Your Second Speech
Prepare and deliver a second short speech on a favorite topic, practicing clear structure, voice projection, and gestures, then reflect on improvements.
Step-by-step guide to prepare and deliver a second short speech
Step 1
Pick your favorite topic to talk about.
Step 2
Write the topic at the top of a sheet of paper.
Step 3
Decide how long your speech will be (pick about 30 to 90 seconds).
Step 4
Write a one-sentence opening that grabs attention on the paper.
Step 5
Write two main ideas and put each idea on its own index card.
Step 6
Write a one-sentence closing that wraps up on another index card.
Step 7
Stand in front of a mirror and practice saying your opening out loud twice.
Step 8
Say each main idea out loud while using a different clear hand gesture for each one.
Step 9
Say your closing out loud once and finish with a smile.
Step 10
Set your timer for the speech length you chose.
Step 11
Do a full run-through of your speech using your index cards while timing yourself.
Step 12
Deliver the speech to a family member or friend.
Step 13
Ask the person who watched to tell you one thing you did well.
Step 14
Ask the person who watched to tell you one thing you can improve.
Step 15
Share your finished speech and your reflection on what you improved 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 instead of index cards, a mirror, or a kitchen timer if I don't have them?
If you don't have index cards use small squares of scrap paper or Post-it notes for each main idea, use your phone camera or a bright window instead of a mirror, and use your phone's stopwatch or a simple kitchen clock for the speech length.
I'm running over time or keep forgetting my gestures—how can I fix that?
Shorten your chosen speech length, write one bold keyword on each index card to cue your two main ideas and the different clear hand gesture for each one, practice the opening twice in front of the mirror (step 7), and do a few timed full run-throughs (step 11) to get the pacing right.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger children make the speech 15–30 seconds long, use picture cards for each main idea and help write the one-sentence opening on the sheet of paper, while older kids can extend toward 90 seconds, add extra index cards for more main ideas, and record the delivery to share.
How can we make the speech more interesting or personalize it?
Add a small prop or visual on an extra index card for your opening or closing, rehearse with those props while practicing your distinct hand gestures, record a full run-through to review feedback from the family member (steps 13–15), and upload your final speech plus a one-sentence reflection about what you improved to DIY.org (step 16).
Watch videos on how to prepare and deliver a second short speech
How to Start a Speech
3 Videos
How to Start a Speech
7 Public Speaking Tips for Beginners
English Language: How to Write a Speech: Structure
Facts about public speaking for kids
✨ Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech (1963) is famous for its clear structure and memorable repeated phrases.
🗣️ Public speaking is one of the most common fears — lots of people get nervous the first few times, so you're not alone!
🎤 The average TED Talk is about 18 minutes long — short, focused talks can be really powerful.
📣 Toastmasters International started in 1924 to help people practice speeches in friendly clubs around the world.
🤝 Using gestures, eye contact, and strong voice projection can make listeners understand and remember your message better.
How do I prepare and deliver a second short speech with my child?
What materials do I need to help my child prepare their second short speech?
What ages is this speaking activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of doing a second speech and how should we reflect on improvements?
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