Start a High School Speech Club
According to the Book of Lists, most people fear public speaking more than death. Train adolescents young to conquer stage fright. Prepare them for public speaking opportunities in their forthcoming personal and professional adult lives. Offer them an opportunity to gain experience in leadership. Provide venues for students to practice in public and compete against other students. Scale down the esteemed Toastmaster's International program, or pick and choose elements from several programs to mold a club that suits your student members.
Instructions
Start a High School Speech Club
1. Assess interest and recruit members. Advertise in the local newspaper and the school newsletter. Announce an informational meeting over the school loudspeaker. Place posters throughout the school. Mail notices home to parents, highlighting that good speaking skills are essential in preparing for college and career interviews. State the date, place and time of the informational meeting.
2. Host an informational meeting. Pass out explanatory packets outlining the program format. Welcome parents to attend the meeting with their students. Invite students personally, and excite them about attending. Serve a light snack.
3. Hold officer elections during the first meeting. Allow them to take ownership of their club under your instruction. Develop their leadership skills throughout the program. Assist them in building their own program. Guide them in problem-solving and handling unexpected dilemmas.
4. Arrange for an inspiring and vivacious guest speaker for their first formal meeting. Host stimulating guest speakers at regular intervals throughout the program to attract more members and keep the program exciting. Recruit community officials to donate their time by giving talks as suggested by motivational speaker Nina Spencer. Schedule a few students to give their first speeches by the second meeting.
5. Develop a solid academic plan. Model it after the adult Toastmaster's program, scaling it down to a student level. Add the best components of other speech programs. Run a professional program, but make it fun.
