Get Ready for Your Third Speech
Prepare, rehearse, and polish your third short speech by planning content, practicing aloud with timing, adding gestures, and using feedback for improvement.
Step-by-step guide to Get Ready for Your Third Speech
Step 1
Pick one clear topic or message for your third speech.
Step 2
Choose a time limit for your speech like 60 or 90 seconds.
Step 3
Write one lively opening sentence that grabs attention.
Step 4
List three main points you want to say, one line each.
Step 5
Write one short closing sentence that restates your message.
Step 6
Put your opening main points and closing on index cards or in your notebook in order.
Step 7
Pick two simple gestures that match your main points and decide when to use them.
Step 8
Say your speech aloud once while timing it with the timer.
Step 9
Practice your speech in front of the mirror to check facial expressions and posture.
Step 10
Present the speech to a friend or family member and ask for one or two helpful suggestions.
Step 11
Make one clear fix based on the feedback and do another timed run.
Step 12
Share your finished speech on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have index cards, a mirror, a timer, or access to DIY.org?
Use scrap paper or cut-up cereal boxes instead of index cards, a smartphone camera or a reflective window for the mirror step to check facial expressions and posture, your phone's timer for the 60/90-second run, and record or share the finished speech privately with a parent if you can't access DIY.org.
What should I do if my speech runs too long or I keep forgetting my gestures during the timed run?
If your speech runs over time or you forget gestures, shorten each of your three main-point lines to one clear phrase, write the two gestures and when to use them on the index cards, and redo the timed run (step 9 and step 11) to confirm the fixes.
How can I adapt the steps for younger or older children?
For younger kids choose a 30-second limit with one simple main point and a picture on a single index card plus one gesture, while older kids can extend to 90–120 seconds, keep three detailed points, use the mirror practice to refine posture and facial expressions, and ask for two specific suggestions when presenting to a friend or family member.
How can we make the speech more engaging or personalize it before sharing?
Make it more engaging by writing a lively opening sentence on the first index card, adding a small prop that matches one main point, filming the timed performance to check posture and facial expression, and then applying the one clear fix from step 11 before sharing on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to Get Ready for Your Third Speech
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How to structure a speech
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Facts about public speaking for kids
⏱️ Average speaking rate is about 120–160 words per minute — use that to time your short speech (2 minutes ≈ 240–320 words).
🎤 About 75% of people report some fear of public speaking — it's the most common social fear!
🔁 Rehearsing aloud with timing helps you spot tricky phrases and cut filler words quickly.
🏆 Toastmasters International, founded in 1924, has helped millions practice, get feedback, and improve their speeches.
🕺 Using purposeful gestures can make your ideas more memorable and help you appear more confident.
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