Coaching Student Performances
A guide that instructs teachers on how to use oratory Podium Points to improve students’ public speaking and performance skills.
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.4
Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.4
Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
| LEARNING OBJECTIVES | Students will refine their oratory performance through arts-integrated techniques. |
| PREPARED BY | GRADE | LENGTH |
| JENNIE ENG AND VICTORIA REINSEL | ELEMENTARY SECONDARY | NON-DEFINED |
Procedures:
- Read through the general tips section before you begin to coach your student on his/her oratorical performance.
- As your students grow as public speakers, use the Coaching Guide to fix isolated and prolonged speaking issues
General Helpful Tips
Easier Fixes
Go for the easy fixes first. Volume, pace, posture, eye contact, and diction are usually the low-hanging fruit. Tone, natural gestures, and emphasis can be much more challenging.
Offering Feedback
Start out your constructive criticism with a compliment (warm feedback) before offering something for them to address (cool feedback). If time permits, let them try out whatever you’ve asked them to address and give them immediate feedback. It’s OK to ask them to intensify the direction if it’s not enough.
Rephrasing for positivity
Avoid using the word “don’t” (e.g. “Don’t slump your shoulders”) when coaching. Rather, see if you can frame things in a positive way (e.g. “I’d love to see what happens if you really lift those two words”…or “I’m going to challenge you to make eye contact with 5 different people”).