From Nervous to Confident: A Review of IEW’s Introduction to Public Speaking Course
Disclaimer: I received IEW’s Introduction to Public Speaking for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
Speaking in public is many people’s top fear. There’s just something about standing in front of a room of people that elicits a quickened heart rate and sweaty palms. It is also a very important skill to possess, which is why I’m so excited about the updated Introduction to Public Speaking course from the Institute for Excellence in Writing. I have known this course was being refreshed for a while and have anxiously been awaiting its release.
Why Teach a Public Speaking Class in Your Homeschool?
Nick Morgan taught that most trepidation to public speaking–butterflies, nausea, anxiety–is caused by adrenaline. The good news is this nervous energy can be channeled and turned into an advantage with some training. And, the younger you start, the easier it is to overcome public speaking fears!
There are so many benefits to having your teen take a public speaking class. Let me list just a few:
- Increased confidence
- Better ability to communicate clearly with others
- Decreased anxiety over speaking in public
- Improved critical thinking skills
- Increase in professional opportunities
Perhaps your teen plans to stay far away from the lecture field, but that doesn’t mean they will be without public speaking experiences in their everyday life or field of expertise. Just think of group projects, presentations, special occasion toasts, teaching a lesson, speaking in church, talking in town councils, being involved in civic duties, or just introducing themselves! There are so many opportunities our kids will come across where a background in public speaking will greatly benefit them.
All About IEW’s Introduction to Public Speaking Course
IEW’s Introduction to Public Speaking Course is a twelve-week video course taught by none other than Andrew Pudewa himself. Mr. Pudewa is an excellent teacher. His charisma and care for the students come across well through the videos. He does a great job at teaching the subject matter clearly while engaging the students. A feat that can be difficult through a pre-recorded lesson!
Introduction to Public Speaking Teacher’s Manual
The Teacher’s Manual for the course includes the Scope and Sequence, in addition to an overview of each lesson. In the lesson overview for each week, there is the video summary. This is especially helpful if you do not have time to watch the video with your student. And let’s be honest, most of us don’t!
Also included is access to PDF downloads of the following:
- a set of Speech Templates
- blank critique pages for extra practice
- poetry MP3 downloads for poetry memorization
- expository, persuasive, impromptu examples
What Student’s Learn in Introduction to Public Speaking
Students taking IEW’s Introduction to Public Speaking will learn memory and delivery techniques. They will write and present five speeches:
- self-introductory
- narrative
- expository
- persuasive
- and impromptu
Teens will record themselves speaking and self-evaluate in addition to evaluating the recording of other speakers. This helps them become better themselves by learning to recognize what does and does not make a good speech. They also practice memorizing and reciting pieces of poetry to help with memorization skills and presentation.
If you are familiar with IEW’s Structure & Style Writing curriculum, then you will recognize the key word outline (KWO). Students learn how to write and speak from a KWO. They learn that a good speech can’t be read, it must be memorized. The KWO helps students move toward memorization. Speaking from a KWO also keeps students from memorizing a speech “word for word” but allows them to convey their thoughts in an organized manner. As students become comfortable speaking from their KWO, they omit words, relying on their own memory.
Students will learn proper poise, such as what to do with their hands and how to stand. They will learn about locution so they have good vocal articulation and variety. They will practice eye contact and countenance and how to connect with the audience. And lastly, they will learn how to write a compelling speech.
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From Nervous to Confident
The first public speaking course I took was in college. Even though it was challenging, I learned a lot and still use those skills today. I loved seeing much of what I remember learning incorporated into this course.
My daughter was quite excited to take public speaking. She enjoys being in front of people but still had some nervousness when it came to giving speeches. Through IEW’s Public Speaking course, she learned how to give a speech without reading from a script and improve her overall presentation. The self-evaluations allowed her to see herself from the viewpoint of the audience and work to make changes. Most of all, she gained confidence in her ability to deliver an impactful speech.
IEW’s Introduction to Public Speaking Makes a Great High School Elective
Introduction to Public Speaking counts as a half-credit high school elective. The course will take one semester to complete. I require public speaking for all of my kids. They can opt to take it in junior high or high school.
If you are looking for a high school elective for your homeschooler that will give them skills they will use throughout their life, then I highly recommend Introduction to Public Speaking from the Institute for Excellence in Writing. And if you like, you can try it for free first!
