Fear of public speaking is a common condition characterized by increased heart rate, dry mouth, forgetfulness, and shortness of breath. Presenting to an audience can feel especially paralyzing for children. During the years of 3-18, being excluded or humiliated by peers is often a daily worry, and presenting in front of a crowd makes them susceptible to rejection. Yet, presentation skills are essential in academic environments and also on the path to a career.
Drama is an effective way for children to overcome their fears around public speaking. Whether your child loves being the center of attention or trembles at the thought, drama can improve their presentation skills in bounds. Here are four ways drama can improve public speaking for children 3-18 years.
Drama Provides Lots of Opportunities to Practice Public Speaking
Generally, students have one chance to present their assigned projects in front of their school class. Perhaps they practiced in front of parents or their bedroom mirror, but for most kids, that’s not enough to curb their nerves when presentation time comes. In drama, children get many opportunities to practice their public speaking in a much more forgiving environment. As the old yet accurate cliche goes, “practice makes perfect.” Through routine drama exercises and time spent rehearsing, your child will rapidly become more at ease when speaking publicly.
Drama Builds Confidence By Strengthening Vocal Skills
Drama exercises coach children on voice projection and articulation, preparing them to present with clarity and precision. These techniques are especially beneficial for shy kids who find it challenging to speak with conviction. Learning to adjust their voice to pitch, intonation and rhythm support a child’s ability to adapt their public speaking to various situations and challenges. Furthermore, developing vocal methods has the added benefit of improving listening skills and helping children be more in tune with their bodies.
Drama Improves Body Language
Appearing physically self-assured in front of an audience is as crucial as being articulate. Drama coaches children 3-18 on good posture habits, maintaining eye contact, and finding a confident pose. Studies show that simply standing up straight instead of slouching impacts a person’s self-esteem and relieves anxiety. It follows that the simple act of having the proper posture can make your child feel less nervous when speaking in front of a crowd. Additionally, a taller stance opens the diaphragm and allows speakers to project their voices more effectively. Another advantage of good posture during public speaking is that it gives the impression of resilience and trustworthiness, even if the speaker fumbles through their words occasionally.
Drama Brings Out Your Child’s Authentic Voice
The most effective communicators are highly authentic. Drama assists children in navigating through their social difficulties and develop their sense of self in the process. The exploration of their unique voice will allow your child to show up as their most genuine, and that alone has a compelling effect on any audience they encounter. By feeling grounded and embodied, they’ll experience less stage fright and come across as collected and trustworthy in their communication, building trust during interviews, in front of classmates, or the future workplace.
Engaging in a drama group is a powerful way for children to improve their public communication skills and shed fears around speaking in front of audiences. They’re likely to be required to present in front of people in various situations as they complete their education and begin their career. Allowing them to hone these skills now will ensure their preparation for the future. Consider placing your child in drama to assist them in overcoming any communication challenges they’re facing.
At Helen O’Grady, beyond our regular drama classes, we also offer private classes to work on specific public speaking skills. For more information, click here.
