With TED Talks beginning in English 10 for FHC students, many begin to feel stressed about memorizing and speaking in front of others. TED Talks have been a tradition at FHC for years, making these presentations crucial for students to practice public speaking. Although presentations or speeches can be frustrating, public speaking is crucial for students, especially throughout high school or college. This year, TED talks are shorter than in previous years, lasting only two to three minutes in comparison to three to four, which is helpful for students but does not give them as many of the benefits of long speeches.
Around 75% of the population develops a fear of public speaking. Fear can be difficult to overcome, but a way to help is to practice. Taking research or seminar classes, such as Advanced Placement (AP) Seminar, with several long presentations, in groups and alone, can give plenty of practice. Any presentation or speech performed is beneficial, but specifically, the most beneficial are long speeches, as they help with getting comfortable in front of other people. Being comfortable around other people helps with many different qualities; it can help immensely with developing critical thinking skills and leadership qualities. With these talents, having good public speaking skills is not only helpful for high school or college students, but also helpful after that. Being comfortable with other people helps in a future career, such as giving presentations or simply connecting with co-workers.
Public speaking is not only beneficial for students, but also necessary. Having public speaking skills is necessary after college, and giving speeches should be something schools prepare students for. It is extremely beneficial due to the skills students develop from public speaking. These social and leadership skills are important to start early, since it gives students great opportunities and skills for the future. To develop these skills, enrolling in presentation-based classes will not only help students practice public speaking skills, but it will also help students challenge themselves. Whether it is challenging classes or a long presentation, there are many ways to help improve and to be challenged.
Long speeches are unavoidable in high school, so kids must get practice with public speaking early, especially in middle school. Students must develop exceptional public speaking skills, making it easier in the future, with plenty of practice. Many people, mostly adults, have a fear of public speaking, and some put public speaking towards the top of their list of anxieties. When practicing public speaking early in life, feeling more comfortable speaking in front of large audiences will feel natural—not forced. Although long speeches are scary, practice can help ease the fear, but this is not a solution, as there is no way to make the fear disappear.
As students prepare for their TED Talk or challenging classes next year, it is important to keep in mind the benefits of public speaking and the results of practicing. Skills—public speaking—that many students fear should not hold them back, and instead, students should strive for success. Because of this, students need to prepare for future situations to speak publicly, especially during school, and it is helpful for them to challenge themselves so they feel ready. Public speaking is a very challenging aspect of school, but the long-lasting results of presenting long speeches are well worth the anxiety.
