EMMA

This class seeks to equip middle schoolers with skills and confidence needed to become effective public speakers. Students will engage in interactive class activities to develop different public speaking skills (poise, volume, eye contact, etc.). Additionally, they will learn how to craft and present well-organized speeches of various types, including impromptu, informational, and persuasive, and will tap into their creativity to produce their own video commercial.

Spring semester will build on skills learned in the fall and incorporate additional skills, like using a visual aid, adding life to our voices, employing gestures, etc. Students will present new types of speeches (demonstrative and interpretive) and will also find a constructive outlet for their desire to argue -- in the form of organized debates. This class will help students realize that public speaking can actually be fun … or at least not as scary as they may have thought!

Textbook: Mentor supplied

Supplies for home: Notebook paper (for drafting speeches)

Note cards (for presenting speeches)

Access to a printer (for email attachments)

Supplies for class: Pens/pencils

Paper for taking notes