Courage always comes before Confidence
Have you ever seen your child’s eye sparkle with joy when you use words like ‘good job’, ‘you are awesome’, or ‘you did it’?
What is the signal you give out to the child when you say this:
- I trust you.💜
- You are brave. 👏
- I believe in you.☺
As teachers, parents or caregivers, using motivating words truly helps your child to ‘speak up’ in situations when they feel they can’t do it.
In my journey as a teacher and trainer of Public Speaking Coach, I have seen children shine through with just these simple magic words which enliven their moods, enrich their learning, maximize their self-esteem and improve their self-image.
1. Public Speaking is inner work. It requires the right soil, the right fertilizer and the right environment for children to flourish and bloom.
2. Public Speaking is about courage. Courage to speak even when your voice quiver, your feet tremble and your palm freeze. This courage comes from within.
3. Public Speaking is about allowing oneself to make new mistakes with each speaking opportunity. If they go on stage and freeze or fumble, be there to bring them back on their feet by way of reflection. The reflection of major or minor slip-ups helps the child to be armed to prevent necessary fallout. So next time, they won’t repeat the same mistake.
4. Public Speaking is intrinsically connected to thinking. Clarity of speaking comes from clarity of thinking. As a parent, tell them to speak or summarize in about 3-5 sentences what is their idea or what is it they want. Being time-bound helps in clarity of thinking and speaking persuasively. Dialogue is better than a monologue.
5. Public Speaking is a critical skill that requires critical thinking skills.
We are approaching a new age of synthesis. Knowledge cannot be merely a degree or a skill…it demands a broader vision. In public speaking, when you address, theorize, examine, explain, and review your work (whether written or verbal) you are thinking critically.
With a shift in mindset and a little effort, we certainly can empower each and every child on this planet.
Remember:
COURAGE comes from CONFIDENCE
CONFIDENCES comes from COMMUNICATION
