Public Speaking for Kids

Why Public Speaking Matters in a Child’s Growth?
In a world driven by communication and collaboration, the ability to express oneself clearly is no longer optional, it is essential. Public speaking, once considered a ‘nice-to-have’ skill, is now a cornerstone of holistic education. Public speaking is more than just standing on a stage, it is about finding their voice, sharpening their thinking and expressing themselves with clarity and conviction.

The Science Behind Public Speaking in Childhood: Brain Development and Verbal Fluency

Scientific research in developmental psychology and neuroscience shows that a child’s brain is incredibly receptive to new experiences between the ages of 5 and 15. These are the years when neural pathways associated with language, memory and social interaction are most malleable. Introducing public speaking for children during this period can lead to measurable gains in confidence, cognitive flexibility and emotional intelligence.

When children practise public speaking, they engage multiple parts of the brain at once, language centres (Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas), motor functions (for gestures and expression) and the prefrontal cortex (responsible for reasoning and planning). This helps sharpen not only their communication but also their overall cognitive development.

The Real Benefits of Public Speaking for Kids

• Builds Self-Confidence: Each time a child speaks in front of an audience, big or small, their self-belief grows.

• Enhances Critical Thinking: Constructing an argument or narration encourages logical sequencing and reflection.

• Improves Listening and Empathy: Being heard makes them value others’ voices too.

• Boosts Academic Performance: Strong oral communication translates to better comprehension, writing and participation.

• Strengthens Emotional Regulation: Children learn to manage stage fright and anxiety through guided exposure.

Narayana School’s Soft Skills Programme and LEAP Edge

At Narayana Schools, we recognise that true education goes beyond textbooks. That is why we offer a robust Soft Skills Programme as an integral part of our curriculum.

Through our weekly soft skills classes, students from early grades upwards engage in roleplays, storytelling, JAM (Just A Minute), debates, news reading, elocution and mock interviews, developing real world communication skills in a safe and encouraging space.

LEAP Classes (Learn, Empower, Apply, Practise)

Our LEAP Classes form the heart of our life skills initiative. Aligned with public speaking and social development, they cover:

• Body: Safety and hygiene, articulation and positive body language.
• Mind: Respect, honesty, managing emotions and active listening.
• Soul: Gratitude, confidence and kindness.

These sessions also incorporate:

• 3B Analysis: Narayana Schools conducts the 3B (Basic, Better, Best) English Speaking Skills Analysis twice a year for students from Grades 4 to 9, aiming to assess, guide and enhance their communication abilities. Through tailored strategies like audio recordings, role plays and PEP Talks, we help students improve their spoken English with individualised support.

Weekly Activity

Every week, students take charge of NROCKS, our vibrant, in-house radio station, broadcast live through a central mic system during break hours. Here, young RJs lead the show with announcements, themes, news, fun facts, guest interviews and music. Students script, present and produce each segment, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in communication, timing, team dynamics and presentation. For many, NROCKS is their first joyful leap into the world of speaking publicly, without the pressure of a stage.

Monthly Activities

Public speaking at Narayana Schools is contextualised through monthly theme based programmes, designed to build life skills and value-based learning. These include:

• Cabinet Installation: Students take on leadership roles, fostering responsibility, collaboration and accountability within a democratic setup.

• Educational Awareness Sessions: Covering key topics such as health, hygiene, adolescence, good touch/bad touch and financial literacy, each delivered in an interactive, peer-led format.

• Nurture the Nature: Activities that deepen students’ connection with the environment, cultivating the ability to articulate sustainability issues and personal actions.

• Know Thy Country: A discovery-based module encouraging students to research and present about different Indian states, reinforcing cultural pride and public storytelling.

Annual Activities

Our structured annual events offer multitier opportunities, branch level, inter-branch and grand finales, for students to showcase their communication prowess:

• KKC (Kahaniyon Ka Caravan): A storytelling fest where students present stories with flair, creativity and emotion, an essential foundation for expressive confidence.

• MOC (Junior Master Orator Contest): Focused on clarity of speech, logical flow and persuasive oration, MOC builds the fundamentals of debate and discourse.

• Spell Bee and Quiz Whizz: These events sharpen articulation, improve pronunciation and foster a spirit of enquiry and spontaneity, key qualities for dynamic speaking.

• MUN (Model United Nations): A simulation based conference where students research, draft resolutions and engage in diplomatic dialogue, developing global awareness, logical articulation and professional communication.

What Makes Our Programme Unique?

• StageStars Curriculum: From storytelling in Grade 1 to persuasive debates in Grade 5, StageStars is Narayana Schools’ structured oratory module. Lessons progress from vocal modulation and facial expressions to persuasive techniques and audience engagement.

• Public Speaking in Weekly Schedule: Unlike standalone activities, public speaking is woven into the regular academic schedule, ensuring consistent exposure.

• Performance Showcases: Children actively participate in morning assemblies, class conclaves, talent corners and intra-school speech events which offer authentic platforms for real-world public speaking practice.

• Confidence Mapping and Feedback Loops: Teachers provide individual feedback using rubrics designed around clarity, content, confidence and connection, enabling children to reflect and improve with each performance.

• Mindfulness and Voice Control: Special activities combine breathing techniques, body posture and voice modulation, helping children manage stage fear effectively.

Long-Term Impact of Public Speaking

• Enhances critical thinking and creativity.
• Boosts collaboration and listening skills.
• Prepares students for future interviews, presentations and leadership roles.
• Aligns with NEP 2020’s emphasis on 21st-century skills.

Practical Takeaways for Parents

What You Can Do at Home	How It Helps
Encourage your child to narrate a story or explain their day	Builds coherence and sequencing skills
Record videos of their speeches and show progress	Boosts self-awareness and confidence
Watch TED-Ed or kids’ speech contests together	Sparks inspiration and goal-setting
Use mirror practice and roleplays	Enhances articulation and body language

At Narayana Schools, we go beyond textbooks to build thinkers, speakers and leaders of tomorrow. We offer children diverse avenues, like sports, arts, robotics and leadership platforms for holistic development. We believe confidence is not born, it is built. Backed by the science of language learning and strengthened by initiatives like LEAP and Soft Skills Training, Narayana Schools empowers students with strong communication skills, helping them grow in confidence and pursue their dreams with purpose, because your dreams are our dreams.