Helping students gain confidence in front of the classroom is one of the most rewarding yet challenging tasks for a speech educator. The first few days of school are crucial for setting the tone, and nothing works better than an engaging icebreaker that helps students feel comfortable speaking in front of their peers. That’s where the Show-and-Tell Style Introductory Speech Assignment comes in.
What Is the Show-and-Tell Style Introductory Speech?
The concept is simple but effective: students bring a few items from home in a bag, and when it’s their turn to speak, they pull each item out of the bag and talk about it. This could be anything—a favorite book, a souvenir from a trip, or even a childhood toy. The idea is to choose items that hold personal significance, giving students an opportunity to share a bit about themselves in a relaxed, informal setting.
Why This Assignment Works
- Icebreaker: This assignment is the perfect way to “break the ice” in a new class. Students often feel more comfortable talking about something familiar, and this activity allows them to do just that.
- Builds Confidence: By sharing personal items and stories, students begin to build confidence in front of the classroom. The casual, show-and-tell style makes public speaking less intimidating, helping students take that first step toward becoming confident speakers.
- Engaging for Everyone: The format keeps both the speaker and the audience engaged. Students love learning interesting tidbits about their classmates, and the variety of items makes each speech unique and entertaining.
How to Implement the Assignment
- Introduce the Assignment: Explain the purpose of the activity and what students need to do. Encourage them to choose items that tell a story about who they are or what they enjoy.
- Preparation: Give students a day or two to gather their items and think about what they’ll say. This low-pressure preparation helps students feel ready without the stress of a formal speech.
- Speech Day: On the day of the speeches, have each student come to the front of the class with their bag. As they pull out each item, they’ll talk about its significance, share a related story, or explain why it’s important to them.
- Encourage Positive Feedback: After each speech, encourage classmates to share positive feedback or ask questions. This helps create a supportive classroom environment.
Tried and True
I’ve been using this Show-and-Tell Style Introductory Speech Assignment as an icebreaker in every public speaking class for the past twenty years, and it’s always a hit. It’s a tried-and-true method that not only helps students get to know each other but also sets the stage for a successful semester of public speaking.
Whether you’re teaching middle school, high school, or even college-level public speaking, this assignment is a fantastic way to start the year. I hope your students enjoy it as much as mine have!
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