Here are 5 reasons why public speaking is an important skill for students
1. Improves communication
Organising thoughts when delivering a speech teaches students how to speak articulately, focusing on clarity, pacing and tone. It’s a valuable skill for everyday conversations, in academic settings and for future careers.
2. Builds confidence
One of the most important benefits of learning how to speak to an audience is the confidence it builds for students. It helps them overcome self-doubt and potential anxieties as they clearly communicate their ideas while facing a large group of people, which can be often daunting for many young people.
Each time a student successfully presents to an audience, they gain a sense of achievement and grows their self-esteem, making it easier to speak up in the classroom.
3. Encourages teamwork and leadership
Teamwork and leadership are other skills that public speaking fosters in an academic and professional setting. From sharing ideas, delegating tasks and working together on group projects to motivating team members, public speaking highlights the importance of communication and collaboration, as well as the able to take the lead on tasks.
4. Supports academic success
Public speaking can play an important role in supporting academic success. It boosts active learning in the classroom by strengthening information retention and participation as students gain the confidence to discuss their ideas on key topics with classmates.
It also encourages critical thinking and the examination of a variety of sources to gather multiple viewpoints that contribute to forming a well-informed and structured argument.
Another way public speaking supports academic success is by giving students the opportunity to explore topics at a deeper level, enhancing their understanding and knowledge, which they then can share with the audience, whether it’s classmates or spectators at the Great Debate, in a logical and persuasive way.
5. Prepares them for the future
Combining the skills and qualities of confidence, strong communication and the ability to work with and lead others helps young people to prepare for the future. As students develop their public speaking abilities, these skills and qualities will strengthen over time, leading to greater success both academically and professionally.
Ready to take on the 2027 Great Debate? To learn more about how to get your students involved, click here.
