Start your lesson by explaining to the kids the importance of voice projection. Explain that learning to project your voice helps in many areas such as theater, during speeches and when talking to someone.
Have each kid think about a subject he wants to speak about. Tell the kids to write down a little information about the subject. Pair the kids into groups of two. Have each child take turns talking about his subject with his partner. This exercise helps each child grow more comfortable speaking in front of another person. After the initial nervousness of speaking passes, the child’s speech becomes more natural and less uncomfortable. When a person feels comfortable speaking, his passion shows through as he speaks.
Keep your kids in groups of two. Have the kids continue practicing their speeches. Demonstrate proper speech. For example, talk about lazy speech and show the kids that instead of saying “chew,” they must say “you.” Discuss mumbling as well. Demonstrate how mumbling is hard for listeners to follow by mumbling a sentence and having your kids try and guess what you said.
Have the child listening take note of when the child speaking starts using lazy speech during group practice. After practice, have each child come up to you and speak without using lazy speech. Tell the child he must repeat his speech if he uses lazy speech or mumbles.
Teach your kids how to project their voices without shouting. Demonstrate a normal speaking voice and then show the kids a projected voice.
Demonstrate proper sitting posture. Straighten your back and lean slightly forward in your chair. Let the muscles in your stomach relax while maintaining good posture. Slowly inhale through your nose. Fill your body with air, starting with the abdomen, then the ribs and then up toward your head. Slowly exhale through your nose. While you exhale, keep your abdomen tight. Let the kids practice the breathing exercise sitting down. Once each child feels comfortable, have them practice the exercise standing up.
Tell the kids to incorporate the breathing exercise into their speeches. Show the kids how to breathe before speaking and to gauge their tone as they speak. Have the kids practice in their groups until each child feels comfortable.