Topic ideas for the 11- and 12-year-old age group can be a challenge to come up with. The topic needs to be challenging enough for the student to research and work at, but interesting and appropriate enough to hold the attention of the middle-school student. Giving speech assignments for topics already being taught in school is an effective way to blend learning the material with learning proper speech techniques. For example, if learning about a region of the country, children can give speeches on that region. Other speech topics can include how plants grow, famous inventions, or a particular hero from history. "How-To" topics also lend themselves well to students of this age. Allow students to pick a topic of interest to them and turn it in to a "how-to" speech. Ideas could be how to ride a bike, play a sport, make a craft or take care of a pet.
Preparing for the actual speech is just as important as giving the speech. Have students prepare by gathering all the research needed, making note cards or an outline to help them when giving the speech, and making any props, Power Point aides or posters. You may want your students to initially write their speeches out, but encourage them to practice using only note cards or the outline.
Using props in a speech assignment is an effective way of engaging the audience. A checklist for making sure these are effective includes: making sure posters and Power Point presentations are visually appealing and readable by the audience, making sure the entire speech is not read directly from these visual aids, and ensuring the props are appropriate to the topic of the speech.
Middle school speeches generally are not lengthy. But they all can have some key components in them. A checklist for the actual presentation may include these points:
• A clear opening and closing.
• Proper composure. No leaning on a podium or against the wall. The student should make eye contact with the audience and have relaxed facial features and hand gestures.
• Can the student be heard? There should be no mumbling and the rate of speaking should not be rushed or too drawn out.
• Voice inflection in speeches can be worked on and improved upon throughout the year. Teach students to articulate and use voice inflection, and avoid giving the speech in monotone.