The Art of Expression
Term 2 Junior School House Public Speaking Competition
When I was in primary school, I was so shy that I would make my younger brother do all the talking for me in public. Ordering food at a café, asking for directions—anything that involved speaking to someone I didn’t know—I’d nudge him forward and let him do the talking. The thought of speaking in front of a crowd was terrifying.
Fast forward to today, and one of the highlights of my week is presenting at assembly. I never would have imagined that I’d grow to enjoy public speaking, but over time, with practice and encouragement, my confidence slowly grew. It wasn’t about becoming a perfect speaker—it was about finding my voice and learning to use it.
Communication will be broadcast in the next few days about the Oxley College Junior School House Public Speaking Competition, an annual tradition at our school, held early in Term 2. As part of their homework tasks, students in Year 1 to 6 will write a speech and present this to their class early next term. Participation is optional for Kindergarten students. Our House Public Speaking Competition is an exciting opportunity for students to refine their communication skills, think critically and present their perspectives with clarity and conviction.
Public speaking is a vital skill that empowers students to articulate their ideas, engage an audience and develop confidence in expressing themselves. Confidence in public speaking extends beyond competitions—it is a lifelong skill that enhances academic success, leadership potential and, ultimately, career opportunities. Students who engage in structured public speaking programs demonstrate greater self-efficacy, improved critical thinking skills and increased resilience when faced with challenges. Recent research by Kaur, Nalliah & Aslam (2023) supports the importance of providing early opportunities for students to build public speaking confidence, resulting in a lasting impact on a child’s academic and personal development.
Parents and Carers play a crucial role in helping their children develop public speaking confidence. Here are some practical ways to support your child:
- Guide, but Don’t Write – Help your child brainstorm ideas and structure their speech but resist the urge to write it for them. Instead, ask questions that prompt critical thinking, encourage them to put ideas into their own words and support them in refining their message while maintaining their unique voice.
- “Be what you can see” – Seek out strong examples of great speakers. Watching TED Talks, speeches or even news presenters together can help children observe how confident speakers use tone, pace, gestures and eye contact to engage their audience.
- Encourage Practice at Home – Create a supportive environment where your child can rehearse their speech in front of family members to build real-world experience. Provide constructive feedback and celebrate their efforts, making sure to outweigh the ‘stretches’ with ‘strengths’.
- Use Technology Wisely – Recording speeches on a device allows students to review their performance and make improvements.
- Encourage Confidence – Public speaking can be daunting, and building confidence comes with practice and positive reinforcement. Celebrate effort and progress rather than focusing on perfection. Remind your child that every great speaker started somewhere, and that each opportunity to speak in front of others helps them grow stronger and more self-assured.
With advancements in technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly being used to support speechwriting and presentation skills. As indicated in a recent submission by the Australian Human Rights Commission to the Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training, one benefit of using AI in education is the way it can serve as a starting point for generating ideas. By providing students with initial suggestions or prompts, AI can help spark creativity, making it easier for students to begin their work or explore new concepts. This can be especially useful for overcoming writer’s block or starting projects, encouraging a flow of ideas they can then build on and refine. However, it is important that students maintain authenticity, develop their own voice and strengthen independent reasoning skills. AI-generated ideas may not always be accurate or complete and do require careful evaluation and refinement.
Oxley College graduates are confident, socially aware communicators and independent critical thinkers. Opportunities such as this competition lay the foundation for nurturing individuals who can navigate diverse social and professional settings. Confidence in speaking enables students to advocate for themselves and others, engage meaningfully in discussions and express their ideas persuasively. Social awareness allows students to consider diverse perspectives and adapt their communication style to different audiences. Independent critical thinking ensures that students analyse information thoughtfully and construct well-reasoned arguments.
While some children may jump at the chance to take the stage, others may feel the same nerves I once did. With the right support, every student can develop the confidence to find their voice. I know how daunting public speaking can feel, and I also know that confidence builds over time. A little encouragement, a few small successes and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone can make a huge difference. Who knows? The student who hesitates to raise their hand today may one day find themselves speaking in front of a crowd—not because they have to, but because they want to.
We encourage all students to embrace this challenge and look forward to celebrating their growth and achievements.
Alison Rasheed
Director of Curriculum P-6
References
Australian Human Rights Commission. Utilising Ethical AI in the Australian Education System Submission to the Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training. 2023.
Kaur, Sharenjit, et al. Enhancing Public Speaking Confidence in Primary Students: Exploring the Impact of Game-Based Interventions on Anxiety Reduction. 15 Sept. 2023, www.researchgate.net/publication/375909887_Enhancing_Public_Speaking_Confidence_in_Primary_Students_Exploring_the_Impact_of_Game-Based_Interventions_on_Anxiety_Reduction/citation/download. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.