Public Speaking

Class Time: 1:40 - 2:40, Spring Semester

Grade Level: 9th - 12th 

Instructor: Marilyn Wilkinson

Contact Information: materetmagistra6@gmail.com

Course Description: 

According to Psychology Today, most people fear public speaking more than death! However, public speaking is an essential life skill that all teens need to learn. They may be required to give presentations in high school and college, defend their faith, interview for jobs, and read or present in church or at youth group. In addition, college admissions love to see public speaking on homeschool transcripts.

This class is intended to help teens overcome their fear of public speaking, learn some skills, gain confidence in presenting, and have FUN! Each week, students will prepare a speech to be given in class.

Examples of presentations include:

·   reading a children’s picture book to the class

·   presenting a Bible reading 

·   presenting a poem 

·   presenting a humorous monologue

·   creating and presenting a biographical report

·   creating and presenting an elevator pitch

·   creating and presenting a sales pitch

·   practicing interview skills

·   group project

Homework will be assigned each week so that students can prepare for class presentations.

Tuition: $200

Class Size: Minimum of 6

Course Materials:  Speech 1 Student Workbook (Student Book only: $6.99) by Vicki Tillman and Sabrina Justison. Download from https://www.7sistershomeschool.com/product/speech-student-workbook/ 

*Other materials will be online or provided as handouts.

Teacher Qualifications: Marilyn Wilkinson is passionate about education, particularly teaching students to think, write and communicate well. With an undergraduate degree in French and Linguistics, she taught both French, and English as a Second Language, then moved to the world of finance, becoming a CPA, and controller for British and US companies. She returned to education 22 years ago, homeschooling her children, teaching everything from Algebra to Zoology. Four of her six children have already graduated from homeschooling. As a homeschool mom and teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson has taught writing, literature, and public speaking, as well as mentoring many students who need help with writing, test preparation, college applications and career guidance. She is deeply passionate about her Catholic faith, volunteering in many capacities at her parish church, Our Lady of Hope. She also loves to write and speak, especially about theology, family life, keeping home, education, organization, and habits.