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Corbett Prep: Building Confidence Through Public Speaking at Every Grade

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As prekindergarten students, they march to microphones to recite poems about literary characters. Ten years later, those same students are still stepping into the spotlight at Corbett Prep – this time, sharing stories and lessons learned as they seamlessly narrate their eighth-grade graduation celebration.

The journey from prekindergarten to middle school brings something special to the stage every year. Students participate in class plays, dance recitals, Fine Arts Nights, poetry readings, research presentations and more. They often act as emcees at whole-school events, and by eighth grade, seem at ease with appearing in front of an audience.

The Benefits of Developing Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking is a common fear among adults, with studies suggesting that up to 75 percent of people feel some level of anxiety about it. But developing a proficiency in it is also important for both school assignments and work.

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“Every person is going to be in an interview for a job one day and needs to confidently talk about who they are,” says Seth Travaglino, Corbett Prep’s Specials Division Leader.

The job networking site LinkedIn ranked public speaking as one of the 15 fastest-growing skills that professionals need to get ahead. Employees at all career stages, from intern to CEO, benefit from strong communication skills that inspire confidence among coworkers, clients and supervisors.

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice helps dampen the fears, and Corbett Prep’s numerous opportunities for public speaking help develop leadership and build confidence from a young age. At 3 and 4 years old, students start to use microphones. They feel what it is like to stand under stage lights, looking out at the shapes in an audience and hearing laughter and applause. Teachers are always nearby to offer encouragement and support.

The time on stage extends and the material becomes more complex as students get older. In the classroom, students learn to stand up to answer questions or present a project with poise. Drama classes, part of Corbett Prep’s Specials program, bring out the fun side of public speaking as each grade performs in short plays.

In addition to acting as storytellers, students learn in drama classes how to express themselves, how to convey meaning to an audience and how to find solutions when the unexpected happens.

Growing Beyond Public Speaking

The experience sparks a love for performing in some students, who audition for shows after school in Corbett Prep’s Community School of the Arts or join the award-winning Middle School Thespian Troupe. Other students volunteer to run shows as backstage stage managers, coordinating with students who work lights and sound in the booth. On and off stage, the students learn to conduct themselves maturely and responsibly.

“They learn that actions have consequences,” Travaglino says. “They learn how to be a professional, have standards and follow through.”

They might be on Broadway one day. They might ace their college interview. Or they might simply feel good about talking in a meeting without a pounding heart and sweaty palms. With regular practice speaking in public – whether in a play or a presentation – students can become comfortable using their voices and ensure they are heard.

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