Who, when and where?

• Mondays / 5:15 - 6:45pm / 5eme - 2nd / 820 S$

Public speaking is one of the most powerful skills a person can develop, yet it is often overlooked in traditional education settings. For young people between the ages of 12 and 16, gaining proficiency in public speaking can have a profound and lasting impact on their personal, academic, and professional lives. Here’s why public speaking coaching for teenagers is a crucial step in fostering their growth:

1. Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem

At this stage in life, teenagers are navigating the complexities of self-identity, peer relationships, and academic pressure. Public speaking coaching offers a structured environment where they can practice and improve their verbal communication, helping them gain confidence. As they develop their speaking skills, they will feel more comfortable expressing themselves, whether in front of their classmates, teachers, or even a large audience. This newfound confidence can extend to other areas of their lives, empowering them to take on challenges and lead with self-assurance.

2. Improves Communication Skills

Effective communication is a key to success in every aspect of life. Public speaking coaching helps teenagers learn how to organize their thoughts, articulate ideas clearly, and engage an audience. These skills are invaluable, whether they are delivering a classroom presentation, speaking in group discussions, or simply conversing with friends and family. By improving their communication skills, teenagers can express their opinions more effectively, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and build stronger relationships.

3. Enhances Academic Performance

Public speaking is not just about talking in front of an audience—it is also about how one structures their ideas and presents information. Teenagers who undergo public speaking coaching often show improvement in their academic work. As they become better at organizing their thoughts and speaking persuasively, they also become better at writing essays, conducting research, and presenting projects. These skills are transferable to almost every subject, from history and science to English and social studies, leading to better overall academic performance.

4. Prepares for Future Opportunities

The ability to speak well in public is highly valued in professional and social settings. As teenagers grow older, they will encounter opportunities in college interviews, job applications, leadership positions, and networking events. Those who are skilled in public speaking will stand out as confident, competent, and articulate individuals. Having public speaking coaching early on equips teenagers with the tools they need to succeed in interviews, presentations, and any situation that requires clear communication and persuasive argumentation. 

5. Teaches Critical Thinking and Persuasion

Public speaking coaching goes beyond teaching mere speech delivery. It encourages teenagers to think critically, evaluate different perspectives, and construct well-reasoned arguments. Learning how to persuade an audience through logical reasoning, emotion, and compelling rhetoric is a skill that will serve them throughout their lives. Whether it’s advocating for a cause they believe in, presenting an academic argument, or negotiating in the workplace, the ability to persuade effectively is an invaluable asset.

6. Fosters Leadership Qualities

Public speaking requires a sense of responsibility and the ability to inspire others. As teenagers develop their public speaking skills, they also cultivate leadership qualities such as empathy, influence, and motivation. A young person who is able to speak in front of a group and articulate a clear vision is more likely to be seen as a leader. Public speaking coaching helps them hone these leadership qualities and prepare for roles where they can positively impact their communities and beyond.

7. Helps Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking

For many people, the thought of speaking in front of others is intimidating. This fear of public speaking, known as Glossophobia, is common among teenagers and adults alike. With proper coaching, however, teenagers can learn to manage this fear. Through practice, feedback, and supportive guidance, they gain the skills and confidence to face their fear and speak with poise and composure. This not only makes them more effective speakers but also prepares them for other challenges that require courage and resilience.

8. Cultivates Emotional Intelligence

Public speaking requires emotional awareness—knowing how to read an audience and adjust one's tone, pace, and style of delivery to create the desired impact. This ability to connect with others emotionally enhances teenagers’ emotional intelligence (EQ). As they learn to engage with diverse audiences, they become more attuned to social cues and better equipped to navigate various social and professional situations. Emotional intelligence is linked to success in almost every aspect of life, from building relationships to making informed decisions.

Conclusion

Investing in public speaking coaching for 12 to 16-year-olds is an investment in their future. It provides them with the tools they need to communicate effectively, think critically, lead with confidence, and succeed in any area of life. In a world that increasingly values clear, persuasive communication, the ability to speak confidently in public is not just a skill—it’s a powerful advantage. Through coaching, teenagers can transform their fears into strengths and become effective communicators, leaders, and thinkers who can navigate the complexities of today’s world with grace and confidence.

In this global arena which embraces the use of Artificial Intelligence for content creation, the primary component which differentiates individuals in both the educational and corporate spaces would be the innate and nurtured ability to present in a well-articulated fashion. The Speaking in Public, Interviews and Presentations (SIP) sessions proposed, aim to future-proof the readiness of our IFS students for both internal examinations and external representation/ participation, while inculcating the confidence needed to become the future captains of industries and pillars of tomorrow’s society.