Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament can run skills workshops which compliment your school or college education and exams? Not only does it raise your confidence and communication skills, but it helps to prepare you for further education, interviews and reaching your goals.
At our January meeting, members took part in skills taster workshops on public speaking and presentations. The Youth Parliament group had fun learning about the key elements of what makes ‘The Worst (group) Presentation Ever!’, followed by planning, preparing and practicing individual 1-minute speeches.
Here’re some tips from Brayden, one of our Advisory Group Members, about preparing for her English exam which echoes some of our recent workshop advice.
Now that I’m in my final year at secondary school, I have completed the speaking and listening portion of my English exam. Here are some tips to make sure you get the best grade you can:
- Practice, practice, practice! This is important as it will make you feel more confident in actually performing your speech.
- Choose a topic that you’re passionate and knowledgeable about. Choosing the ‘right’ topic is imperative, as you have to stick with it once it has been approved by your teacher-and again, you’ll feel more comfortable talking about something you’re devoted to!
- Watch some famous speeches for inspiration! From this you’ll be able to gather ideas and techniques for your performance. This can also be useful as it allows you to gauge how to keep people interested and engaged in your speech.
- Perform to other people! Your friends and family will be able to give you positive reinforcement and helpful criticism! You will also be able to figure out how people might react to your topic of choice and what makes people laugh and think.
- Use techniques such as pauses, gestures, projection and body language! Be relaxed and calm, don’t panic! Remind yourself that everything will be ok and you’ll do well!
- Write your speech on some flash cards or paper but only use them to check- don’t read directly from them when actually making your speech
- The most important thing is just to have fun! Whilst its part of your final grade it is important to relax and enjoy the creative process of writing.
Brayden
For additional tips/ advice and useful ideas contact Somerset Youth Parliament for more about fun ways to practice, techniques and inspiration!
Not just elected members
Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament isn’t just it’s elected members? Any young person in Somerset aged 10-25 years can become a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
For more information about becoming a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group and to join, visit our Join Us page.
