Educational Songs with Free Worksheets

Public Speaking

An engaging rap song for teaching public speaking: tips and rules for learning to give a good speech. Includes lyrics and multiple versions of the song to assist with scaffolding.

This song is not currently available for sale.

“Public Speaking” teaches presentation skills and how to give a speech. The song is useful for persuasive speech, toastmasters, oral classroom reporting, and for getting over a fear of public speaking by offering simple public speaking tips. Teachers have also used it for teaching related topics, such as Ancient Greece, where public oration was an important part of civics. The additional resource materials include lyrics which can assist speechwriters, students, and teachers in writing speeches and creating lesson plans on the song topic. Students will become more adept and comfortable at public speaking.

This song is suitable for advanced elementary school, middle school, and high school students, and as part of any public speaking course.
Chorus
Public speaking, don’t be freaking
Just listen to the RRR technique in… (×3)
Public speaking, don’t be freaking
Just listen to the RRR technique in public speaking

Verse I
Have you ever seen a hip hop show
Where the emcee’s completely locked into the flow?
His words are clear, his voice is loud
And she really knows how to interact with the crowd
In public speaking you need the same types of things
It’s important to keep the audience engaged
So use eye contact, make sure you look around
Don’t just stare at the page or the sky or the ground

Keep a steady pace, make sure you don’t rush
Project your voice, don’t let it be hushed
‘Cause you could have some great points to convey
But they mean nothing if we can’t hear what you say
Humor is a great way to break the ice
And to emphasize your points, hand gestures are nice
And you can make your talk stronger with visual aids
Like a PowerPoint®, photo, or a graph that you made

Chorus

Verse II
Public speaking’s easier when you feel refreshed
So the night before, make sure you get plenty of rest
And it’s always critical that you know your audience
When it comes to this, just use some common sense
If you’re talking to a panel for college admissions
Use vocab. that shows intellect and ambition
But if you’re talking is a group of third graders instead
All those big words would go over their heads

Be sure to use voice inflection when you speak
‘Cause if you talk in monotone you’ll put the people to sleep
And the best way to master all of these tactics?
Practice, practice, practice!
Practice with your family, practice in front of a mirror
Practice so that every word is clearer
Practice builds confidence and makes you less nervous

Chorus

Reading

Education World
Books in Education Article: “Speaking Up, Speaking Out: A Kids’ Guide to Making Speeches, Oral Reports and Conversation”
This article reviews the book, Speaking Up, Speaking Out: A Kids’ Guide to Making Speeches, Oral Reports and Conversation. If able to acquire from the library, this book will be helpful for providing further reading on public speaking. Teacher Resource

KidsTurnCentral.com
Speechmaking
This site has quite a few links to a variety of sites that can help middle school students write and develop a speech with confidence.
Grades 5-8

Afraid-of-speaking
Speaking confidently
Though a little wordy, this site has some excellent suggestion for helping students make notes and plan a speech.
Grades 4-8

Lesson Plans & Activities


ABCTeach
Write a Speech
This simple worksheet helps students form an outline for a speech.
Grades 4-8

Education World
It’s Up For Debate
This activity asks student to engage in debates about various topics as to develop their public speaking skills. It also provides links to other debate activities.
Grades 3-8

PBS: Standard Deviants TV
All About Public Speaking
This website provides helpful hints for becoming a strong public speakers, as well as a quiz and links to other resources.
Grades 6-12

Pete’s PowerPoint Station
Speaking and Listening
This is a collection of PowerPoint presentations to use in the classroom, ranging from how to write a speech to 101 ways to improve your communications skills.
Grades 3-9

Teaching Ideas
Speaking Nonsense
This classroom activity teaches students to drop negative speaking habits and to pick up stronger ones.
Grades 2-6

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