Public speaking in Grade 8 develops confidence, clarity, and persuasion in communication. Through inquiry, learners ask how speeches influence audiences, why delivery matters, and what strategies make a message powerful. Instead of only memorizing scripts, they practice tone, body language, and audience engagement. Activities such as class debates, presentations, and storytelling exercises help students grow as effective communicators. By linking speaking to leadership, identity, and civic life, public speaking becomes a tool for expression, persuasion, and positive change.
🟢 Starter
- Define public speaking in one sentence.
- List five qualities of a good speaker.
- Write five examples of nervous habits during speaking.
- Create a two-sentence explanation of eye contact.
- Reflect: why does practice improve speeches?
- Identify five famous speeches in history.
- Compare prepared speaking and impromptu speaking.
- Write a paragraph about the role of body language.
- List five techniques to manage stage fright.
- Write a reflection on how voice affects communication.
- Create five opening lines for a speech.
- Compare persuasive speaking and informative speaking.
- Write a paragraph about storytelling in speeches.
- List five types of audiences.
- Reflect: how does feedback improve speaking skills?
- Write five examples of rhetorical questions.
- Create a two-sentence explanation of tone and pitch.
- Compare group presentations and solo speeches.
- Write a reflection on how confidence grows through speaking.
- List five careers that require strong public speaking skills.
🟡 Practice
- Write a paragraph analyzing why an audience claps.
- Create a chart comparing strong and weak introductions.
- Research five strategies famous speakers use.
- Write a reflection on how mistakes can strengthen a speech.
- Compare formal speeches and casual presentations.
- Create a project on the impact of persuasive language.
- Write five strategies to keep an audience engaged.
- Research how microphones changed public speaking.
- Write a persuasive paragraph about public speaking as a life skill.
- Create a poster showing tips for reducing stage fright.
- Compare speeches given in-person and online.
- Write a reflection on how public speaking builds leadership.
- Research five speeches that changed history.
- Create a short guide for writing a speech outline.
- Write a paragraph on the role of humor in speeches.
- Compare storytelling speeches and data-driven speeches.
- Write a reflection on how preparation builds confidence.
- Research five careers in media and communication.
- Create a presentation analyzing speech techniques.
- Reflect: how does public speaking prepare students for the future?
🔴 Challenge
- Write an essay on the importance of public speaking in society.
- Research how Martin Luther King Jr. inspired people through speaking.
- Debate: should all students be required to take public speaking?
- Create a project about speeches that shaped democracy.
- Research five global leaders known for powerful speeches.
- Write a persuasive essay on overcoming fear of speaking.
- Compare speeches in politics and speeches in entertainment.
- Write a reflection on how public speaking empowers identity.
- Research how digital platforms transformed speeches.
- Debate: is content more important than delivery?
- Create a presentation on rhetorical devices in speeches.
- Research five techniques from TED Talks.
- Write a short story about giving a speech under pressure.
- Compare debates and persuasive speeches.
- Write a reflection on how public speaking builds courage.
- Research how speeches influenced social movements.
- Write a poem about the power of voice.
- Debate: should speeches always be scripted?
- Write an essay on how public speaking connects to leadership.
- Propose five new ways schools can make public speaking engaging.