Now We're Using Technology!

The school year is now solidly underway and I hope you have been hearing about the progress your child has been making in the classroom in regards to technology.  Our latest assignment is a spin off the classic public speaking lesson that is normally done.  The students will prepare their speeches as normal, but this time they will be recorded with a video camera. 

After each speech, classmates will have to fill out a short survey about pros/cons of the speech, what they thought about it and pointers they think the student should keep in mind.  The comments will not deal solely on the content of the speech, but delivery as well. 

During the next class, students will have the opportunity to watch themselves from the recording and make their own notes about what they saw now that they can see themselves and how they think they can improve.  Afterwards, they will receive the comment cards made by classmates and will have the opportunity to compare the two.  The students will take the stock footage and edit it into a more poignant speech by cutting out extraneous “uhms” and digressions.  These finalized versions will then be shown in class so everyone can see the difference.

With the use of these video cameras and editing software, your student’s speech giving ability will rapidly improve.  They will be able to critique themselves and see if they disagreed at all with their classmates.  Then, but editing the speeches on the computer, they can see what a polished product should look like.  This will build their self-efficacy by demonstrating that they are capable of giving a quality speech and what they should aim for in the future.

Practice is still what is necessary to go into a good speech, and as their parents, you are a great tool for them to use as well.  Encourage your child to practice in front of you, but try to keep all comments until the end so they can see what it is like to go through the whole speech uninterrupted.  For some tips to help your child give the best speech possible check out  Speaking and Speeches or this helpful Youtube video.