Your Fourth Speech
Write, practice, and deliver your fourth short speech focusing on storytelling, voice, and gestures; record or present it to classmates or family.
Step-by-step guide to write, practice, and deliver your fourth short speech
Step 1
Pick a fun short story idea you can tell in about one to two minutes.
Step 2
Write a strong opening sentence that grabs attention.
Step 3
List three main moments on your paper: a beginning a middle and an ending.
Step 4
Write your full short speech using those three moments and keep it simple.
Step 5
Break the speech into short chunks and write one chunk on each index card.
Step 6
Read the cards aloud focusing on clear voice and steady speed.
Step 7
Stand up and practice one natural gesture for each main moment in your speech.
Step 8
Time your speech with a timer and make small changes so it fits one to two minutes.
Step 9
Choose to either record your speech or present it live to a family member or classmate and do it.
Step 10
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 we use instead of index cards or a timer if we don't have them?
If you don't have index cards, fold printer paper into quarters or use sticky notes to write one chunk per card, and if you lack a timer use a phone stopwatch or ask a parent to count aloud while you 'Time your speech with a timer'.
I'm rushing and going over time—what should I change in the practice steps?
When you 'Read the cards aloud focusing on clear voice and steady speed' and 'Time your speech with a timer', mark short pauses on each index card, highlight transition words, and rehearse with the timer making small cuts to wording until the speech fits one to two minutes.
How do I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children simplify the task by choosing one main moment, drawing pictures on each index card, and having a parent help with timing, while older kids can expand the 'Write your full short speech' step with vivid details, practice multiple natural gestures, and aim to record a polished version.
How can we make the speech more interesting or personal after the basic steps?
Enhance your speech by adding one small prop or costume piece for each main moment, recording the performance to refine your 'clear voice and steady speed' and gestures, then share the improved version on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to write, practice, and deliver your fourth short speech
Public Speaking Tips for Kids | Boost Confidence, Speak Clearly & Shine on Stage!
4 Videos
Public Speaking Tips for Kids | Boost Confidence, Speak Clearly & Shine on Stage!
How to Start a Speech
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Facts about public speaking and storytelling for kids
🎵 Changing your pitch, pace, and volume (vocal variety) makes listeners pay attention and remember your message.
🎥 Recording and rewatching your speech is a quick way to spot tiny fixes that make a big difference in confidence and clarity.
📚 Research shows people remember information much better when it's wrapped in a story than when it's presented as raw facts.
🎭 Storytelling is one of humanity's oldest arts—people have told stories for tens of thousands of years to teach and entertain.
🤸♂️ Using gestures while you speak helps your brain retrieve words and organize thoughts, so your hands are secret helpers!
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