Try speaking this sentence in 3 different emotions!
Choose a sentence and practice speaking it using three different emotions, then record or perform each version to explore voice, expression, and body language.
About this activity
Choose a sentence and practice speaking it using three different emotions, then record or perform each version to explore voice, expression, and body language.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Write one short sentence on your paper like "I love pizza!" or "Watch out!" so you have something to say.
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Step 2
Pick three different emotions to try and write them next to your sentence (for example happy surprised angry).
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Step 3
Stand in front of the mirror so you can watch your face while you practice.
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Step 4
Say the sentence out loud once using the first emotion and show it with your voice and face.
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Step 5
Repeat the sentence two more times in that same first emotion and change your voice or your facial expression a little each time.
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Step 6
Say the sentence out loud once using the second emotion and show it with your voice and face.
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Step 7
Repeat the sentence two more times in that same second emotion and change your voice or your body language a little each time.
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Step 8
Say the sentence out loud once using the third emotion and show it with your voice and face.
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Step 9
Repeat the sentence two more times in that same third emotion and change your voice or your movement a little each time.
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Step 10
Either perform each of your three versions for a family member or record each version so you can listen or watch them later.
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Step 11
Pick your favorite version and write one short sentence about what made it special (voice tone facial expression or body language).
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Step 12
Share your finished three-version performance or recording on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I run the 'Try speaking this sentence in 3 different emotions' activity with my child?
Pick a simple sentence (e.g., "I found a surprise!"). Show your child three emotion prompts (happy, angry, sad) and practice each one. Encourage changes in pitch, pace, volume, facial expression, and body posture. Record each version on a phone or perform live for family. After each take, give gentle feedback: what changed and why. Repeat with different sentences or let the child choose emotions to deepen exploration.
What materials do we need for the 'speak in three emotions' activity?
You'll need a list of simple sentences or prompt cards, a device to record audio or video (phone, tablet), and a quiet space. Optional materials: a mirror for facial practice, props or costume pieces for embodiment, a timer, and paper and crayons for drawing how each emotion looks. Nothing fancy—household items work well.
What ages is this 'speak a sentence in 3 emotions' activity suitable for?
This activity suits ages about 3–12, with adaptations. Ages 3–5: use very short sentences, big exaggerated facial expressions, and parent modeling. Ages 6–9: introduce subtle voice changes, recording, and discussion about why emotions sound different. Ages 10–12: experiment with nuanced emotions (confused, proud), acting choices, and peer feedback. Always supervise recordings and simplify or extend prompts to match each child’s attention and language level.
What are the benefits of having my child try the same sentence in three different emotions?
Practicing the same sentence in three emotions builds emotional vocabulary, empathy, and voice control. Kids learn pitch, tone, pacing, and nonverbal cues, improving communication and confidence. Recording and replaying develops self-awareness and listening skills. It’s low-pressure acting that supports social-emotional learning, creativity, and public-speaking foundations. Use it as a playful break, classroom warm-up, or family game to encourage expression without judgment.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have a mirror or a device to record?
Use a phone's front-facing camera or a reflective window as your mirror, and use the phone's voice or video app to record while writing your sentence on any paper or notebook as instructed in the first step.
I'm finding it hard to make each emotion sound distinct—what should I try?
When you say the sentence three times for each emotion in front of the mirror, exaggerate facial expressions, vary pitch, speed, or volume between repeats, and compare recordings to spot clear differences as suggested in the practice and record steps.
How can I adapt the activity for younger children or older kids?
For younger kids, choose two simple emotions, use a stuffed animal or parent as the audience and do one or two repeats per emotion, while older kids can add subtle changes, props, or editing before uploading their favorite version to DIY.org and writing their short reflection sentence.
What are some ways to extend or personalize this emotion-speech activity?
Make it more creative by adding costumes or props, filming side-by-side clips of the three emotion versions for comparison, and then share the chosen best take on DIY.org after writing the short sentence about what made it special.