Ask adults what they remember about school, and many will mention a
moment on stage: a nervous poem recital, a class presentation that went
wrong, a debate that went surprisingly well. For some, those moments
planted a lasting fear of speaking in public. For others, they became
the start of a confident voice that served them throughout life.
The difference often lies in how school and home approach speaking.
Confidence is not something children are simply born with; it is built
through repeated, supportive experiences. This guide explains how
children develop public speaking skills, what a good school does to
nurture them, and how parents in Gunjur, Varthur and Sarjapur can help.
It draws on the programmes listed at M S Dhoni Global School (MSDGS),
including Expo, Culturals and Leader In Me. For a wider view of school
choice, see our guide to the best
CBSE school in Gunjur.
Why Public Speaking Matters
So Much
Speaking well is useful in nearly every walk of life. In school, it
helps children explain their thinking, ask questions and take part in
discussions. Later, it supports interviews, presentations, leadership
and teamwork. But the benefits begin much earlier.
- Clearer thinking. To explain something, children
must organise their ideas. - Stronger language. Speaking builds vocabulary and
fluency. - Self-belief. Every successful talk, however small,
makes the next easier. - Empathy. Speakers learn to read an audience and
adjust. - Leadership. People follow those who communicate
with clarity and warmth.
Fear of Speaking Is Normal
Stage fright is common, even among adults. Children may feel
butterflies, forget words or go quiet. This does not mean they lack
ability. It means their body is responding to attention. A supportive
school and home help children understand this and learn to manage
it.
Some children are naturally outgoing; others are quiet and
reflective. Both can become effective speakers. The goal is not to turn
every child into a performer but to ensure each can express themselves
when it matters.
How Schools Build Speaking
Skills
Daily classroom talk
The foundation is regular, low-pressure speaking: answering
questions, sharing news, explaining a drawing, reading aloud. Teachers
who invite many voices, not only the quickest hands, build confidence
across the class.
Show and tell, circle
time and sharing
In the early years, simple routines like show and tell teach children
to stand, speak and listen. At MSDGS, the Discoverers stage includes
experiential, activity-based learning that encourages expression. Read
the best preschool and
nursery in Gunjur.
Presentations and projects
As children grow, they present project findings, explain experiments
and teach concepts to peers. MSDGS lists an Expo among
its beyond-academics activities, which gives students a platform to
display and explain their work. Ask the school to show examples from
previous expos.
Culturals and performances
Singing, dancing, drama and recitation on stage teach children to
handle an audience. MSDGS lists Culturals,
Music, Dance and Art &
Craft among its programmes. See why art, music and dance
matter.
Assemblies and student-led
events
When students host assemblies or lead events, they practise
leadership and communication. Programmes such as Leader In
Me, which MSDGS lists, encourage student voice and
responsibility. Read Leader In Me school
programme explained.
Debates, quizzes and clubs
Competitive formats teach quick thinking and respectful disagreement.
MSDGS lists co-curricular clubs, though the website does not give
details about specific debate or elocution clubs, so ask the school.
Field trips and
real-world interviews
Interviewing a shopkeeper, a scientist or a farmer during a field
trip gives children a purpose for asking questions. See the benefits of school field
trips.
A Ladder of Speaking
Experiences
Think of public speaking as a ladder. Children climb one rung at a
time.
- Talk to one friend.
- Talk to a small group.
- Answer a question in class.
- Share a drawing or object with the class.
- Recite a short poem or rhyme.
- Present a small project.
- Speak in assembly.
- Perform on stage.
- Lead a discussion or event.
Forcing a child to jump to the top rung often backfires. Gentle,
repeated practice works better.
What Parents Can Do at Home
Make conversation a habit
Family dinners are wonderful practice. Ask open questions like “What
was the funniest thing today?” and listen without interrupting.
Encourage storytelling
Ask your child to retell a book or movie, invent a story or describe
their day. Offer an audience: a grandparent, a sibling, a pet.
Read aloud together
Taking turns reading builds expression and confidence.
Practise, but do not
over-rehearse
Before a school event, listen to your child practise once or twice
and give kind, specific feedback: “I loved how you paused before the
funny part.” Avoid drilling to perfection.
Teach calming techniques
Slow breathing, a drink of water and a friendly smile help. Teach
your child to take three slow breaths before speaking.
Praise courage, not just
results
Say “I am proud you stood up and spoke” instead of “You were the
best.” This keeps focus on effort.
Watch good speakers together
Short videos of children’s speeches or storytellers can inspire and
give examples.
Model good speaking
Children copy what they see. Speak clearly and respectfully, and
admit when you are nervous.
How to Help a Shy or Anxious
Child
- Respect their pace. Do not label them “shy”;
children live up to labels. - Offer choices. Let them pick the topic or
format. - Start small. Practise with family before a larger
group. - Tell the teacher. A teacher who knows your child’s
comfort level can create gentle opportunities. - Celebrate progress. Each step counts.
- Seek help if needed. If fear is intense or affects
daily life, talk to the school counsellor or a professional.
Skills in a Good Speech
Even young children can learn a simple structure:
- Hello and name. Start with a smile.
- Main message. Say the key idea in one
sentence. - Two or three points. Explain with examples.
- Closing. Summarise and say thank you.
Voice and body matter too: loud enough to be heard, slow enough to be
understood, eye contact with the audience, and calm posture.
Questions to Ask a School
- How often do children present or speak in front of the class?
- What events give children a stage, such as assemblies, expos or
culturals? - Are all children included, or only a few confident ones?
- How do teachers support nervous students?
- Are there clubs for debate, drama or public speaking?
- How do you give feedback on speaking?
- Can I see photographs or videos of past events?
Add these to your school visit question
list.
Technology and Speaking
Skills
Digital tools can support presentation skills. Children can record
themselves, watch and improve, create slide decks and present online.
MSDGS, a Microsoft Showcase School partner, uses tools such as Office
365 and Teams. Read Microsoft
Showcase School: what parents should know. Balance is important, so
also see screen time
and tech in primary school.
A Family Speaking Game for
the Week
Try this simple game to build skills at home. Each evening at dinner,
one family member is the “speaker of the day.” They have one minute to
talk about a topic chosen from a jar, such as “my favourite food”, “a
place I would love to visit” or “something I am proud of.” The others
listen and each gives one kind comment. Rotate roles, including parents.
The jar stays full of silly and serious topics. Over a few weeks, you
will notice your child speaking more clearly, organising their thoughts
and laughing at their own mistakes.
When Feedback Helps and
When It Hurts
Feedback is essential for growth, but timing and tone matter. Give
feedback after the event, not just before, and start with something
specific and genuine. Offer one suggestion at a time, such as “Next
time, try pausing after each point.” Avoid public criticism or
comparisons with other children. If a performance goes badly,
acknowledge disappointment, then remind your child that every good
speaker has had a rough moment. What counts is that they tried and will
try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does
MSDGS have events where children can perform or present?
The school lists Expo and Culturals among its beyond-academics
activities.
My child is very shy.
Is that a problem?
No. Many children begin quietly. Gentle practice and supportive
teachers help them grow.
At
what age can children start learning to speak publicly?
Informal speaking starts in the early years through sharing and
storytelling. Formal presentations typically begin in the primary
years.
How can I tell
if my child is gaining confidence?
Look for willingness to volunteer, clearer explanations at home and
pride in sharing school work.
Give Your Child a Voice
A school that values every child’s voice helps them grow in
confidence. Visit M S Dhoni Global School and ask to see how students
present and perform. Call +91-7599507777 or send an admission enquiry. You can also read
the school’s pages on Expo and Culturals.
