Sixth graders are experts on themselves. Public speaking is always easier when the speaker knows what he is talking about. Presentations about favorites, personal experiences, familiar places and pastimes are good fodder for 6th grade speeches. Favorites might include foods, games, relatives or celebrities. Best and worst experiences are fertile topics, especially if the teacher can qualify them. For example, what was my best experience last year? What was my worst experience last year? Have students describe the last place they went on vacation or their own neighborhoods. Ask what they would do if they had a whole day free to do as they pleased.
Make students think using hypothetical questions. What would happen if all the money suddenly disappeared? Where would you go if you were told you had to move, and why? What would your life be like if you were born in (pick a country or past year out of a hat)? Give students time to think about these hypothetical questions and, if necessary, to do a little research to support what they will say during their speeches.
Opinions give students an opportunity to express their feelings and thoughts. They can be tricky because this also provides an opportunity for students to display, intentionally or not, hurtful prejudices. It can also lead to controversies that get parents involved. Opinions about television programs, foods or a particular subject at school are fairly safe options. Opinions about current events, religion or sex have a high problem potential.
Sometimes it is best to wade into the water gradually. Teachers who want to take the pressure off the students for their first public speaking occasion may want to try paired interviews. Students are assigned partners or they draw for partners. They generate a list of basic interview questions to ask one another. On the second day, they conduct the interviews and take notes. This gives them a chance to get to know one another. On the third day, they give a brief account of the interview to the class. Since they are talking about the other person, they may not be as self-conscious.