I could only eat three foods forever.
  • If I could design a school.
  • Why books are important.
  • Three surprising facts about me .
  • How to impress your parents.
  • How to plan a party.
  • A job I'd love to have.
  • A day in my life.
  • If I could have dinner with anyone.
  • If I could travel through time.
  • My favorite book.
  • An important lesson I've learned.
  • What I've learned from cartoons.
  • The smartest cartoon character.
  • Three things I'd change if I ruled the world.
  • Why sports are important.
  • The worst chores at home.
  • Why I deserve an allowance.
  • If I were in charge of school lunches.
  • If I had invented school.
  • The best theme park rides.
  • Whom do you admire most?
  • What is your favorite animal?
  • How to achieve your dreams.
  • Why you need a baby brother.
  • How to annoy an older sister.
  • How to save money.
  • Three things that scare me.
  • Great things about snow days.
  • Things you can make out of snow.
  • How to spend a rainy day.
  • How to walk a dog.
  • Great things about the ocean.
  • Things I'll never eat.
  • How to be a slacker.
  • Why I like my town.
  • The best parts of a parade.
  • Interesting things you see in the sky.
  • Things to remember when you're camping.
  • An experience with a bully.
  • Chemistry Pick Up Lines to Try on Your Crush
  • How to Give an Impromptu Speech
  • Practice Speaking Skills With Impromptu Speeches
  • 5 Tips on How to Write a Speech Essay
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  • How to Write and Structure a Persuasive Speech
  • Speech Topics to Meet Oral Communication Standards
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  • Writing Prompts for Elementary School Students
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  • 10 Warm Ups for Lesson Plans
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speeches for elementary students

  • Famous People

Speeches For Kids

Inspirational speeches for kids from the world's top leaders, business tycoons and politicians for kids including Mahatma Gandhi, Steve Jobs, Swami V... Read More

Inspirational Speeches for Kids 02

Speeches For Kids – Inspirational speeches for kids from the world's top leaders, business tycoons and politicians for kids including Mahatma Gandhi, Steve Jobs, Swami Vivekananda and other top leaders.

Stay hungry, stay foolish and enjoy your tryst with destiny. These famous lines and more are from inspirational speeches given by people who inspire us with their mere existence.

Our collection of famous speeches for kids is guaranteed to inspire them. We have quite a collection of inspirational speeches over important causes or those that are purely motivational. It is after learning about the achievements of others that we feel the need to excel as well. People who have excelled in their fields and have inspired us with their achievements and vision, need to be remembered. When you and your child have access to immense words of wisdom, you can’t miss an opportunity like that.

You will find short speeches for kids by world leaders, business tycoons, politicians, intellectuals and more on our web page. Read through the speeches of Mahatma Gandhi or Pandit Nehru, Steve Jobs or Vivekananda, and let your child know why these people are thought great and respected the world over. The speeches for kids can be easily searched through by using our filtering methods. You can also check out the speeches on the basis of their popularity, but we assure you that every speech is worth a read!

Let words inspire your child like they inspired the world. Your child deserves to learn from the wisdom of the geniuses who walked and still walk the earth and stay inspired!

Use filters below to refine your search

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Swami Vivekananda Chicago Speech from Mocomi

Swami Vivekananda Chicago Speech

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The Classroom | Empowering Students in Their College Journey

Elementary Student Council Speech Ideas

Grade 9 Speech Topics

Grade 9 Speech Topics

Running for elementary school student council can be an apprehensive activity for young children. They may be nervous speaking in front of their classmates and unsure of what tasks the role of a student council member includes. Students running for council will be required at some time to make a speech to the other students that details what the speaker will do for the other students or why they are the best choice for the position. Most student council speeches follow similar themes and include similar sections.

Speaker Qualities

Many student council speeches are written around the qualities the speaker feels sets them apart from other candidates. The speech might list popularity, intelligence, dedication or the ability to do certain things. The speech should start with an introduction and a summary of what the speaker feels they can accomplish as a student council member. The speech should not sound like bragging and should offer evidence to support what it says.

Leadership Abilities

Some student council candidates focus on their abilities to be leaders. They may point out their extracurricular activities such as scouts organizations or church groups where they may take a leadership role. They may speak about what their leadership might accomplish for their voters by pointing out issues that are important to their classmates, and how the speaker can try to address them.

Issues Addressed

For older elementary students, speeches may focus on particular issues that are important to the student body as a whole. These issues may include curriculum choices or activities that the students would like to see implemented. The issues may be on cafeteria food or certain school rules. The speaker may make a speech about a plan to reasonably address the situations by providing a voice for the voters.

What Not to Say

Within the speech, there are negative topics to avoid. The candidate shouldn't attack other students that are running for the same office or other offices. Focusing on their own positive qualities and ideas for the office is a better way to present themselves in their speech. Additionally, the candidate shouldn't make outlandish promises in their speech that are undeliverable.

Overall Speech Themes

Many speeches blend other types of speeches into one. They may focus on the qualities that the candidate feels she possesses, her leadership potential and how she may resolve problems or issues the students feel they face. She may speak about ideals the students want to see achieved such as a reduction in bullying or how she can lobby for longer recess breaks or more time in the lunchroom.

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Georgia Dennis has been writing since 1995, specializing in the areas of education, behavioral sciences, canine behaviors, human resources and language development. Her work has been published in literary journals, magazines and in print. She is also suspense novelist. Dennis is pursuing her Bachelor of General Studies, with an emphasis in writing and psychology, from Indiana University.

Frantically Speaking

How to start a speech for students (Ultimate opening lines)

Hrideep barot.

  • Public Speaking , Speech Topics , Speech Writing

Person presenting to an audience

Schools and their love for speeches is an affair we are all quite aware of. Now if you are looking to move beyond the mundane way of delivering speeches in school and are in search of some amazing speech openings for students, you are at the right place!

Speeches are the most common form of public speaking that is encouraged in schools . Be it for a competition, assignment, presentation, or even as a punishment (oops), speeches are everywhere in a student’s life.  

To get a quick idea on speech opening lines for students , don’t forget to check out our video on 3 speech opening lines for students!

But before we dive into understanding how to go about your speeches, it is important to first understand why educational institutes focus so much on speeches or public speaking in general that they begin introducing us to speeches as early as primary sections.

Why is speech encouraged in Primary school?

It is a common practice to give the students a little idea about giving speeches as early as primary school. Part of the reason is that these are the foundational years and form as a stepping stone for the students to get a little more used to public speaking as they move to higher classes .

A couple of ways students in primary schools may be asked to give speeches would be to introduce themselves or at competitions like fancy dress competitions.

What is the use of speech in high school?

In high school, as students gain more understanding about the world at large and develop their opinions, giving speeches is encouraged in school to help them navigate their thoughts to their peers. Further, speeches as a form of public speaking also help build the student’s soft skills .

A few ways giving speeches in high school can help in developing their soft skills are:

1. critical thinking.

Speeches aren’t about blurting out your ideas or opinions, rather it requires you to research and find evidence to back your point of view, or to think critically to deliver a speech that effectively reaches the other students.

2. Problem-solving

Speeches could be framed around a popular or controversial issue that the student wishes to provide their insight into. This would encourage them to come up with solutions. Apart from that, even coming up with a speech can be a task sometimes, and overcoming those challenges too can be counted in as a way of problem-solving

3. Time-management

With a huge number of students in high school, speeches are almost always time-bound. This also means that the students have to structure their speeches in a way that fits the time given, further inculcating time management skills in them.

4. Active listening

Speeches are not only about delivering or conveying your ideas or findings but also about listening carefully to what others have to say in terms of questions that may ask.

Why is speech required at college?

Speeches in college have an entirely different goal than the one that schools have.

In college, it isn’t always mandatory to give speeches or to participate in public speaking. However, a few reasons why giving speeches or public speaking is encouraged in colleges is because:

  • It helps in developing communication and public speaking skills that can be very beneficial to their professional life later.
  • Speeches may also be a way to meet new people and make new connections.
  • It improves the student’s leadership skills. How? We have all heard how a good speaker carries with him or her the potential to influence and lead the crowd, and that is how practicing public speaking in college helps improve a student’s leadership skills.

When can students be asked to give a speech?

As we just discussed that the purpose of giving speeches changes as we progress in our school. However, there are a couple of situations where mostly all students are expected to present their speech. And they are:

Classroom/section speeches

Classroom or section speeches are the ones you give in front of your classmates or people from your age group. Generally, the presentation of assignments and competitions comes under this category.

Graduation Speech

Graduating students

Students may also be expected to present a graduation speech . However, the big difference here is that not everyone gets the opportunity to present a graduation speech or commencement address as it is known.

What type of speech is a graduation speech? Or what type of speech is a commencement speech?

Graduation speeches or commencement speeches are parting speeches wherein the focus is on reflecting on the good times in the institute and motivating others for their bright future ahead. Depending on the purpose as selected by the speaker, these speeches could be persuasive, informative, or entertaining in nature . 

How to start a speech as a student 

Giving speeches as a student, even if you have been doing it for the past few years can still end up being a little challenging.  But rather than giving you tons of tips on things you can focus on while coming up with your speech or speech openings for students, we have got one ultimate tip . If you follow that, you should ideally be able to reach your audience more effectively.

Ultimate tip when writing speeches or speech openings for students

Write how you speak, not how you write.

When I came across this tip, I was surprised too. Because is indeed true that we write very differently when we have to show the speech to someone in written form but if asked honestly, do we speak in such a highly polished, extra professional vocabulary?

The idea is not to write the speech or speech opening riddled with slang but rather in a way that you’d feel comfortable listening to and understanding easily had you been the listener.

So in short, prepare the speech with the listener in mind, not the reader .

What is a good opening line for a speech?

Most opening lines for speech in school begin with a good morning.  We usually follow it with greetings or addressing the audience and the guests.

Wondering how you greet everyone in a speech?

Here is a list of ways you can begin with a simple good morning:

  • Good morning everyone presents here today. I’m delighted to present my views and understanding on a very delicate yet overlooked topic; Gender sensitization in the workplace.
  • Good afternoon esteemed members of the jury, my friends and peers, and everyone present in the room today.
  • Good morning to the faculty, the non-teaching staff, and the class of 2022!!

Now it is a good practice to begin your speech with your usual greetings. However, in this blog, we are trying to look beyond the usual.

It doesn’t mean that you will not be saying good morning or your basic greetings; the only difference is that you’ll not be opening your speech with it but addressing these basic formalities later in the speech.

How do you start a speech without saying good morning?

There are a couple of ways you can start a speech without saying good morning. Here are some of the ways we will take a look at in this blog:

  • “Imagine” scenario
  • “What if” scenario
  • Rhetorical questions
  • Statistics and figures
  • Powerful statements

Quotes are phrases or things spoken by someone influential . Quotes as speech openings for students can not only help them go beyond the widely popular way of beginning any speech but will also help them establish credibility right in the very beginning!

Now if you have ever wondered,

How to start your speech with a quote?

Here are a couple of examples of using quotes as speech openings for students:

Lon Watters had said that “A school is a building with four walls, with tomorrow inside.” And it would be wrong if I said that I didn’t agree with every bit of what he said. As we come to an end of our journey with this school that has provided us with tons of opportunities to learn, grow, interact and make memories we sure will cherish forever…
“If you don’t have a plan for your life, somebody else does.” This is a quote given by Michael Hyatt and isn’t it something we have all been experiencing all these years of growing up as our parents or guardians make plans for us right from the way we dress to the school we go to and sometimes even the careers we choose. Good morning everyone, I am Myra, a student of XYZ school standing here to voice my opinion on “Factors that influence your career decisions.”

 2. “Imagine” Scenario

Young girl imagining

This happens to be a personal favorite of mine when it comes to speech openings for students. A very simple yet beautiful way to engage your audience right at the beginning of your speech while at the same time allowing them to relate to what you’ll be saying next is what the image” scenarios are all about.

Before we begin, I’d like you to take a moment and imagine walking through a trail. You see the lush greens and pretty sky above you, the most dynamic clouds following everyone you go. Try sniffing the smell of wet soil and a hint of flowery fragrance as you walk towards the edge of the hill expecting to take a glimpse of the utter beauty that these hours of walking would lead you to, but you find something else. You see something that sends chills down your spine. There are some strange men performing rituals right in the very heart of these dense greens. You wonder what it is all about until it hits you; you have just uncovered a cult.

For the next example, I’d like you to take a look at the video below and check for yourself how wonderfully the speaker (although not a student) has made use of the “imagine” scenario to share his tragic experience with his audience.

Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.

3. “What If” Scenario

What if I told you that the best speech openings for students are actually the ones wherein they come up with an opening that best represents their style and comfort at delivering speeches, be it with a joke or a story?

Do you see what I did there?

That is an example of a “what if” scenario. It is similar to the imagination scenario we discussed above but the only difference here is that “what if” speech openings for students focus on providing an alternative idea to the audience while the imagined scenarios provide the audience an opportunity to relate to the speaker.

4. Rhetorical question

Rhetorical questions are questions the speaker includes in his/her/their speech that doesn’t necessarily require the audience to come up with an answer but are posed to get the audience thinking on the same.

Using rhetorical questions as speech openings for students can work wonders especially when you are looking for either a very quick speech opening or have very little time to deliver the speech.

An example of using rhetorical questions for speech opening is given below:

Talking about the new policy that makes it illegal to check the gender of the child before birth, do you think that it will curb the issue of female foeticide? Or will it simply take the activity underground?

The art of silence is phenomenal. Opening your speech in silence can help enhance your speech in two ways.

First, it will give the audience some time to settle in , post which you can expect to grab their dedicated attention. And secondly, silence would give you some time to understand the room and calm your pre-stage anxiousness .

6. Statistics and figures

collage of random numbers

Want to begin your speech on a hard-hitting and eye-opening note?

Show the numbers, the figures, and any statistics that serve your purpose for giving the speech.

It is very common to overlook the seriousness of any situation when you aren’t aware of the real extent of its seriousness. But when we have numbers in front of us, there is no more room for being in denial.

Examples of using Statistics or figures as speech openings for students

  • According to the 2019 WWF report , on average, we consume about 1,769 microplastic particles every week. 1769 microplastic particles every single week, can you imagine that?
  • 3.2 million teenagers between the age of 12-17 were depressed in the US as of 2017. Now you can only assume the number has increased over the past 5 years.

7. Powerful  Statements

Powerful statements are statements that try to break any common ideologies held by the public. Another example of a powerful statement is stating a fact or idea that isn’t openly spoken .

The video below is one such example of how the speaker tries to break a perception generally held by the people.

How often have we been told to include stories in our speech?

Almost every time isn’t it? So here we are to bombard you yet again by saying that stories are extremely fun and engaging forms of speech openings for students.

You can either share your experience or someone else’s story.

You can also refer to a Recent Conversation by starting your speech with something like “Just the other day as I was walking out of my Philosophy lecture, I asked Mr.Dee about his philosophy on life, and what he said was so eye-opening that I could not wait to share with all of you.”

An adorable example of how to begin a speech with a story is given below to help you get a clearer idea.

Examples of speech openings for students

Speech opening lines for public speaking competitions.

When it comes to public speaking competitions like elocutions, speech competitions, or even presentations, it is almost always recommended to begin with self-introduction . The reason is quite simple; there is a high chance that your audience might not know you .

But if you don’t want to begin with a self-introduction, you can start by using any of the alternatives we discussed earlier. Click here to go back and take another peek at it.

Speech Opening Lines for Self-introductions

Speech openings for self-introductions need to be simple, to the point yet descriptive.

Wait a minute? Wasn’t I contradicting myself in that line?

Yes, but that is how opening lines for self-introductions would ideally work. As people expect you to talk about yourself in depth in the rest of your speech, your opening lines would just be a teaser about yourself.

2 most important things to add in your self-introduction opening lines for students

  • What do you do?

Other things that you can talk about in these opening lines include:

  • Where are you from?
  • What is your goal?
  • What does your organization do?
  • A little bit about your family

Examples of opening lines for students

Good morning, I am Reini. I recently graduated from BMU college and have since been working as a Design intern at Desgynopedia. 
Hello and good evening everyone. I am Nicole and this is my team, Alina, Tim, Harold, and Noman. We are in our senior year majoring in Organizational psychology. Today we would like to talk about the 5 main Psychological factors that impact any organization’s overall performance.
Hey, I am Nizan. I am a nerd for Political Science and Greek Philosophy and am currently majoring in the same. My love for the subjects is also the reason why I am here to present a topic I found very intriguing “The injustice behind socrates’ death.”

Funny speech opening lines for students

If you are giving a speech for a competition, one of the most fun ways of opening your speech could be to say “Good morning to the faculty, my friends, and (look at the opponents) others.”

Other funny opening line examples:

  • I almost bunked school today until I realized that this speech carries marks and I sure don’t want to be in a class with our juniors. Just imagine! Who could do that?
  • Hello and good morning to everyone, except the ones who are well prepared for their speeches today.
  • Hello everyone, I’m excited to present my speech on XYZ’s topic today. I mean come on, what could be better than waking up at 7 am on a Monday morning to give a speech?
  • Today I’ll be talking about XYZ because I was told to!

Best Speech Opening Lines by students

1. chase dahl.

In one of the funniest speech opening lines by students, Chase Dahl opens up by saying “You know I have never understood how imagining the audience naked was supposed to make you less nervous. Honestly, I’m just uncomfortable right now.”

2. Kyle Martin (The King’s Academy)

Yet another Valedictorian speech that has caught our eye is the one given by Kyle Martin. The reason we would suggest you take a look into the opening lines of his speech is so that you can take notes on how beautifully he has described the efforts taken by every department of the institute as he tries to thank them for their efforts.

Presentation Opening Lines

Presentation speeches are a little different compared to your usual speeches and the major reason for that is because now you have access to visuals or your PPT.

Besides some of the ways already discussed above, you can begin the presentation by pointing out a particular slide. You can show your audience a graph, table, pictures, or any other creative and eye-catching ideas that can also turn out to be an amazing presentation opening.

How to start a presentation speech example for students

A few common ways you can open your speech are:

  • Hello everyone, I am Miya. I would first like to thank you all for your time.
  • For those who don’t know me, my name is Nazia, and if you do know me, hello again!
  • Good afternoon to all you wonderful people present here. I am Ryan and as you can see on screen, today I’ll be speaking on “The hazards of drinking from plastic bottles.”

For more examples of opening lines check out 50 Speech Opening Lines .

You might also like to know:

How to start a speech for the student council.

Speeches for student council are usually persuasive. They are your pitch to convince your fellow students to vote for you and help you get the position you are looking for.

So ideally, you should start by addressing everyone in the room . Then make a point to introduce yourself. Once you have introduced yourself, remind the audience why you are speaking which means let them know the position you are campaigning for. Bring up at least 1-2 issues that the students are most concerned about and tell them how if elected you’ll provide solutions to their issues.

Try to end it on a high note and don’t forget to add your campaign slogan .

You can also begin by stating your campaign slogan .

Yet another way to begin your speech for the student council is by challenging your opponent’s point of view or campaign . However, this would work only f you have a better strategy or solutions to the issues raised by your opponents.

Lastly, do something that no one expects from you . Let me share a story here to help you understand this point better. During one of the student council speeches, one candidate asked the audience to stand up, move a step in the front then go back to their seats and settle down. Following this, she said, “My parents told me if I could move the audience, I’d win.” And so she did win!

What is a speech class?

A speech class in high school or college is usually a short course or 1-semester course wherein the student is expected to improve on their public speaking skills along with critical thinking and active listening skills.

It essentially enhances their oral communication skills.

This also reminds me to introduce you to our courses that help enhance your public speaking and communication skills. If you are interested, head to Frantically Speaking .

But if your appetite for learning more about opening speeches isn’t satiated yet, we suggest you go check out our Video on the Powerful speech opening lines.

To Conclude

There are tons of ways to get creative with speech openings for students. From saying a simple good morning to adding stories, quotes, statistics, rhetorical questions, and even silence!

Get creative with your speech openings. As we always say, there are no right or wrong ways of public speaking as such, only a way that suits perfectly for you is the one that is right for you.

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Student Council Speeches

By:  Susan Dugdale  

How to write a winning speech: a template, guidelines, plus example speeches

Student Council Speeches mark the end of an election campaign.

Will yours be successful?

The final answer is in the hands of your fellow students. It's entirely their decision.

However, up until they mark their voting papers 'yes' or 'no' you have the potential to make their choice of candidate for the upcoming year 'you'.

How to write a great student council speech 

Use the quick links below to find what you need to write a great student council speech, whether it's the President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer role you're after.

Image - colored hands waving in affirmation. The word "YES" superimposed over image.

  • the primary purpose of your speech
  • a template that includes all the necessary elements of a good Student Council speech
  • points to consider carefully before you write
  • an example Student Council President speech
  • an example Student Council Vice President speech
  • an example Student Council Secretary speech
  • an example Student Council Treasurer speech
  • a printable speech planner and outline to download
  • vital tips for rehearsal . These make the difference between looking and sounding polished and bumbling.
  • a link to a collection of videoed student council speeches
  • how to manage anxiety about speaking in front of others

Understanding your speech purpose

Understanding the nature or purpose of your speech could make all the difference between winning and losing.

Student Council speeches are persuasive speeches . Their ultimate goal is to get you the YES vote.

To help you achieve that use the template, (framework or pattern), below to cover all the essential elements you need to pull together.

In addition, it will structure your speech logically, and effectively, from its opening through to its close.

(I've turned the template into a printable enabling you to plan and outline your speech efficiently and easily. You can download it from the link further down the page.)

Return to Top

Student Council speeches template

Round button - colored hands waving in affirmation - YES.

  • Greeting - Attention Getter - The Hook You'll need an opening statement or rhetorical  question to sit your audience up with open ears and minds. For more see: How to write a speech introduction: 12 of the best ways to start.  
  • Who you are - your name, your place or grade in the school, and maybe, your hobbies or interests, and the clubs or teams you're a member of. For example, Amnesty International, the speech and debate club, cross-country and basketball. And if you've used a campaign slogan work it in. It'll jog people's memories. 'Ah, yes, that person!', they'll think. Being known and familiar gives you a head start.
  • What you want - the role you are campaigning for: President, Vice President,  Treasurer, Secretary, Historian...
  • What you are going to do for the audience - benefits to them in exchange for their vote. (Brief summary -you will expand this in the body of your speech.)
  • Credibility - your qualification or expertise establishing your fitness for the role you want. (Brief summary - you will expand this in the body of your speech.)
  • Transition leading to...
  • Your Main Idea 1 - For example: your goal for the role, what you want to achieve, how you plan to do it, the benefits to your audience - what painful problem(s) will you solve for them, your fitness for the job, transition to...
  • Main Idea 2 - Supporting ideas - details and examples - transition to...
  • Main Idea 3 - Supporting ideas - details and examples - transition to...

NB. Only include a second and third idea if you have time to expand on them. If not, move through to the conclusion.

  • Summary of main points
  • Re-statement of what you want - to be elected to the role you're running for
  • Re-statement of the benefits to the audience
  • Closer, clincher, call for action

Points to consider BEFORE you write your speech

Image: various colored hands waving. Text: - vote me.

You'll make a better job of completing the printable student council speech template if you  take the time to go through the points below.

And then, read the student council speech examples, before you start to write.

Research the role

Think about your audience, what tone or choice of vocabulary is best suited to them.

Avoid trying to impress with either 'big' words or use of slang. Both are traps! Be yourself. Authentic. Real.

Keep your language conversational rather than overly formal and use smaller rather than large sentences.

Try using active rather than passive words. These convey enthusiasm. For examples, see this page on using action verbs . You'll discover how to go from boring bla bla bland to dynamic excitement.

What 'hook' will you use to get them to listen? Humor? Humor is good if it is relevant and inclusive rather than exclusive. (No 'in' jokes!).

Your goal in the role you want

Avoid setting up expectations that you will deliver beyond your capability. :-)

It might be very tempting, but can you really reduce school hours, increase academic standards, introduce a range of exciting new extracurricular activities, as well as have a 'green day' and a movie night every month? Please keep it real!

Your credibility or qualifications

Now is not the time either to be shy or arrogantly big-headed! Let the audience know how right you are for the role you want.

Set yourself apart from other candidates by sharing compelling personal stories or anecdotes that both support your pitch, and show you understand the key issues that matter to your fellow students.

Your school's requirements

If your speech does not meet pre- established criteria in any way you may find it is returned to you edited. It's safer to find out what those criteria are BEFORE writing to avoid having to re-write or worse, being disqualified entirely.

Mockery and personal insults are not clever. They boomerang back on you, letting your audience know you're not to be trusted and neither are you ready for leadership.

Readily acknowledging the skill and expertise of your fellow candidates sincerely in a way that doesn't demean yourself, or them, shows an open mind and maturity.

Aim to have your speech ready BEFORE the deadline.

Give yourself time to prepare thoroughly, including time to review of your opponents' campaigns. That can be very useful for seeing their strengths as well as their weaknesses, which you can then respond to in your own material.

Student Council President speech example 

Here's a sample student council speech. I've written it from the perspective of someone running for President.

As you read it, imagine it said aloud. That will help you get the rhythm and flow of language. The speech is between 3 - 4 minutes long, depending on how quickly you speak.

Vote Sophia Clarke for Student Council President

Image: multi-colored hands waving. Text: YES! Sophia Clarke for President Student Council.

"I’ve got a question for you. I’m not asking you to shout your answer out, or raise your hand. All I’m asking is that you give it room in your mind. Let it sit for a bit, and have a think about it.

My question is – do you believe like I do, that all of us deserve the opportunity to make the best of ourselves? Not second best, 3 rd , or even, highly commended. The BEST.

I’m Sophia Clarke. I’m in the 12 th  grade, and I’m running for president. My vision is that each student is enabled to develop the skills and confidence to become the bigger, better version of themselves. The best they can be.  Regardless of who they are, and what they need to achieve that.

It’s an audacious goal. Some would say an idealistic, rather than a realistic, one.

However I say it’s awesome. And that you’re intelligent people who realize that reaching any goal starts with taking the first step.

So let me remind you why choosing me, Sophia Clarke, for president, is also choosing a better chance for yourself, and everyone else to grow.

I know you, and I know your needs well. I’ve served on your behalf in multiple roles through my years here; secretary, auditor, public relations officer, and have successfully taken on multiple issues. You’ll know some of those through directly benefiting from them.

It was me who was behind the push to get a regular anti-bullying program running throughout the school. That was two years ago, and now the  Teens Against Bullying  message underpins what we expect and strive for in our every day dealings with each other.

We know incidents of bullying are far fewer as a result. As our orange tee shirts say we ‘choose kindness, acceptance and inclusion’ for each other, and our selves.

Who has been involved in our mentoring-homework program? Either as a buddy-tutor or as a student getting a helping hand? And who, like me, is passionate about making sure that everybody gets a fair go?

In the past year, under my watch that program has escalated. We have over 50% more tutors across more subject areas and more students taking up the offer of help. That is a fabulous outcome for everybody. Truly win-win.

A tick in the box alongside my name is a tick for the continued growth of those programs. Their value is proven. They allow each of us to grow and experience the strength and confidence that comes from knowing that we can make a positive difference in other people’s lives as well as our own.

When you vote me for President you get my capacity to organize, to liaise, to listen and to speak, working for the benefit of everybody.

A 'yes' for me is a 'yes' for appreciating and celebrating diversity.

A 'yes' for me, Sophia Clarke for President, is 'yes' to a better you.

And together that is a 'yes' to a better life, and a better school, for all of us."

Student Council Vice President speech example

Like the speech above, this one runs to approximately 4 minutes when said aloud. Try it and see.

Image: poster for student council election. Text: YES! Jason Hull for Vice President, Student Council

Nod your head if you've heard of the phrase '2nd fiddle' or '2IC'.

What about 'sidekick'?

Not booting a ball in from a sideline but a trusty partner to whoever it is who has the leading role. Like Robin is for Batman.

Or like, {name of your country's Vice President or Prime Minister} is for {name of country's President or Prime Minister} or {name of your school's Vice Principal} is for {name of your school's Principal}!

Well, that's what I aspire to - to become the trusty, tried and true sidekick to the President on our student council.

My name is Jason Hull. I'm in Grade 12 and proudly standing in front of you today as a candidate for the role of Vice President. Yes, I am asking you to give me something of immense value - your vote.

I know what the issues, here at {name of school} are. As part of my campaign, I've interviewed you, and listened. I promise your ideas will be acted on.

Afterall I've trained for this role, put in the time. You know, I know how to get things done.

Last year I served as Secretary and the year before that I was a representative for the committee - proof that I'm committed to bettering our school environment not just for you, but for everybody!

With your support, I'll be your go-to guy when you want to make sure that your opinions and feedback reach the decision-makers.

One of my main goals as your Vice President is to champion your initiatives: amongst others, that's the library extensions you told me about, the desire for healthier food choices in our cafeteria, and the urgent need to increase and diversify the workforce and out-reach opportunities that so many of you mentioned.

Whether you're passionate about improving our school facilities, or enhancing our community involvement, I'll be there to guide and help you. 

In the role of Vice President, I will work alongside the President fulfilling my duties to the best of my ability. 

Together, we'll make sure that your concerns, and hopes are not just heard but actively pursued. Not 'I' will make sure, but 'we'.

There is no 'I' in we, and that too, is a prerequisite of the Vice President's position: the capacity to put aside ego and to work productively for the good of all.

Because together, we, the Vice President, the President and the other council members, are stronger and can achieve more.

The Vice President role may be a support act but it's a vital one.  To succeed in it, collaboration is key. I promise to work hand in hand not only with the President but also with the entire student council team, our teachers, and our administration on your behalf.

Unity is strength. More than ever, we need to nurture understanding, kindness and respect for each other. Regardless of your grade, interests, or background, I want every one of you to feel valued and heard.

That's a goal many would say is impossible.

However, I say, we need to be the difference we want to see in the world. And to borrow those famous words of Helen Keller's: "Alone we can do so little. Together we can so much."

It would be an honor to be your voice, your eyes and your ears as Vice President.

So, I ask you, will you trust me to have your best interests at heart? Will you enable me to work on your behalf?

And are you willing to give me, Jason Hull, your vote for best sidekick, aka. Vice President?

I'll take those smiles, as a 'Yes'.

Example Student Council speeches for Secretary and Treasurer

Click the link to read an:

  • example Student Council speech for the role of Secretary . Plus, an overview of the Secretary's main tasks and responsibilities.
  • example Student Council speech for the role of Treasurer . Plus, an overview of the Secretary's main tasks and responsibilities.

(This page was getting far too long to include them both here. ☺)

Get the printable student council speech outline

Click on the image below to open a downloadable printable student council speech planner and outline pdf. (Please note it will open in a new window.)

Image: a row of multicolored hands waving. Text: Click to download a printable student council speech outline.

Your completed outline will provide both the structure and the content you need to efficiently write your speech.  

After you've finished writing your speech

Now that you've finished writing, you're ready to begin work on your delivery: how you present the speech to your audience.

The first step in that process is making sure your speech fits comfortably into whatever time you've been allocated.

After that comes rehearsal. The information you need for both steps is below.

Timing and word count

Student Council Speeches are generally brief: around 1-4 minutes long which isn't a lot of time! That's between approximately 150 - 600 words at an average speaking rate of 150 words per minute.

To be safe say your speech out loud as if you were delivering it for real and time it. In some schools going overtime can result in being disqualified.

Going faster to fit everything in

Please do not be tempted to say it faster to get everything you planned said. As a strategy it doesn't work. You'll end up gabbling: speaking far too quickly and people won't be able to understand what you're saying.

Cutting out extra material

If you have got too much material for the time limit, cut it. Choose the least important ideas to let go of first. Then move on to rephrasing to reduce the number of words used to express a point.

When you think it's done, repeat the test. Say it out loud as if you were actually giving it, and time it.

If you're now within the allotted time, you are ready for rehearsal.

For more about word count see: how many words per minute in a speech

How to rehearse your speech

Round button -multi-colored hands waving in affirmation - the word "rehearse" across image.

Please, please  rehearse your speech ! Do not be tempted to wing it. The more you rehearse the easier it will be to deliver it well.

Remember it is only 1 to 4 minutes long! In that time your goal is to have your audience ready to vote for you.

You can help them make that decision by being confident and prepared. You will show that through:

  • your speaking style  - natural, sincere, fluent, understandable (clear and able to be heard without straining)
  • your body language  - relaxed, open gestures, good eye contact and smiling
  • your personal grooming or presentation  because how you look 'speaks' too. Make sure that your clothing and general grooming supports your speech because, like it or not, you will be judged on both!

Go to: how to rehearse a speech properly .

Image: cross legged girl with large pair of wings, levitating. Text: How to rehearse a speech properly and do so much more than wing it.

 Videoed Student Council speech examples  

How do other people handle a Student Council speech? What's their content and delivery like?

Are they funny? Formal? Too hurried? Confident? Familiar with the audience?

It can help to look at what others have done. Even if it's only to decide their way will not be your way!

Image: Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, PA. USA, candidates for Student Council 2018

Click the link to access a collection ten videoed student council campaign speeches from the 2018 student council executive board candidates for Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, Pennsylvania, USA. 

At the foot of the article you'll find links to the videos of the school's 2015, 2016 and 2017 student council campaign speeches.

A word of warning

Ps. panic not.

Round button - Image -multi-colored hands waving in affirmation with the word "Help" superimposed on top.

If you find yourself getting anxious over the thought of delivering your speech, please check this page for help.

  • How to deal with acute public speaking anxiety: 14 ways that will help

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Home » Blog » General » Teaching Figures of Speech to Elementary Students: Activities and Discussions

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Teaching Figures of Speech to Elementary Students: Activities and Discussions

Teaching Figures of Speech to Elementary Students: Activities and Discussions

Introduction

Figures of speech are sayings that people use, which have different meanings than what they seem. They are an essential part of everyday communication, and understanding them helps students navigate social interactions more effectively. This blog post will explore a no-prep activity for teaching figures of speech to elementary students, discussion questions to stimulate further learning, and related skills that support social-emotional development.

No-Prep Activity: Figure of Speech Charades

This activity requires no preparation or materials and helps students understand figures of speech through a fun and engaging game. Here’s how to play:

  • Divide the students into two teams.
  • Each team takes turns selecting a team member to act out a figure of speech without speaking. The team has one minute to guess the phrase.
  • If the team correctly guesses the phrase within the time limit, they earn a point. If not, the other team has a chance to steal the point by guessing the phrase.
  • Play continues until all students have had a turn to act out a figure of speech, or until a predetermined number of rounds have been played.
  • The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

This activity encourages students to think critically about the meaning of common phrases and promotes teamwork and communication skills.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to stimulate further discussions about figures of speech and their importance in daily communication:

  • Why do you think people use figures of speech instead of saying exactly what they mean?
  • Can you think of a time when you misunderstood someone because they used a figure of speech? How did you resolve the confusion?
  • How can understanding figures of speech help us in our daily lives and social interactions?
  • What are some of your favorite figures of speech, and what do they mean?
  • How can we ask for clarification when we don’t understand a figure of speech someone is using?

Related Skills

Teaching figures of speech to elementary students also helps develop other essential social-emotional skills, such as:

  • Active listening: Understanding figures of speech requires students to listen carefully to the context in which they are used.
  • Empathy: Recognizing the feelings and intentions behind figures of speech helps students better understand and connect with others.
  • Problem-solving: Deciphering the meaning of a figure of speech encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Social awareness: Understanding figures of speech contributes to a student’s ability to navigate social situations and adapt their communication style.

Now that you have a better understanding of how to teach figures of speech to elementary students and the related social-emotional skills, take the next step by signing up for free samples of skill-building activities and resources at Everyday Speech. These materials will help you continue to support your students’ social-emotional development and communication skills.

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speeches for elementary students

21 Famous Speeches For Kids Your Kids Should Know About

21 Famous Speeches For Kids Your Kids Should Know About

Famous Speech From Leaders For Kids

Famous speech from sports for kids, famous speech from artist for kids, famous speech from scientists for kids.

A speech is a ceremonial address delivered to spectators by a person who seeks to persuade, inform, and inspire.

It is a very influential and powerful tool through which many eminent individuals have changed the world and human life as we know it. There have been a plethora of life-changing inspirational speeches by celebrated eminent personalities, which neither gets old nor does it fail to rouse our emotions when they are still heard today.

Some of the most famous speeches have transcended time and place and are still relevant to this day because the wisdom in a great speech had the power to stir emotions after decades and even after the speaker's death.

There isn't a specific set of rules that can make a speech great. Most famous historical speeches have been about multiple affairs and, in many different languages.

It doesn't matter if the speech is a long or a short speech. What matters is if it has the power to inspire, influence, and capture the audience's attention.

It could be the gravity of the author's argument, how well it has been portrayed to the hearers, or the usage of words and choice of vocabulary, that gives the speech its quality.

These factors led to some of the most famous speeches in history being unforgotten and still influential worldwide.

Some of the greatest speeches have impacted generations after generations, have reshaped the way people think, have influenced new ideals, and broken age-old archaic norms. Many have also given rise to revolutionary changes that were necessary battling against all odds to achieve a better future and greater things.

These speeches still stand the test of time because they are treated as the cornerstones for the rise of many ideals adopted in the modern era.

Three components are considered essential elements in a great speech. They are tone, substance, and effect.

A great speech need not have ornate word jewelry to make it great. The presence of flowery and profound language does give the speech its substance.

What it needs is artful construction, which can make even the simplest of contexts sound beautiful both for hearing and reading.

Instead, it should be centered and focused on a profound topic, seeking to appeal to the audience and provide inspiration to uphold ideals and values.

A great speech aims to influence the listeners and their opinions on a matter, to change perspective and the hearts and minds of the masses, and should be inclusive of all generations of the present age and the future.

We've compiled some of the greatest speeches given by some of the most eminent and famous people in the past and during recent times. These speeches have had a significant impact worldwide because of their enthusiasm and because of the very words through which they were delivered to the masses.

Listening to these speeches has been the beacon of light during times of sadness and suffering. They are the symbol of hope during heartache, bravery in times of weakness, and uplift broken people's will.

Many of these speeches have been the cornerstones for the change in the course of history.

These speeches are like valuable time capsules, and it is through these speeches, human beings from past ages continue to live on. Some of the most notable speeches made history with excerpts to prove that these words are transcendent.

The most notable speeches of all time were given by some of the most famous leaders, American Presidents, chiefs, preachers, and other notable personalities who moved the audience and inspired their minds.

'I Have A Dream' is one of the most electrifying public speeches ever delivered by Martin Luther King Jr.

In August 1963, American civil rights activist and Baptist minister; Martin Luther King Jr. addressed the masses attending the March in Washington for jobs and freedom by saying; "I have a dream that one day down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification - one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers."

In the speech, Martin Luther King fought for equal economic and civil rights for the African-American people and was a direct address of rampant racism that prevailed in the United States.

It is one of the most significant speeches for equality and freedom and a pivotal moment of the civil rights movement in American history.

Queen Elizabeth I's speech to the troops at Tilbury delivered to the young men fighting in the English forces in the wake of a war with Spain in the 1580s is still one of the most moving speeches that defined feminism and gender equality.

When scorned King Phillip II of Spain prepared for the charge of England to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I of England, she addressed her nervous troops with the words, "I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm: To which rather than any dishonor shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field.

Queen Elizabeth's specifically used the words "feeble woman" and "foul scorn" to emphasize that even in a patriarchal era, a woman had enough power to rule and lead an army into battle and emerge victoriously.

It is universally considered one of the most defining moments in the history of Great Britain.

Theodore Roosevelt's great speech 'Duties of American Citizenship' was one of the greatest speeches delivered on the theoretical reasons why every individual needs politics in their lives and why they should be involved in it.

Roosevelt admonished the ones who kept themselves away from politics by saying, "It ought to be axiomatic in this country that every man must devote a reasonable share of his time to doing his duty in the Political life of the community.

No man has a right to shirk his political duties under whatever plea of pleasure or business..." Roosevelt's "The Man with the Muck-rake" was also an iconic speech that sought to expose the corruption in society by addressing them as "muckrakers."

Another defining speech by an eminent leader is 'We Shall Fight on the Beaches' by Winston Churchill, one of the most eloquent orators in the United Kingdom.

During the Battle of France, Winston Churchill addressed the British House Of Commons by saying, "We shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender."

His speech was like the "landing grounds" of hope for Britain during one of her darkest periods, and it celebrated the success at Dunkirk as well as exposed the horrors of war addressing it as a "colossal military disaster."

An example of a heartbreaking speech in history is the 'Surrender Speech' by Chief Joseph in 1877, which had moved the masses to a mess of tears.

It was addressed to General Howard when the military had forcefully declared that Chief Joseph, along with his tribe of Nez Perce, had to rehabilitate themselves to an Idaho reservation or face retribution for the death of two white men in the hands of his tribesmen.

Chief Joseph said these bleak, moving words to avoid violence, "Tell General Howard I know his heart. What he told me before, I have it in my heart.

I am tired of fighting.

Looking Glass is dead. It is the young men who say, 'yes' or 'no.'

He who led the young men is dead." He was referring to Looking Glass, who was one of the war leaders of the Nez Perce group after he was killed by Cheyenne scout from the army.

John F. Kennedy's 'Inaugural Address' was one of the most eloquent speeches that had moved the nation. His most notable words in the speech, "My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man" made the masses feel that a new era had dawned upon welcoming a "new frontier."

Ronald Reagan's speech 'Address to the Nation on the Challenger' was one of the most memorable speeches delivered on January 28, 1986.

In the aftermath of the blast of the space shuttle Challenger that led to the deaths of seven Americans, Reagan addressed the nation via radio to honor the lives lost by saying, "They, the members of the Challenger crew, were pioneers," and also to bring comfort to the ones disturbed and heartbroken by the incident by saying, "I know it is hard to understand, but sometimes painful things like this happen.

It's all part of the process of exploration and discovery.

It's all part of taking a chance and expanding man's horizons.

The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave." Another speech by Reagan was "Tear down this wall!"

in 1987 1987 addressed to the Soviet Leader when the Cold War was reigning supreme.

Abraham Lincoln's 'The Gettysburg Address,' delivered on November 19, 1863, is a true example of a short and unforgettable speech that still rings with the sound of relevance in the modern age.

His words, "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war.

We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live.

It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this."

In a span of three minutes, not only did he address the horrors of war that the men who died in Gettysburg experienced on the battlefield, but he also intended to address the matter of equality and if the government was up for maintaining that proposition.

Some of the most famous and moving speeches have been delivered by some of the most notable sportsmen who people have looked up to all their lives.

For instance, the Yankee's first baseman, Lou Gehrig, who was nicknamed the Iron Horse for his undying dedication to the game, addressed the crowd for the last time with his 'Farewell to Baseball Address' speech on July 4, 1939.

He gave this speech when the Yankees hosted a ceremony as a toast to their teammate without a single word of regret or wallowing pity.

He showed gratefulness for how lucky he was for all the achievements he got.

Kevin Durant's 2013-2014 MVP acceptance speech is also one of the most moving speeches by athletes.

In this speech, he acknowledges the trials and tribulations, the hard work, and sacrifices he had to go through to be precisely where he is, and shows great appreciation for everyone who stuck with him throughout his journey, including his family, his coaches, teammates, friends as well as supporters and helped him in his journey to success.

Darrell Green's 'Hall Of Fame Speech' is said to be one of the greatest' Hall Of Fame Speeches" of all time. It is heartfelt and heart-wrenching at the same time when he addressed his deceased parents and said, "Deacon Jones said I'm going to cry.

You bet your life I'm going to cry!" In this speech, he spoke highly of his father, Leonard Green, who never lost faith in him and believed him even when others did not by saying, "They said no, but he said 'go.'"

Artists can be master orators because of how they perceive things and human life, and some of their speeches have been greatly impactful.

One of the most notable instances is when Neil Gaiman delivered an inspirational Commencement Speech at the University of the Arts in 2012. Despite not having attended college, Gaiman is a remarkable orator, master writer, and one of the best storytellers in the modern age.

In this particular speech, he addressed the budding artists in the university and said, "When life gets hard, as it inevitably will, make good art. Just make good art.

Make your own art, meaning the art that reflects your individuality and personal vision." This speech was so inspirational that it was later adapted into an illustrated book entitled 'Make Good Art.'

When it comes to comic humor, Bill Watterson is considered royalty, and in his speech at the Kenyon College 1990, he specifically emphasized the importance of creativity. He motivates the audience by saying, "If I've learned one thing from being a cartoonist, it's how important playing is to creativity and happiness.

At school, new ideas are thrust at you every day. Out in the world, you'll have to find the inner motivation to search for new ideas on your own."

Another great example is the speech 'The Pleasure Of Books' by William Lyon Phelps, an American educator, scholarly critic, and writer.

In this speech, he focuses on the importance of reading by saying, "Books are for use, not for show; you should own no book that you are afraid to mark up, or afraid to place on the table, wide open and face down."

Through this speech, the author's main intention was to entertain everyone listening with his own opinions and thoughts on books and how they should be handled.

His tone is awe and inspiration, praising the act and art of reading, and hones in on his belief that books are indeed the greatest treasure given to humankind.

Some of the greatest scientists have moved masses with their speeches about their discoveries, inventions, and take on life.

The best example for this category would be Albert Einstein's speech entitled 'Wonders of Science,' which he had delivered in Berlin in 1930.

He speaks in awe of the miraculous creations brought about by science by saying, "The origin of all technical achievements is the divine curiosity and the play instinct of the working and thinking researcher as well as the constructive fantasy of the technical inventor."

Another instance is when Rachel Carson shared her eloquent environmental message to the Garden Club of America in January 1963 in New York.

In this speech, 'A New Chapter to Silent Spring' she praises the Garden Club of America by saying, "Through your interest in plant life, your fostering of beauty, your alignment with constructive conservation causes, you promote that onward flow of life that is the essence of our world."

She then emphasizes the importance of proper agriculture later in the speech, intending to bring about a significant change.

Some other notable speeches by people of science are by environmental activist Jane Goodall whose speech 'What Separates Us From The Apes' was as impactful as it was informative.

In this speech, Goodall speaks in support of these animals by saying, "The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves," which is a commonly recurring line in most of her speeches.

Last but not least, Amelia Earhart's speech, 'A Woman's Place in Science,' which she delivered as a radio broadcast in 1935, speaks volumes just from the title itself.

Through this speech, Earhart asserted her belief that women can and should be whatever and wherever they want to be, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and should be encouraged to do so.

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With an accomplished background as a Veterinarian, SEO content writer, and public speaker, Oluniyi brings a wealth of skills and experience to his work. Holding a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Ibadan, he provides exceptional consulting services to pet owners, animal farms, and agricultural establishments. Oluniyi's impressive writing career spans over five years, during which he has produced over 5000 high-quality short- and long-form pieces of content. His versatility shines through as he tackles a diverse array of topics, including pets, real estate, sports, games, technology, landscaping, healthcare, cosmetics, personal loans, debt management, construction, and agriculture.

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2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.

3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.

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Elementary School Graduation Speech - A Free Graduation Speech

An elementary school graduation speech should give thanks where thanks are due,  acknowledge accolades achieved, pay tribute to both knowledge and attitudes attained and leave the students with a message for the future.

elementary school graduation speech

You can use the speech with a bit of tweaking here and there, or you can use it as a guideline to structure your own speech.

Graduation day is indeed a memorable day in the minds of the students and their parents. You can add to their magical moment and present a  short, yet meaningful speech.

Don't be reluctant to edit and add as needed - the more personalized and unique... the better!

Good Evening Honored Guests, Ladies, Gentlemen and of course the Graduating Class of [insert year] .

It seems hard to believe. The year started off at a sprint and it seems to have left many of us still trying to catch our breath. As we looked forward to all the challenges that lay ahead of us, it did appear a little daunting at times - a huge mountain that lay ahead of us to climb. But my, what a wonderful year it has been. A year of challenges met, mountains climbed and summits conquered!

To our young Ladies and Gentlemen seated in front of us tonight listening to our elementary school graduation speech - we are immeasurably proud of each  and everyone of you. There were those of you who seemed to have wings and you just soared over the obstacles and challenges that crossed your path. It is a wonderful gift and one that never fails to amaze me. And although, not everyone may have had wings that saw them soaring over obstacles confronted - each and every one of you had feet - feet that you used to climb, bit  by bit every day, one day at a time and yes...you all got there. You all achieved your goals!

Step-by-step and day-by-day - your course was steadfast and you never lost sight of your goals. I can only applaud that kind of determination, that purposeful resolve to get where you need to be - even when it may not always have been very easy. Well done - you seized wonderful opportunities, academic, cultural and sporting  and made them your own. We are indeed proud!

But, allow me set another scene? No elementary school graduation speech is complete without a story? The end of recess bell has just rung. The Grade [insert highest year of students] 's are outside a class,  waiting for a lesson. Along comes a little Grade [insert lowest year of students] chap....shirt un-tucked and socks down  after a good game of something that involves running. He sees a Senior Teacher standing next to the class, waiting to lead the class in.

Quite undeterred, this young man walks up to the teacher. The conversation that follows goes something like this:

Boy: "Who are those boys?"

Teacher: "They are Senior Boys."

The boy looking disappointed, but still hopeful: "Oh...I'm looking for a tall Senior Boy ( little arms extended to the left and the right accompany this statement to show just how tall the boy is). Do you know him? He said he would play soccer with me after school!"

Teacher: "Well, do you know his name?"

Boy: "No...but will you find him for me please? Tell him I'll wait for him after school to play soccer."

With that, the little chap turns happily on his heel, confident that the teacher will in fact find the "tall Senior boy" and he trots off to his next lesson. The Senior kids smile and chuckle good-naturedly at the little guy's enthusiasm and conviction.

Ok, so the teacher never did find the elusive "tall one" - but something more important was "found".

It is gratifying to find that at [insert name of School] a Senior Boy will still offer to play soccer with  a younger boy because he remembers looking up to the bigger boys when he was just a little guy. And what  a find it is when a Junior Boy wants to play soccer with the Senior Boys - no fear...just a little awe and admiration perhaps?

It is also heart-warming to see the complete trust and belief, as our young friend approached a teacher for help in this rather urgent matter,  and more importantly, to see the faith that the little guy had in the simplicity of his request, and the faith that the teacher would do their best to help him.

It is moments like these, not only the more tangible academic, sporting and cultural moments that are normally evident - when we are again reminded of what makes [insert name of School] so special. The moments are seemingly unimportant, magical and many - but they happen every day at [insert name of school] .

As you face a new academic year, my advise to you in our elementary school graduation speech is to continue soaring, continue boldly stepping forward, continue marching towards the beat of your drum and may the year that lies ahead be as phenomenal as your graduating year at [ insert name of School].

Your elementary school graduation speech will be even more effective with good quotes for graduation speeches.

Go on - visit  free graduation speeches for more ideas on free written speeches. Read them, copy and paste them, tweak them and present them!

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What federal education data shows about students with disabilities in the U.S.

Public K-12 schools in the United States educate about 7.3 million students with disabilities – a number that has grown over the last few decades. Disabled students ages 3 to 21 are served under the federal  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) , which guarantees them the right to free public education and appropriate special education services.

For Disability Pride Month , here are some key facts about public school students with disabilities, based on the latest data from the  National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) .

July is both Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To mark these occasions, Pew Research Center used federal education data from  the National Center for Education Statistics  to learn more about students who receive special education services in U.S. public schools.

In this analysis, students with disabilities include those ages 3 to 21 who are served under the federal  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) . Through IDEA, children with disabilities are guaranteed a “free appropriate public education,” including special education and related services.

The 7.3 million disabled students in the U.S. made up 15% of national public school enrollment during the 2021-22 school year. The population of students in prekindergarten through 12th grade who are served under IDEA has grown in both number and share over the last few decades. During the 2010-11 school year, for instance, there were 6.4 million students with disabilities in U.S. public schools, accounting for 13% of enrollment.

The number of students receiving special education services temporarily dropped during the coronavirus pandemic – the first decline in a decade. Between the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years, the number of students receiving special education services decreased by 1%, from 7.3 million to 7.2 million. This was the first year-over-year drop in special education enrollment since 2011-12.

A line chart showing that fewer U.S. children received special education services in first full school year of COVID-19 pandemic.

The decline in students receiving special education services was part of a 3% decline in the overall number of students enrolled in public schools between 2019-20 and 2020-21. While special education enrollment bounced back to pre-pandemic levels in the 2021-22 school year, overall public school enrollment remained flat.

These enrollment trends may reflect some of the learning difficulties and health concerns students with disabilities and their families faced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic , which limited or paused special education services in many school districts.

Many school districts struggle to hire special education professionals. During the 2020-21 school year, 40% of public schools that had a special education teaching vacancy reported that they either found it very difficult to fill the position or were not able to do so.

Foreign languages (43%) and physical sciences (37%) were the only subjects with similarly large shares of hard-to-fill teaching vacancies at public schools that were looking to hire in those fields.

While the COVID-19 pandemic called attention to a nationwide teacher shortage , special education positions have long been among the most difficult for school districts to fill .

The most common type of disability for students in prekindergarten through 12th grade involves “specific learning disabilities,” such as dyslexia.  In 2021-22, about a third of students (32%) receiving services under IDEA had a specific learning disability. Some 19% had a speech or language impairment, while 15% had a chronic or acute health problem that adversely affected their educational performance. Chronic or acute health problems include ailments such as heart conditions, asthma, sickle cell anemia, epilepsy, leukemia and diabetes.

A chart showing that about a third of disabled U.S. students have a 'specific learning disability,' such as dyslexia.

Students with autism made up 12% of the nation’s schoolchildren with disabilities in 2021-22, compared with 1.5% in 2000-01.  During those two decades, the share of disabled students with a specific learning disability, such as dyslexia, declined from 45% to 32%.

The percentage of students receiving special education services varies widely across states. New York serves the largest share of disabled students in the country at 20.5% of its overall public school enrollment. Pennsylvania (20.2%), Maine (20.1%) and Massachusetts (19.3%) serve the next-largest shares. The states serving the lowest shares of disabled students include Texas and Idaho (both 11.7%) and Hawaii (11.3%).

A map showing that New York, Pennsylvania and Maine public schools serve the highest percentages of students with disabilities.

Between the 2000-01 and 2021-22 school years, all but 12 states experienced growth in their disabled student populations. The biggest increase occurred in Utah, where the disabled student population rose by 65%. Rhode Island saw the largest decline of 22%.

These differences by state are likely the result of inconsistencies in how states determine which students are eligible for special education services and challenges in identifying disabled children.

A cartogram that shows between the 2000-01 and 2021-22 school years, most states saw growth in population of students with disabilities.

The racial and ethnic makeup of the nation’s special education students is similar to public school students overall, but there are differences by sex.  About two-thirds of disabled students (65%) are male, while 34% are female, according to data from the 2021-22 school year. Overall student enrollment is about evenly split between boys and girls.

A dot plot showing that U.S. special education students tend to be male.

Research has shown that decisions about whether to recommend a student for special education may be influenced by their school’s socioeconomic makeup, as well as by the school’s test scores and other academic markers.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published April 23, 2020.

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Katherine Schaeffer is a research analyst at Pew Research Center

Most Americans think U.S. K-12 STEM education isn’t above average, but test results paint a mixed picture

About 1 in 4 u.s. teachers say their school went into a gun-related lockdown in the last school year, about half of americans say public k-12 education is going in the wrong direction, what public k-12 teachers want americans to know about teaching, what’s it like to be a teacher in america today, most popular.

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Schools try to balance freedom of speech and security during student protests

Headshot of Sequoia Carrillo

Sequoia Carrillo

Schools weigh freedom of speech and safety risks as nationwide protests pop up on college campuses over the Israel-Hamas conflict.

JUANA SUMMERS, HOST:

The turmoil on college campuses over the Israel-Hamas War continues to spread. Protests and arrests at Columbia University have been followed by demonstrations and arrests at NYU and Yale as well as rallies in sit-ins at Michigan, Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley. While many campuses remain calm, administrators are working to ensure the safety of all their students. NPR's Sequoia Carrillo reports.

SEQUOIA CARRILLO, BYLINE: Colleges are walking a fine line this week as students on both sides of a deeply emotional conflict take to their campuses to protest. The demonstration, says Ted Mitchell...

TED MITCHELL: They raise this really complicated tension between freedom of speech and protecting student safety.

CARRILLO: Mitchell is the president of the American Council on Education, an umbrella organization for higher-ed institutions. He's been following closely as more than a hundred students were arrested during a peaceful protest at Columbia this weekend, dozens more at Yale and then last night at NYU. Mitchell says two things are critical right now for campus leaders.

MITCHELL: First of all, to be clear about what campus policies are and what they're not, and then, second, to be consistent - and this is where I think there's been a lot of struggle, where one group feels that they are being treated differently than another group. That's a very dangerous spot for higher-ed administrators to be.

CARRILLO: At Ohio State University last week, a protest march on campus featured students chanting and calling for the university to divest from Israeli companies. Administrators are calling for students to treat each other with respect and dignity. In a statement, spokesman Ben Johnson noted that, so far, no students have been removed, but police and trained staff are on-site for demonstrations.

BEN JOHNSON: And we remind students, faculty and staff frequently that when protected speech becomes incitement or becomes a threat of violence, the university has and will always move quickly to enforce the law and enforce university policy.

CARRILLO: Harvard's president Alan Garber told the student newspaper that he could not rule out the use of police, but added that the school has a very high bar before doing so. At the University of Michigan, students have also set up an encampment on the main quad. Officials at the university provided a statement to NPR. It reads, students are able to engage in peaceful protests in many places on campus. And at the same time, the university has a responsibility to maintain an environment that is conducive to learning and academic success. No one has the right to substantially disrupt university activities or to violate laws or university policies.

Mitchell from the American Council on Education says colleges can and will move past this turmoil, but it will take time.

MITCHELL: Let's be clear. Universities are not crumbling. The actions taking place on universities are setting the table for long, deep debates - whether it's debates about investment in Israel or about two-state solutions to the Middle East politics or about the history of the region. And so this is a loud way of setting that table for the future.

CARRILLO: With graduation mere weeks away, it may be some time before students and faculty get to sit down at that table and work things through. Sequoia Carrillo, NPR News.

(SOUNDBITE OF RAPSODY SONG, "ASTEROIDS")

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IMAGES

  1. 10+ Speech Examples for Elementary Students

    speeches for elementary students

  2. Sample of elementary graduation speech

    speeches for elementary students

  3. 11+ Salutatorian Speech Examples Word Pdfs

    speeches for elementary students

  4. 3 different graduation speeches by elementary students & one by the teacher

    speeches for elementary students

  5. FREE 10+ Sample Graduation Speech Example Templates in PDF

    speeches for elementary students

  6. Graduation Ceremony Speech (Elementary)

    speeches for elementary students

VIDEO

  1. Elementary Graduation Speech 2023 with his crystal clear voice

  2. 25 BEST SPEECH FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

  3. One minute speech for school assembly/1 minute speech Part1/Speech Samples/Short Speech for Students

  4. ENGLISH SPEECH

  5. Stumping for Student Council

  6. Best Topics for Speech/Topics for School Assembly/Best 50 Topics for Students

COMMENTS

  1. Speech for Elementary Students

    1. Family. The subject of family is probably the most popular speech topic there is. Since it's about something you're completely accustomed to, it wouldn't be hard to find the right words to complete your speech. Say for example, you could make a speech about an unforgettable memory with your family.

  2. 130 Awesome Speech Topics for Kids

    One thing I know how to cook is…. The contents of your lunch box. Different ways to eat an apple. Why I don't care about the "Five second rule". I don't like to eat …. Fill in something you dislike. Animals. A day in the life as a fly. What my dog is thinking.

  3. 10 Great American Speeches for the 7-12 Classroom

    Patrick Henry 'Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death'. benoitb / Getty Images. Patrick Henry's speech was an attempt to persuade the Virginia House of Burgesses, meeting at St. John's Church in Richmond, to pass resolutions favoring Virginia joining the American Revolutionary War. Delivered by: Patrick Henry.

  4. Elementary School Speech Topics

    First Set of 10 Elementary School Speech Topics. my favorite silly family story. why I should be President. why my favorite subject is science, English, math, gym... etc. tell us the rules for baseball, soccer, go fish...etc. tell us some of the consequences of lying, stealing, cheating, etc. I would ________ if I won a million dollars.

  5. How to Teach Public Speaking to Elementary & Middle School Students

    Three minutes is a good starting point. Elementary and middle school students have limited attention spans, so it is crucial to keep their speeches concise and engaging. This will also encourage students to express their ideas effectively in a short amount of time. Keeping speeches short will foster clarity and concise expression of thoughts.

  6. Speech topics for children: 141 ideas for school speeches

    These speech ideas have worked well for me with middle-school children, aged between 11 years to approximately 14 years. You'll find some are more suitable for an imaginative child and others for a practical, factual child. Of course, the topic you select will also depend on the objective or goal for the speech.

  7. 16 Public Speaking Tips for Students

    If you're in elementary or high school, share your fears with your parents, a teacher, or a guidance counselor. Sometimes sharing how you feel can make it easier to overcome stage fright. Visualize confidence: Visualize yourself confidently delivering your speech. Imagine feeling free of anxiety and engaging the students in your class.

  8. Speech Writing Outline and Format for Students

    It lets the audience know that the speech is about to end. Like the introduction, the conclusion can be broken into two parts: the review and the final statement. A. Review: During the first part of the conclusion, the speaker restates the topic of the speech and each main point. B. Final Statement: The speech ends with a strong final statement.

  9. Impromptu Speech Activities for Elementary Students

    Activity 2: Impromptu Practice. The purpose of this activity is for students to gain experience delivering one to two-minute impromptu speech presentations. For this activity, you can put students into groups of two or three. Once the group is chosen, have each group select a topic from the list below. Then allow each group five minutes to ...

  10. Speaking as a Skill for Success

    Year 7 students focus on building their public speaking skills through the four strands of the oracy framework: physical, linguistic, cognitive, and emotional -- a range that helps them decide on tones of voice or body language that will help them effectively communicate their message. "It's a lot to keep in mind at first," says Matilda, a Year ...

  11. 100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Kids

    Waffle cones are better than regular ice cream cones. Dogs are better companions than cats. Wearing pajamas in public is inappropriate. Short hair is for boys and long hair is for girls. Kids should have fewer toys and more cardboard boxes to play with. Girls like to play with action figures.

  12. 45 Must-Watch TED Talks Students Will Love

    The LXD: In the Internet age, dance evolves (17:13) The LXD (Legion of Extraordinary Dancers) believes that dance can have a transformative effect on the world. Their stunning street dance performance makes for a TED Talk video students will want to watch again and again. Fans of Glee and So You Think You Can Dance may see some familiar faces.

  13. Public Speaking for Kids

    Have a look at these 30 persuasive speech topics that can help kids call others to action: The Benefits of Social Media. How to Become a Responsible Citizen. The Value of Having Good Manners. Taking Care of the Environment: Reducing Pollution and Waste. The One Thing I Know About Eating Healthy Foods.

  14. 50 Topics for Impromptu Student Speeches

    Things I'll never eat. How to be a slacker. Why I like my town. The best parts of a parade. Interesting things you see in the sky. Things to remember when you're camping. An experience with a bully. Cite this Article. This list of speech topics plus tips for making impromptu speeches will help students learn to feel comfortable making a speech ...

  15. PDF IMPROMPTU

    speech. In total, a student has seven minutes. These seven minutes may be divided up by the student however they see fit. For instance, they could brainstorm and outline their ideas for three minutes and then deliver a four-minute speech; or they could brainstorm and outline for one minute and speak for six minutes. There

  16. Speeches For Kids

    Mahatma Gandhi Speech. Speeches | Reading Pod 7-14 yrs. Barack Obama Speech. Speeches | Reading Pod 8-12 yrs. Ronald Reagan Speech. Speeches | Reading Pod 8-12 yrs. Louis Gehrig Farewell Speech. Speeches | Reading Pod 8-12 yrs. Patrick Henry Speech- Give me liberty or give me death.

  17. Elementary Student Council Speech Ideas

    For older elementary students, speeches may focus on particular issues that are important to the student body as a whole. These issues may include curriculum choices or activities that the students would like to see implemented. The issues may be on cafeteria food or certain school rules. The speaker may make a speech about a plan to reasonably ...

  18. Giving a Speech Lesson Plan for Elementary School

    Jennifer has taught elementary levels K-3 and has master's degrees in elementary education and curriculum/instruction and educational leadership. Giving a speech can be overwhelming for some ...

  19. How to start a speech for students (Ultimate opening lines)

    Opening your speech in silence can help enhance your speech in two ways. First, it will give the audience some time to settle in, post which you can expect to grab their dedicated attention. And secondly, silence would give you some time to understand the room and calm your pre-stage anxiousness. 6.

  20. Student Council Speeches: How to Write a Winning Speech

    Timing and word count. Student Council Speeches are generally brief: around 1-4 minutes long which isn't a lot of time! That's between approximately 150 - 600 words at an average speaking rate of 150 words per minute. To be safe say your speech out loud as if you were delivering it for real and time it.

  21. Teaching Figures of Speech to Elementary Students: Activities and

    Teaching figures of speech to elementary students also helps develop other essential social-emotional skills, such as: Active listening: Understanding figures of speech requires students to listen carefully to the context in which they are used. Empathy: Recognizing the feelings and intentions behind figures of speech helps students better ...

  22. 21 Famous Speeches For Kids Your Kids Should Know About

    Famous Speech From Leaders For Kids. The most notable speeches of all time were given by some of the most famous leaders, American Presidents, chiefs, preachers, and other notable personalities who moved the audience and inspired their minds. 'I Have A Dream' is one of the most electrifying public speeches ever delivered by Martin Luther King ...

  23. Elementary School Graduation Speech

    An Elementary School Graduation Speech as Sample Graduation Speeches that Pay Tribute to Core Educational Role Players. find-the-words.com. Free Written Speeches - Find The Right Words . Menu. ... The Grade [insert highest year of students] 's are outside a class, waiting for a lesson. Along comes a little Grade ...

  24. Key facts about US students with disabilities, for Disability Pride

    The racial and ethnic makeup of the nation's special education students is similar to public school students overall, but there are differences by sex. About two-thirds of disabled students (65%) are male, while 34% are female, according to data from the 2021-22 school year. Overall student enrollment is about evenly split between boys and girls.

  25. Schools try to balance freedom of speech and security during student

    TED MITCHELL: They raise this really complicated tension between freedom of speech and protecting student safety. CARRILLO: Mitchell is the president of the American Council on Education, an ...