More Follow-Up Queries – for all your public speaking, presentation skills, interview skills FAQs (For Kids) – Answered!

Below are follow-up queries and answers/ tips for the FAQs that can be found in our earlier blog article: https://www.publicspeakingacademy.com.sg/2025/07/14/they-say-public-speaking-is-really-is-it-true-that-here-are-your-public-speaking-presentation-skills-interview-skills-faqs-for-kids-answered

Queries about Public Speaking For Kids To Overcome Stage Fright & Build Confidence:

“My child freezes during school presentations — are there public speaking classes in Singapore that can help shy kids gain confidence?”
“Are there confidence-building public speaking programs in Singapore for shy kids who struggle to speak up in class?”
“What are the best public speaking courses in Singapore that help shy children overcome stage fright?”

Follow-up Questions for the above queries:

What techniques are used to help shy kids become more confident speakers?
At what age can children start confidence-based public speaking classes in Singapore?
How long does it take for shy children to show improvement in public speaking?
Are there trial classes for shy or anxious kids to test if they feel comfortable first?
Do these public speaking courses help with school oral exams or classroom participation?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

What techniques are used to help shy kids become more confident speakers?

Introverted children and teens benefit from structured yet conducive environments. Our public speaking programs often include:

In short…

Roleplay to build self-expression through realistic and personable scenarios – Roleplaying, where our students are exposed to real-life communication settings (e.g. assuming the role of a sports team captain, or an interviewee in a group interview, or head prefect election speech), combined with the speaking opportunities throughout the course help to make the experience realistic and functional.
Group work to reduce pressure – Group storytelling or presentation for low-pressure interaction, where the entire duration of the presentation can be apportioned to multiple speakers and this is a piecemeal approach to allow reticent kids or teens to be accustomed to public speaking and incrementally progress to longer speeches.
Fun, low-stakes speaking games and quizzes – Gamify the training and improvisation to reduce fear of mistakes. Introduce pop quizzes in every training session to spice things up that involves the entire class. Reserved learners can still feel the interaction with the trainer through in-class games, reducing the impression that such public speaking training is just about being forced to speak.

These techniques help children ease into speaking, gain peer + trainer support, and develop a positive speaking identity.

At what age can children start confidence-based public speaking classes in Singapore?

While there are programs accepting children from ages 5 or 6, when they’re in K1 or K2. At this age, focus is on vocal projection, eye contact, and expressing thoughts with rudimentary (sometimes still in bits and pieces) sentences. This is why, at Public Speaking Academy, our youngest age group is aged 7-8 (Primary 1 & 2) because we focus on a tad more advanced speech and communication techniques – touching on vocal clarity + variety, functional eye contact, and speech structures that require language command to be able to form substantive/ meaningful sentences.

In short…

Our starting age: ~7–8 years old (P1 to P2).
Focus on foundational confidence and speaking clarity & substance.
Adjusted to developmental stage.

How long does it take for shy children to show improvement in public speaking?

While every child is different (joining with different foundations, different prior experiences, and different learning pace), most parents notice improvements in 12–24 sessions (3-6 months of uninterrupted weekly lessons coupled with the right learning attitude), especially in class participation, non-verbal communication (less body language leakages such as swaying of the hips, resting on one leg, heads hanging downwards, fidgeting while presenting), and eye contact. Long-term change comes with consistent weekly practice and feedback. We always say this in Public Speaking Academy – “It takes time to instil good speaking habits. It takes a longer time to erase the already entrenched bad speaking habits.”.

In short…

Noticeable changes: 12–24 sessions (i.e. 3-6 months).
Confidence builds gradually with consistent exposure.
Support and guidance from experienced trainers (through the evaluations given after every presentation our students delivered) help reinforce progress.

Do these public speaking courses help with school oral exams or classroom participation?

Absolutely. There are specific modules or topics in our programs that train our students on oral examination skills and impromptu speaking skills that are applicable in pitching or Q&A scenarios as well. The oral exam module is tailored around MOE oral assessment rubrics, helping children:

Practice stimulus-based conversation (PSLE)/ spoken interaction (O-level)/ Planned Response (O-level).
Improve fluency, formulate organized responses swiftly, and expression through verbal & non-verbal cues.
Respond confidently and cogently in classroom Q&A.

Queries about DSA Interview Tips For Kids:

“Can public speaking classes really help kids get ready for DSA or scholarship interviews in Singapore?”
“My teen has a DSA or scholarship interview coming up — are there public speaking courses in Singapore that prepare them for it?”
“Which public speaking programs in Singapore focus on interview prep for DSA or scholarships?”

Follow-up Questions for the queries above:

What questions are commonly asked in DSA or scholarship interviews?
How are public speaking courses different from general tuition or interview coaching?
What’s the ideal timeline to start interview preparation before a DSA/scholarship application?
Can the same program help with both DSA and school oral presentations?
Are mock interviews included in public speaking courses for teens?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

What questions are commonly asked in DSA or scholarship interviews?
Primary students & teens are often asked to:

Describe a formative experience that allowed them to showcase their leadership and collaborative qualities (“Could you share with us a time when you…?”).
Share why they chose a specific school or program (“Why us?”).
Reflect on strengths, weaknesses, or challenges (“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”).
Present opinions on current issues or interests (“In light of the recent strides made in the AI sphere, as a student, do you think…”).

In short…

Expect scenario, hypothetical and reflection-based questions.
Questions typically focus on aspirations, values, and leadership.
Personal stories are key to standing out. (Storytelling quick-tip: there must be a conflict/ challenge/ obstacle that you managed to overcome, and conclude with the takeaway from that experience)

How are public speaking courses different from general tuition or 1-to-1 interview coaching?

Our public speaking course focuses on holistic development of communication skills such that our students are capable of handling a wide range of speech genres – informative speech, persuasive speech, impromptu speech, pitching/ interview skills, and interpersonal communication skills. Our training encompasses speech delivery, speaking confidence, and rapport-building with audience (person-to-person) — not just academic content. Unlike tuition, they emphasize:

Confidence under pressure & judgement from a live audience.
Voice projection, eye contact, and body language.
Prepared speech, as well as structured yet spontaneous speaking.

In short…

Focuses on how students speak, not just what they say.
Trains body language, tone, and clarity.
Builds real-world speaking competence and resilience, which is essential in whatever profession or industry they choose in the future.

What’s the ideal timeline to start interview preparation before a DSA/scholarship application?

It’s best to start at least 3 to 6 months before the school’s stipulated DSA interview period. For example, that is why we scheduled our once-a-year Interview Skills Mastery™ masterclass during the March holiday period such that students have the time to prepare before the peak DSA period in August-September. This allows time for:

Developing strong speaking habits – takes time to instil salutary speaking habits (e.g. open gestures and high-power poses), but takes even more time to remove long-entrenched bad speaking habits
Simulating multiple mock interview – reducing stress through the exposure to commonly-asked questions and practice clocked.

Receiving and applying insightful feedback from seasoned interview trainer – allows for confidence-building and refinement.

Can the same program help with both DSA and school oral presentations?

Yes — our Speech Excellence Program™, which is a 1-year course with 12 different and unique monthly module/ topic (whilst not having a sole focus on interview prep like our ISM™), also trains our students on impromptu speech structures, excelling at oral-exam’s Q&A and pitching/ interview skills; such monthly modules are structured to help our students perform optimally for both DSA and oral examinations.

Incidentally, our 2-day S’Peak Performance™ Kids School Holiday Camp also touches on oral-exam preparation and interview skills training.

Are mock interview practice included in public speaking courses for teens and kids?
Yes, mock interviews (scenario-based training) are a central part of our public speaking programs (be it the weekly regular group classes, or 2-day school holiday program, or 2-half-day interview skills preparatory workshop). These simulate real DSA/scholarship conditions coupled with quality trainers’ provision of evaluation/ feedback on:

Clarity of answers & application of techniques taught.
Body language and presence.
Ability to handle curveball questions (e.g. “What are your weaknesses?” / “Are you telling me that you are not…”).

Queries about Speech & Drama vs. Public Speaking For Kids:

“Drama vs. Public Speaking: What’s the real difference for kids in primary or secondary school?”
“Is drama class the same as a public speaking workshop for kids?”
“I’m torn between drama and public speaking classes — which is better for building communication skills in kids?”

Follow-up Questions for the queries above:

What are the key differences between drama and public speaking classes for children?
Can drama classes help with real-life speaking situations like interviews or oral exams?
Should shy or introverted kids start with drama before public speaking?
Is it possible for my child to take both drama and public speaking classes?
How do I know which class suits my child’s personality better?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

What are the key differences between drama and public speaking classes for children?

In short…

Drama = theatrical performance, role-play, imagination:

Drama focuses on character-driven expression (stretching both the behavioural and emotional aspects of the characters for theatrical impact “Oh where art thou, my beloved!” – face contorted and lips trembled while tears welled up the actor’s eyes *this is something you don’t see in formal presentations in class or corporate world*), using scripts, acting, and role-play.

Public speaking = real-world expression, structure, clarity.

Our public speaking training focuses on real-world communication, including organizing thoughts (for both prepared speech and impromptu/ off-the-cuff speech), persuasive speaking, and presenting authentically.

Both build confidence in expression, but in different manners.

Can drama classes help with real-life speaking situations like interviews or oral exams?

In short…

Drama builds stage presence and expression:
To a limited extent, yes. Drama improves vocal range (helps to avoid sounding humdrum or monotonous), body language (albeit some dramatized expressions and gestures may not be applicable), and some confidence in speaking up.
Public speaking better matches MOE oral assessment/ exam needs:

Public speaking training is more effective for internship/ scholarship/ DSA interviews and oral exams because it teaches structured responses, persuasive language, and spontaneous thinking.

Should shy or introverted kids start with drama before public speaking?

In short…

Drama = great for warm-up confidence:

Drama can be a gentle entry point for anxious kids, helping them loosen up through play and role-play, at a younger age such as below 7 years old (before they advance to Primary level). This is because once they progress to Primary school, the formal education begins and the environment they are now exposed to will be different from nursery or kindergarten.

Public speaking = better for real-life skills:

Verily, drama/ theatre studies can still be continued into the adolescence as an specific performing art form. However, if the goal is building confidence in real-life conversations from young (our youngest age category is aged 7-8, just when budding speakers commence formalized schooling), structured public speaking training with tried-&-tested methods and competent quality trainers may offer more targeted progress.

Is it possible for my child to take both drama and public speaking classes?
Yes! In fact, many parents enroll children in both. Drama enhances creativity and performance, while public speaking develops logic, persuasion, and everyday confidence. The two can complement each other beautifully.

In short…

Drama and public speaking can be taken together.
Each builds different but valuable communication strengths.

How do I know which speech class suits my child’s personality better?

Instead of suggesting to consider your child’s temperament (if more outgoing, go for drama, and if more analytical and shy, go for public speaking), we would proffer the following question to ask:

Regardless of a child’s personality, is communication/ speaking skills needed in almost every aspect of a child’s developmental journey? Will the ability to speak clearly, and persuasively be needed in the schooling phase till the working phase (any industry), from leadership roles to teamwork? If the answer is yes, public speaking skills will be useful and beneficial regardless of the personality. We would suggest starting a child’s exposure to consistent (week-in-week-out) presentation deliveries to build the confidence and competence in speaking to the masses. Let your child have a taste of the learning experience first with a trial session, and if he or she finds it meaningful and beneficial, you may then decide whether to enroll in Public Speaking Academy.

Queries about Good Quality Public Speaking Courses For Kids:

“Looking for top-rated public speaking classes for kids in Singapore? Here’s what’s available on weekends and weekdays.”
“What are the best weekday and weekend public speaking programs in Singapore for primary and secondary school kids?”
“Where can I find highly recommended public speaking workshops in Singapore for school-going children?”

Follow-up Questions for the queries above:

What makes a public speaking workshop highly recommended in Singapore?
Are there reviews or testimonials from parents about these workshops?
How are these workshops structured for different age groups (e.g. P1–P6 vs Sec 1–4)?
Are the workshops available during school holidays as well as weekends?
Who are the trainers or coaches for these public speaking workshops?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

What makes a public speaking workshop highly recommended in Singapore?
Top-rated workshops usually:

Have experienced and competent trainers (e.g., award-winning coaches or highly-selective process of recruiting their trainers – for Public Speaking Academy, experience in public speaking and teaching is NOT optional but a prerequisite. Our founder hand-picks our trainers and trains them personally on our proprietary methodologies and pedagogies – not through a recruitment post on a job portal).

*At Public Speaking Academy (PSA), the quality of trainers & pedagogy are assured, with most of our programs providing classes that are conducted personally by 2016 World Champion of Public Speaking (one of Singapore’s few top experts on public speaking & training); in addition, as we are not a franchise, despite our smaller footprint across Singapore, we have absolute (i.e. stricter) quality control over our training quality, trainers’ standards and marketing practices. PSA espouses the following ideal – “a public speaking training provider created BY speakers, FOR aspiring speakers”.

Offer hands-on practice (impromptu speaking exercises, debate, mock interviews, storytelling) every single lesson, instead of simply listen to a lecture on the theories/ techniques (this is something that mainstream schools cannot provide due to the packed academic schedule).
Receive consistent trainer’s insightful & actionable evaluations for every speech delivery from our students, so they can be made aware of conscious and even weaknesses and areas of improvement in their blindspot.
Are aligned with school needs (MOE oral examination rubrics, DSA interview prep), down to the timeline of our students’ academic journey (for example, we deliberately designed our curriculum to have the month of June & July training students on oral examination & interview skills, so that they will be well prepared for PSLE oral exam in August and DSA interviews in September.

In short…

Expert instructors with strong credentials.
Skill-based modules and real practice.
Relevance to school and life contexts.

Are there reviews or testimonials from parents, students or past adult learners about these Public Speaking Academy workshops?
Yes we have. Many of our adult learners and parents of our students (including students themselves) in Singapore have given us encouraging reviews that include certain themes such as:

Improvements in speaking confidence and clarity (able communicate, be it in informal settings or formal speech or oral assessment settings, with an organized flow and readiness). Some of them have been with us for more than 2 years even after completing the one-year curriculum, to solidify the understanding and application of speech techniques, and for the interactivity of the training sessions.
Trainers’ patience and skill to guide those that require more hand-holding and challenge those who are ready for more advanced speech structures.
Children’s excitement and pride in presenting.

These are often visible on Google Reviews, Facebook pages, or course websites. Below are some actual, verbatim & verifiable Google reviews/ client testimonials extracted from our Google Business page (available here):

Speech Excellence Program:

From Queena Kok – My boy had been learning from Teacher Darren and his team for almost 2 years, and it is his favourite enrichment class.

Under the guidance of Teacher Darren and team, my boy improved further on his public speaking skills especially in the impromptu segment. This has hugely helped him to be the champion in 2024 Public Speaking Competition (Primary category) from 8th spot in 2023.

Not only is Teacher Darren really good at his craft, he is also highly energetic and has very good character – a very good role model for young children, plus he knows how to engage children in his class.

Highly recommended!

S’Peak Performance Kids Holiday Program:

From Tan Jing Kai – When I first came across PSA, I too had my reservations on how relevant Mr Darren and his public speaking course would be for me. Having attended numerous public speaking courses before and hosted events in school, I questioned the need to attend this course. However, as my brother was signing up for it, I decided to tag along with him.

This course has been so eye-opening for me. Being someone with a decent amount of experience in public speaking, I was exposed to so much more skills, tricks and ways to host and conduct myself in front of a crowd. I learnt so much from this course, and I am indeed very thankful to have met such a great mentor like Mr Darren.

Even our adult programs – World Champion Certification Program:

From Cheryl Ng – I was really glad when I attended this course as it gave me a safe space to try public speaking over 12 weeks. It gave me exposure to try a range of commuication techniques. This spilled over to my daily life and at work where I learned to communicate better.

I attended the course by Mr Zulhafni and found the course to be fun and engaging. Zul provides customised feedback to each individual and is very encouraging in class. One thing I learned to develop in his class was to be conscious and project my voice out and to understand my triggers when my voice became soft again. I could tell that he is really experienced in this field as he is able to offer a range of structures for specific situations and let you try out on your own.

S’Peak Performance Adult Masterclass:

From Rebecca Ng – I recently attended the public speaking class conducted by Darren and it was a transformative experience. He provided practical strategies to overcome stage fright and boost confidence, creating a supportive environment that encouraged all of us to step out of our comfort zones.

One of the biggest takeaways was learning to connect with my audience authentically. Through interactive exercises and personalized feedback, I felt my stage presence and speaking skills grow stronger with each session. The class was well-structured, balancing theory with real practice, and the feedback was constructive and actionable.

I’d highly recommend this class to anyone looking to enhance their public speaking skills or improve their confidence when addressing an audience. It’s more than just learning to speak—it’s about developing charisma and poise that resonate beyond the stage.

How are these public speaking classes and workshops structured for different age groups (e.g. P1–P2, P3-6, Sec 1–5)?
Effective training classes and workshops are age-tiered because only then the training won’t be one-size-fits-all, teaching to the average whereby the trainer has to simplify too much such that the very young participants can follow, while that risks insufficiently challenging the older boys and girls:

Lower Primary (P1–P2): Focus on basic storytelling, show-and-tell, fluency, basic emceeing skills and speechcraft, etc.
Upper Primary (P3–P6): Focus on interpersonal communcation/ pitching, advanced storytelling, introductory debate, oral exam (stimulus-based conversation, reading aloud), and more.
Secondary (Sec 1–5): Emphasize informative & persuasive speaking, multi-media communication skills, interviews skills, and critical thinking through impromptu speaking. The syllabi for Secondary students and Upper Primary students are largely similar but the former will be challenged with more difficult scenarios and will be exposed to higher-order thinking for their class discussions and speechcraft.

Who are the trainers or coaches for these public speaking workshops?
Top-tier workshops are led by:

Coaches with training & speaking experience – at Public Speaking Academy: minimum 5 years of prior or current teaching experience in private capacity or in MOE schools, MOE-registered, and ACLP-certified for our adult trainers. Even when a trainer is unable to take one of his or her lessons, our relief trainers are fellow senior trainers (that helm their own classes) who will be able to deliver engaging training to our students instead of uninitiated & ad hoc relief trainers who might not be sufficiently competent and experienced to provide meaningful and substantive training to the students.
Educators well-versed in the training provider’s pedagogy – Public Speaking Academy’s trainers are personally trained by our founder, 2016 World Champion of Public speaking Darren Tay, and has spent months shadowing his classes as assistant trainer before being allowed to helm his or her own classes (our trainers are not given a class after being freshly recruited off a job portal and given a training manual to self-study).

Queries about Public Speaking Courses For Kids That Allow Trying Out First:

“Are there any trial public speaking classes in Singapore where kids can try before they commit?”
“Can my child try a public speaking lesson in Singapore before signing up for a full course?”
“Which kids’ public speaking workshops in Singapore offer free or paid trial sessions?”

Follow-up Questions for the queries above:

What happens during a public speaking trial class for kids?
Can parents observe or sit in during the trial class?
Is the trial class a standalone session or part of an ongoing program?
Are trial lessons available on weekends or only weekdays?
Is there any commitment or pressure to sign up after the trial?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

What happens during a public speaking trial class for kids?

Public Speaking Academy’s trial classes are live in-person sessions within ongoing classes, not watered-down previews and sales pitches for the parents. Children participate alongside current anchor students, experiencing:

Real training modules (e.g., storytelling, persuasive speech, etc.).
In-class presentation of speeches crafted on-the-spot and in-class quizzes.
Coaching and professional feedback/ evaluation, like what enrolled students experience and enjoy every single lesson (This gives an authentic picture of what weekly training will look like).

In short…

Trial = actual class, not a contrived demo only.
Kids join real activities with real students – this is so that trial students are able to have a taste of the real learning experience, thus there will be no mismatch in expectations when they enrol as anchor students.
Immediate hands-on experience of pedagogy.

Can parents observe or sit in during the trial class?
For the trial lessons at Public Speaking Academy, we encourage parents to allow their children to attend the trial session themselves (without parents around) and learn independently to build focus and confidence, and react to the classroom dynamics naturally. What we certainly provide is the parent-teacher feedback sessions after the class where parents are encouraged to approach our trainers to find out about their child/ children’s suitability and in-class performance for the day.

Is there any commitment, obligation or pressure to sign up after the trial?
No. Public Speaking Academy adopts a no-obligation, no hard-sell approach. There will be no separate sales pitch that parents have to sit through while their children are attending the trial lesson. After the trial, parents and children are free to discuss with each other, at the comfort of their own home, and decide without pressure. If they find it meaningful and beneficial, they may simply express interest to us.

In short…

No forced sign-up after trial (non-obligatory).
Families decide after reflection.
High-trust, parent-led decision process.

How much does a public speaking course for teens & kids in Singapore costs?

“Should I invest in public speaking training for my child/ children? What is the estimated cost?”

“How long would it take for my child to be trained to become better at public speaking? And how much would that cost?”

“What are the factors I have to consider to find a good public speaking course for teens and children in Singapore?”

Follow-up Questions for the queries above:

How fast can a child improve in public speaking with weekly classes?
What factors affect a child’s progress in speaking confidently?
Is one-on-one coaching faster than group class training?
What’s included in the monthly cost — are there extra fees later on?
Are there financial aid or sibling discounts for public speaking programs?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

What factors affect a child’s progress in speaking confidently?
Progress depends on:

Age and starting point (e.g. very shy with zero prior exposure to public speaking vs. semi-confident) – although we always state the caveat that age alone does not determine the ability to speak coherently and clearly. For instance, we have a Primary 2 student of ours who went through a few months of training with us and entered into a speech competition with competitors in Primary 5 & 6 levels yet emerged as the champion. Foundation alone too does not predict future speaking competence. For instance, a student without any prior experience to public speaking can make strides in their progress towards speaking with flair & confidence as long as they have the right learning attitude and clock in the consistent attendance and practice.
Consistency of weekly attendance: In a month, there are typically 4 weekly lessons and if a student misses 2-3 lessons every month, learning becomes disrupted and progress will be hampered. For some topics, the entire speech step-by-step structure or entire set of techniques may be broken down into the lesson content across the 4 lessons. Missing 2-3 lessons may result in the inability to imbibe the teachings in its entirety (thus not reaping the full benefits of the training).
Trainer expertise and ability to build rapport with the students

In short…

Progress varies by child’s starting level & learning pace.
Consistency and environment matter.
Trainer quality plays a huge role.

Is one-on-one coaching faster than group class training? Which is better?

1-to-1 training may accelerate progress in specific areas (e.g. intensive interview prep, oral exam prep, competition speech audit) precisely because of the full attention that the student can get from the trainer as well as the capacity to focus on finetuning various verbal & non-verbal communication aspects, but group settings offer:

Real audience experience (clocking in the consistent exposure to speaking to the masses),
Peer inspiration, emulation of classmates’ positive speaking habits & even competition to spur students’ development,
Team dynamics that make training more engaging and fun (like impromptu speaking games, group roleplaying, mock group interview practice).

What’s included in the monthly cost — are there extra fees later on?
Public Speaking Academy’s programs offer transparent pricing with:

No registration fees, material fees, or GST.
Even participation in our National Public Speaking Competition is free for our students (MOE school pay $50 per representative)
Optional discounts for longer-term packages (3-month, 6-month, 1-year).

Are there sibling discounts for public speaking programs?
At Public Speaking Academy, we do provide sibling discount as we hope that our students’ siblings can also benefit from the training and enjoy what public speaking skills can do for them in the future:

Sibling discounts (10% off for siblings),
Package savings for 3+ month plans (3-month, 6-month, 1-year).

😰 How to Overcome Fear of Public Speaking

Follow-up Questions for the query above:

Why do people fear public speaking so much?
What are the symptoms of stage fright or glossophobia?
Are there exercises to reduce public speaking anxiety before going on stage?
Can public speaking classes help with overcoming fear?
What should I do if I blank out during a speech?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

Why do people fear public speaking so much?
Public speaking fear (also known as glossophobia) is often linked to:

Fear of judgment or embarrassment: some people get instinctively stricken with fear when their voice is the only one being heard in the room (all audiences’ eyes are on him or her). It could be either high-stakes presentations or a seemingly innocuous group meeting. The perceived judgement could be about any aspect of the speaker – his or her voice, diction, pronunciation, accent, or any insecurities about their physical countenance (nose, nostril size, cheek bones, weight, hair loss, and many more.). This speech anxiety or public speaking fear derives from the speaker’s own fixation on his or her own securities (e.g. “my eyebrows are too thin, I am sure the audience is staring at it…”), which is then projected onto the audiences.
Worry about forgetting words or freezing: fluffing the lines that you have painstakingly rehearsed for, especially for a high-stakes presentation like a business pitch or corporate report in front of the higher ups/ C-suite. Catastrophizing the situation will then compound the fear and nerves – “What if I pause again to recollect my lines or compose myself? Will they see it as weakness or ineptness? Will it affect my promotion or worse, my job?!”.
Perfectionism or past bad experiences: the actual delivery MUST be verbatim and matches what you’ve rehearsed the day or week before flawlessly/ to the hilt (or else, satisfaction cannot be had, not even an iota of it). Fear of public speaking could also stem from a bad prior experience – sometimes it could be traced back to the skit that one performed on stage for the kindergarten graduation ceremony, when a mistake on stage or wardrobe malfunction elicited snickers and laughs from the audience that is forever etched in one’s memory.

It activates the brain’s fight-or-flight response, mistaking the audience as a judgemental and unforgiving “threat.”, when in actuality, they are there to watch you succeed because no one wants their attention and time to be wasted. Shift your focus from the spectre of errors to the benefits that your audience can enjoy from your sharing/ insights/ stories. Give them the big-baby pivot (sustained eye contact with the audience) and envisaged them benefiting from the information that you are about to share with them. This will assuage your fears and start to see your audience as your biggest supporter!

What are the symptoms of stage fright or glossophobia?
Common symptoms include:

Rapid heartbeat (making breathing a little more laboured), dry mouth and throat that needs more frequent swallowing of saliva to regain normal speech,
Sweaty palms, shaky hands or trembling voice (caused by the dry mouth and throat as shared above),
Mental blocks or blanking out (the catastrophized thoughts mixing into the mind might crowd out the rehearsed lines),
Avoidance of speaking situations – we have heard too often in academic/ school group projects where some group members may request to do the write-up but avoid the presentation.

These are physiological signs of adrenaline and anxiety — not signs that you’re “bad” at speaking. You just haven’t had the consistent presentation exposure and speech techniques to manage the relationship with stage fright or speech anxiety – i.e. “making the butterflies in your stomach fly in formation”.

Are there exercises to reduce public speaking anxiety before going on stage?

Yes! From my 20 years of public speaking experience as both a speaker and trainer, below are effective pre-speech techniques to help reduce stage anxiety or nervous speaking (same techniques I used back in 2016 that won me the World Championship of Public Speaking:

In short…

Advanced Box breathing: Besides just the breath work (inhale 4s → hold 4s → exhale 4s → hold 4s), amalgamate with the mindfulness technique of focus-shifting where instead of wanting to AVOID the heart palpitation, tightness of the back of the head, clenching of the fists or even butt cheeks (yes, it differs from person to person; everyone tenses up different parts of their body when faced with fight-or-flight situations), FOCUS on them – when you inhale, feel the heart beat and the air gushing into your lungs. When you exhale, feel the shoulders loosen and releasing of tensed up body parts.
Power posing (Amy Cuddy’s method): Open body posture for 2 minutes – therefore expanding your body’s surface area instead of hunching or slouching or with hands in your pockets or arms crossed.
Tongue twisters or humming to warm up voice: focus on enunciating the end consonants of words, to psyched yourself up with the crisp articulation and diction. The impact that you apply to action words or quantifier words will help you augment your readiness to excite your audience – for e.g. “A VERY warm welcome to everyone, we’re excited to EMPOWER you with our set of financial literacy tips and strategies to HELP you ACHIEVE financial independence!”.
Visualizing the audience smiling at you and walked away from your talk reaping the benefits from the tips/ findings/ insights/ stories that you have shared in your presentation. You will then naturally be focusing on “How can I share this as clear as I can so that they will imbibe everything?” instead of “What if I fail, what if the audience hate me…”.

Can public speaking classes help with overcoming fear?

Absolutely. Throughout our years of experience in the public speaking training industry, we noticed that a lot of our teens and working adults have never had structured training in speech delivery and communication skills. The exposure is fleeting and ad hoc – for example, in primary and secondary schools, there will be one mock oral examination session done for students prior to the actual exam and that is it. When they progress to tertiary education and even in the professional world, they are expected to already have presentation public speaking skills (either graded or without any way to opt out of it as the job scope probably covers the presentations). As such, they endure with the fear of public speaking and never overcome the fear even as they step into adulthood.

Having the right training that:

Provides structured & consistent exposure in conducive environments (encouraging milieu where fellow course mates are also there to build confidence and enhance their presentation skills) – be it our 9-week adult course/ 1-year weekly kids classes or 2-day masterclass/ school holiday program, every session will provide speaking opportunities for all students to apply the techniques taught in both speechcraft and speech delivery),
Teaches actionable and tried-&-tested speech techniques derived from learned experience and proven theories (for instance, all of our programs are designed by our founder who has poured in knowledge and skills that he has learnt and has been using to clinch the World Championship of Public Speaking, and numerous national level impromptu/ table topics and evaluation speech contests).
Provides high quality trainers (not just recruited from job portals where teaching and public speaking experience can be optional) that are able to tease out the strengths of learners and furnish insightful evaluations and feedback that may be blind to the students. Trainers that make students continually aware of their bad speaking habits will help them build muscle memory for both effective speech delivery & confidence.

You gain real practice, reduce unknowns, and break the fear cycle.

What should I do if I blank out during a speech?

It’s more common than you think — and it doesn’t mean your speech is doomed.

In short, here’s what to do…

Stay calm and take a breath. As you said, “The audience is more likely to be supportive than disruptive.” A few seconds of silence feel longer to you than to them.
Refocus and plan a route. Ask yourself: What’s the topic I was sharing? Can I ask a question? Can I move to the next part and return later? Your goal is to keep guiding your audience — even if it’s a detour.
Skip ahead and promise a return. If the missing thought just won’t come, try saying something like, “Let me move to the next segment first — I’ll circle back to that in a bit.” You buy yourself time and maintain flow.
Prepare smarter beforehand. Blank moments happen, but rehearsing well and structuring your script into digestible, memorable chunks makes them less likely.

Final thought: The goal isn’t to eliminate blank-outs completely — it’s to recover from them with calm, clarity, and care for your audience.

🧒 How to Help My Child Speak More Confidently

Follow-up Questions for query above:

Why is my child afraid to speak in front of others, and how can I help?
What daily routines or habits can boost my child’s speaking confidence?
Is being shy the same as lacking confidence in speaking?
How can I tell if my child is improving in confidence?
What kind of classes help kids speak more confidently?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

Why is my child afraid to speak in front of others, and how can I help?

Many children face this fear — and it’s not a weakness, but part of a learning journey.

From what we’ve seen, children are often afraid to speak up due to:

😟 Fear of mistakes or judgment, especially when all eyes are on them
🙈 Discomfort being the centre of attention, or uncertainty about what to say
🤐 Lack of expressive tools — both in substance and language proficiency (for e.g. he or she sees his or her classmates describing the same thing with more vivid descriptions and better vocabulary – “Last week, I went on a school trip to the zoo.” Vs. “My school trip to the zoo was enlightening and exhilarating! We had the chance to feed carrots to the giraffes and we gleaned lots of information about animal & habitat conservation!”.

These fears can snowball into stage fright or panic, especially after a negative experience. But here’s the good news: public speaking is a habit that can be nurtured — and setbacks don’t have to define your child’s relationship with the stage.

How to help? Try these three strategies from our experience at Public Speaking Academy:

Focus on habit-building, not perfection.
Just like learning math or science, public speaking takes time and practice. The key isn’t to eliminate failure — it’s to build a routine where your child gets frequent, relevant exposure to communication tasks, not just formal stage time.
Create a supportive and open environment.
We always remind parents: a shy child can still become a confident speaker. What matters is a welcoming, low-pressure space to try things out, make mistakes, and discover their own voice. As we say, “Yes, you read that right — openness to fail is a strength!”
Celebrate effort, not just results.
In our classes, even mini-contests are about growth mindset — winners are praised, and others learn by watching their peers. Whether your child faces a flop or a breakthrough, the focus should stay on progress. Confidence builds when young speakers learn how to bounce back from a “bad round” and keep going.

Final thought: Public speaking isn’t just about delivering a perfect speech — it’s about growing through the process. Help your child see every stumble as a step forward, and you’ll be raising a resilient communicator.

What daily routines or habits can boost my child’s speaking confidence?

Simple, low-pressure (non-graded, familiar faces, not make or break high-stakes interview, public speaking competition or oral exam settings) habits at home can gradually build real confidence over time or at least be the spark to ignite their public speaking learning journey.

Try these easy, everyday practices:

Dinner Table Sharing: Ask, “Tell us one interesting thing that happened today.”. This is what we teach under our informative or show-and-tell modules in our course – a quick tip: use the story curve to give your child a structure to formulate his or her story so that he or she will be embolden to talk about it because there is a clear roadmap to begin: 1. Setting the scene with character and scenario descriptions, 2. The challenge or obstacle faced that made it interesting, 3. What did he or she do (with anyone else?) in faced of that? 4. What did he or she feel about the whole incident?
Family Presentations: Let your child give short, 1-minute talks about their favorite toy, pet, or show. This is what we teach under our informative or show-and-tell modules in our course – a quick tip: Give your child a structure to formulate his or her speech so that he or she will not feel rudderless and not know where to begin, such as the interrogative pronouns – WHY is this your favourite toy, HOW is this YouTube series or TV show intriguing or special, WHAT you love most about your pet.
Story Retelling: After reading or watching something together, ask them to explain it back in their own words – quick summary or synopsis of a movie would not only train them on their critical thinking skills on how to prioritize content (which part to emphasize and what part to briefly touch on or omit) but also train them on their impromptu speaking skills.
“Question of the Day” Game: Take turns answering fun, silly, or thoughtful questions — it’s playful, but powerful. For example: “If you could swap places with any minister from a ministry for one day, who would it be, which ministry and why?”. It trains them to organize their thoughts and build the habit to deliver structured response: “(Point) I would swap places with the minister for defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing, for a day. (Explain) This is because I would then be able to have the authority to be a passenger of an F15SG fighter jet. (Example) Why is this such a big deal? This is because it is almost impossible for any ordinary civilian to have this opportunity, who can only marvel at the jet at airshows. (Link) This is why I would love to have the privilege that the defence minister has.”

💡 To make it stick:

Keep things short, casual, and fun.
Make speaking a regular part of home life, not just a “performance moment.”
Avoid pressuring your child into a specific style — “There is no one perfect mold of a public speaker.”

Also remember:

“The confident kids in our classes have one thing in common – they know what they are interested in.”

So let your child talk about what they love — whether it’s dinosaurs, Roblox, or outer space. That interest often becomes the gateway to confidence.

Final Thought: Every child develops at their own pace. Celebrate the small wins, give them space to explore, and you’ll help unlock a speaking voice that’s truly theirs.

Is being shy or introverted the same as lacking confidence and competence in speaking and therefore not suited for leadership roles?

Not always. Introverted and shy kids may just prefer to recharge their social battery by being alone, and they may find networking sessions and presentations more energy zapping than extroverts. Introverts and shy individuals may also have the ideas but are hesitant to express them publicly and quickly, preferring to observe further and gather more opinions and ideas before coming to their own conclusion and respond.

Confidence can be built with knowing how to structure their speeches/ responses:

Start with clarity: “What is your point/message?”

Many students struggle not with ideas, but with organizing them for a speech format.
Have an open conversation: ask your child to explain their message in their own words — not by reading their script.
This helps them internalize the key idea and gain ownership of their message.
Guide them to focus on one clear takeaway they want their audience to remember.

Anchor it with a personal story: “What is your story?”

Stories add depth and make speeches memorable.
Help your child find a story that connects to their message — especially one about passion, growth, or a proud moment.
Use the 5W1H method (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) to flesh out the details and discover any missing parts.
Encourage them to share why the message matters to them — emotional investment brings energy to delivery.

Encourage style awareness: “What type of speaker do you want to be?”

During practice runs, go beyond content — help your child explore how they present.
Ask questions like: “Do you want your tone to be calm? Playful? Persuasive?”
Emphasize that speaking style isn’t fixed — a quiet child can still deliver a bold, impactful speech.
Your role isn’t to define their style, but to help them become aware of it as they grow.

Lastly, or course, positive reinforcement or validation of your child’s performance, from voice to body language to content goes a long way (e.g. “I love how you expressed that! It really brings out the…if you want to have an even greater impact do (this)…”).

In short…

Shyness ≠ lack of ideas.
Shy kids thrive with safe, consistent chances to speak, and guided with effective speech structures.
Confidence grows when they feel heard and supported.

How can I tell if my child is improving in speaking ability and confidence? Or “How do I know if my child is improving in a public speaking course?”

Improvement in public speaking isn’t always dramatic — it often shows through small, meaningful shifts. Instead of relying on one sign alone, look out for a basket of indicators across both speech content and delivery. Here’s how you can tell your child is growing:

More willingness to speak up – Your child may begin volunteering answers in class or initiating conversations at home.
Better body language – Look for improved posture, more purposeful eye contact, and even simple use of hand gestures or stage positioning.
Clarity and fluency – Is your child expressing ideas in more complete, structured sentences? Do they speak with better volume and less hesitation?
Their own feedback – Statements like “I wasn’t so nervous today” or “That went better than last time” are huge milestones.
Confidence in crafting speeches – They may start scripting faster or structuring responses more clearly, even in impromptu scenarios.
Fewer verbal crutches – Watch if their “uh” or “like” fillers begin to reduce over time.
Growth in thinking on their feet – When asked a simple opinion (e.g., “What do you think about plastic bags being 5 cents?”), do they respond with balance, clarity, and a view of both sides?

Here’s How To Track Your Child’s Quantitative & Qualitative Improvements in Public Speaking:

In short…

Quantitative signs include:
• Quicker script preparation (e.g., a 2-minute speech in under 5 minutes),
• Reduced use of filler words like “Um…”, “You know…”, “…like…”, “actually…”, “…but um…”,
• Improved performance under shorter prep time (e.g., 1-minute speech with 2-minute prep).

Qualitative growth looks like:
• Using signposting (“First, next, finally…”),
• Structuring ideas more logically,
• Varying tone, pausing appropriately,
• Thoughtful non-verbal delivery (eye contact, movement, purposeful gestures).

🎤 How to Teach Kids Public Speaking

Follow-up Questions for query above:

What’s the best age to start teaching public speaking to children?
What are fun public speaking activities or games for kids?
How can I help a shy child become more confident in speaking?
How long does it take for kids to improve in public speaking?
Should public speaking be taught at home, in school, or via classes?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

What’s the best age to start teaching public speaking to children?

Start early — but start right.

At Public Speaking Academy, we start most students around 7–8 years old (Primary 1 & 2). At this age, children are better able to:

Express full ideas in meaningful sentences
Experiment with vocal clarity and variety
Practise functional eye contact and simple speech structure

While some programmes accept younger children (e.g., age 5–6 in K1 or K2), the focus at that stage is usually on basic expression — using clear voice, eye contact, and short, often fragmented sentences.

Why start young, then? Here’s why:

Get ahead with a head start
Starting young helps your child internalize essential speaking habits while they’re still forming — from confident posture to persuasive phrasing. As you wrote:

“Starting early gives your child that early chance to race ahead of the pack.”

Catch and correct early habits
Without early exposure, children may unknowingly develop negative habits like speaking too quickly or mumbling — which can persist for years. Early training helps stack small, positive habits, giving them more time to grow into confident, clear communicators.
Explore speaking styles from young
Every child is different — some are bold and expressive, others quiet but deliberate. Early exposure lets them explore and evolve their own speaking style in a safe environment.

“The more comfortable they are with exploring the various styles, the more likely they can develop as a confident speaker from young.”

Final thought:
It’s not about perfection — it’s about giving your child the space, tools, and time to grow. At the right age (around 7–8), with age-appropriate guidance and encouragement, public speaking becomes less a skill and more a habit of confidence.

Should public speaking be taught at home, in school, or via classes?
Ideally, a combination of all three for consistent exposure and application of techniques learnt in the training program (I’ll also share the pros and cons)):

In short…

Home builds early comfort and can provide positive reinforcements: Home offers emotional safety and real-life use – however, parents may not have the public speaking or teaching expertise to spot and correct the bad speaking habits and might just encourage the calcification of those habits. Additionally, speaking at home to familiar faces may not be directly transferable to speaking on stage to the masses in school or in the working world in the future.
School adds peer inspiration and structure: School gives peer exposure and formal tasks (like oral exams and interview situations – real stakes such as being graded and being selected or not by the interviewer) – however, while teachers may have the expertise in teaching, but they may not know how to teach public speaking. On top of that, they are usually already inundated by the amount of teaching workload coupled with administrative workload (from marking papers to attending meetings, from taking care of co-curricular activities (CCA) matters to tending to students’ progress reports). As such, there is simply no space left in the packed academic calendar to introduce a module solely on public speaking and have every student being able to speak and practice every single week.
Classes offer expert coaching and real skill refinement: Specialized classes provide expert guidance and deeper skill-building through the consistent stage time mandated and finetuning by experienced speakers.

📚 Best Public Speaking Class for Children Singapore

Follow-up Questions for the query above:

What makes a public speaking class “the best” for kids in Singapore?
Are there classes for different age groups like lower primary vs. upper primary?
Do these classes prepare kids for school oral exams or interviews?
How do I know if my child is improving in a public speaking course?
Who are the trainers in top-rated public speaking classes for kids in Singapore?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

What makes a public speaking class “the best” for kids & teenagers in Singapore?

Not all public speaking classes are created equal. The most effective ones go beyond flashy labels — they combine structure, substance, and child-focused delivery. Here’s what sets the best apart:

Structured, Age-Appropriate Curriculum

Top programmes are thoughtfully segmented by age — lower primary (7–8), upper primary (9–12), and teens (13–18) — with each group working on developmentally appropriate skills:

For younger kids: Confidence, show-and-tell, storytelling, and basic speech crafting.
For older kids and teens: Persuasive speech, oral exam prep, interview skills, debate, and more.
Each month in our Speech Excellence Program introduces a standalone topic, so students can join anytime and progress meaningfully.

Confidence Comes First

Great classes understand that public speaking isn’t just about volume or vocabulary — it’s about confidence. The best programs create a low-pressure, high-encouragement space where students feel safe to explore, try, and grow.

Tried, Tested and Trusted Pedagogy

At Public Speaking Academy, we use the T-H-B Method:

Theory: Techniques curated by our founder, Darren Tay, 2016 World Champion of Public Speaking.
Hands-on Practice: Every session includes stage time to apply the skills learnt.
Blindspot Feedback: Personalised, expert feedback to highlight what your child may not yet see.
Each class follows our 50/50 approach — half the time on technique, half the time on live presentation and individual evaluation.

Qualified Trainers with Proven Credentials

The best classes are taught by experienced speakers who understand how to coach kids. At our Academy, every trainer is hand-picked and personally trained by Darren Tay — teaching ability and public speaking mastery are non-negotiable.

Stage Time, Real Feedback

It’s not just theory — real transformation comes from repeated presentation and feedback. Our sessions include:

Frequent in-class speeches,
Peer and trainer feedback,
Real audience practice from trial onwards — not simulations.

Transparent Pricing & Trial Sessions

Quality comes with fair pricing:

Aged 7–8: $260 / 4 lessons
Aged 9–12: $270 / 4 lessons
Aged 13–18: $290 / 4 lessons

No registration, material fees, or GST.

Parents can also opt for discounted long-term plans (up to 20% off for 12 months), and each child can attend a trial session (no pressure, no hard-sell) to get a feel for the real class experience.

Are there classes for different age groups like lower primary vs. upper primary?

Yes, high-quality programs typically group children into:

Lower Primary (Ages 7–8): Focus on fluency, eye contact, and fun show-and-tell.
Upper Primary (Ages 9–12): Structure, persuasive speech, and impromptu skills, fundamental storytelling framework.
Secondary (Ages 13–18): Debate, interviews, expanded storytelling framework and advanced rhetorical techniques.

In short…

Classes are grouped by developmental stage and academic needs in school (for instance, at aged 7-8, there is no need for interview skills as DSA interview is usually for students in Primary 5 or 6).
Younger kids = expressive basics and being initiated into structured training for public speaking.
Older kids = advanced formats, deeper and richer topical discussions and real-world scenarios.

Do these classes prepare kids for school oral exams or interviews?

Yes. Good programs have curricula registered with MOE and are aligned with MOE oral exam rubrics + schools’ DSA interview paradigm, and prepare students for:

One of our monthly module in our Speech Excellence Program: PSLE Stimulus-based Conversation/ Spoken Interaction/ Reading Aloud/ O’level Planned Response,
Our Interview Skills Mastery 2-half-day March school holiday program: Interview-type questions (for DSA/scholarships),
Real classroom speaking scenarios, be it prepared speeches or impromptu speeches such as oral exams, interviews, or Q&A sessions after presentations.

Who are the trainers in top-rated public speaking classes for kids & teens in Singapore?

The best trainers:

Are trained educators or accomplished speakers,
Have experience coaching kids specifically – at least not for Public Speaking Academy, our team of trainers is not just recruited out of Polytechnic or Junior College whilst waiting for job placement or matriculation, thus without prior teaching and public speaking experience and just looking for temp work.
Are well-versed in the training provider’s curriculum and pedagogy – for example, at Public Speaking Academy, our trainers are personally mentored by 2016 public speaking champion Darren Tay,
Bring both skill and heart to the classroom – even MOE teachers may not be a perfect fit in our academy because our learning milieu is not the same as that of mainstream schools. A top-down approach we usually see in mainstream school, especially for core academic subjects, is not practiced here at Public Speaking Academy. We create a conducive environment for our students to progressive ENJOY coming to acquire communication skills because they LIKE & WANT TO, not forced to.

🧩 How to Organize a Speech Quickly

Follow-up Questions for the query above:

What is the fastest speech structure to use in impromptu situations?
Are there templates or outlines for organizing a speech under 5 minutes?
How do I organize a persuasive speech quickly?
What should I avoid when organizing a speech last minute?
Can I use the same structure for interviews, presentations, and debates?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

What is the fastest speech structure to use in impromptu situations?

The “Interrogative Pronouns” or “5W 1H” format is one of the most efficient because even someone with basic foundational English would have learnt “Why / Where/ Who/ What/ When/ How”, and it helps to not just structure one’s off-the-cuff response, but also helps to initiate the formulation of the response (i.e. helps in the ideation process). For example, if this emerges as a conversation topic – “Say something about Donald Trump.”. using the “Interrogative Pronouns” impromptu speech method:

“Who is Donald Trump?”: “He is the 45^th and 47^th President of the United States”.
“Where does he reside?”: “He has two residences; one at the White House, one at Mar’ a’ lago.”
“Why is he a controversial figure?”: “He has made remarks such as (__), which some people might deem as facetious, while some might deem as derogatory.”.
So on and so forth for the remaining “When…” and “What…” and “How…”.

This gives you a mini-speech framework that can be delivered in under a minute or scaled to longer formats.

Are there templates or outlines for organizing a speech under 5 minutes?

Yes — especially for class presentations or contests, having a simple structure can eliminate the stress of “not knowing what to say.” A clear outline keeps your speech sharp, memorable, and on time.

Here’s a beginner-friendly 4-part outline we often recommend:

Hook – Start with something that grabs attention: “Imagine this…” or “Picture this…”
Main Point – What’s the key message you want your audience to remember?
Support – Add a reason, a story, or a quick stat to back up your point.
Conclusion – Tie it all back to your hook and wrap it up with a memorable line.

In short:
• Hook → Point → Support → Conclusion
• 1 minute per section = a focused, 4-minute speech (adding a story that has all the elements of a story curve will definitely make the speech substantive)
• Great for oral presentations, book reviews, show & tell, and contests

This structure is a simplified version of Monroe’s Motivated Sequence, a proven presentation format used even by professionals:

Grab attention fast (before your audience tunes out),
Show you understand their needs,
Offer relatable solutions (don’t just list facts),
Help them visualize the benefits,
End with a light-touch call to action — no need to “hard sell.”

By practicing this, your child learns more than just “what to say” — they learn to connect with their audience and build a speech that feels purposeful and easy to follow.

How do I organize a persuasive speech quickly?

Use Monroe’s Motivated Sequence — a proven 5-step structure used by great speakers:

Attention
Start strong. Hook your audience with a surprising fact, story, or prompt.
→ Use lines like “Imagine this…” or “Picture this…” to instantly engage.
Need
Highlight the problem or need your audience has.
→ Show you understand what they care about — and even better, share their mindset.
Solution
Offer your idea, proposal, or recommendation.
→ Keep it brief. Focus on how it solves their problem, not just what it is.
Visualization
Help your audience picture the benefits.
→ Contrast short-term and long-term rewards. Make it real and relatable.
Action
End with a gentle but clear call to action.
→ Avoid being pushy. Use lines like “Feel free to take it back and discuss it over…”

What should I avoid when organizing a speech/ preparing for a presentation last minute?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid (Especially When You’re Rushing):

Don’t overwhelm with content – Cramming everything from your report into a few slides or minutes will only dilute your key message. Trim ruthlessly – a truncated presentation can always leave questions to the Q&A segment without boring the audience to indifference. Your job is not to read, but to present.
Avoid dragging introductions – Skip the commonplace “Good morning… today I’m going to talk about…” routine. Dive into your hook within seconds “Imagine this…”/ “As we speak now, do you know that…”.
Ditch the word-for-word script – In a time crunch, memorizing every word is a recipe for panic. Use headlines, cues, or key phrases to guide you.
Don’t overdesign your slides – Fancy transitions and cluttered visuals distract more than impress. Simplicity = clarity. Don’t let visual aids replace your voice or overshadow you. Use slides to support, not substitute.
Over-focusing on yourself – Worrying about mistakes or memorization only heightens anxiety.
Don’t wing it completely – Even with little time, a 5-minute focused prep beats none. Know your main point, opening line, and closing message.

When in doubt, clarity over complexity. Especially when time isn’t on your side.

What should I do when organizing a speech/ preparing for a presentation last minute?

Be audience-centric – Think about what your classmates or professor need to hear. Tailor content for clarity and relevance.
• Use analogies and stories – Even complex terms (like Blockchain or 5G) become relatable when explained creatively.
• Balance slide simplicity with visual variety – Use charts, images, and minimal words to enhance—not replace—your spoken message.
• Reframe Q&A as your friend – Welcome tough questions as chances to reinforce key points and show poise under pressure.
• Practice for progress, not perfection – You don’t need to be flawless—just impactful and present.

🧠 Pro Tip: Keep your energy focused on helping your audience understand and care. That shift in mindset boosts both confidence and connection—fast.

What’s the best structure for answering impromptu questions in interviews or debates?

Use the PEEL structure:

Point – Your main idea or stand.
Explanation – A brief elaboration or “why”.
Example – Personal story, real-life event, or analogy.
Link – Reaffirm your point with confidence.

This works well for interviews, discussions, and debate (add in one possible counter from the other side and its corresponding rebuttal to further augment your delivery).

Can I use the same structure for interviews, presentations, and debates?
Yes, with small tweaks:

Interviews: PEEL (Point, Explain, Example, Link) works well for structured Q&A as it allows your responses to be succinct and cogent.
Presentations: For a longer presentation, each main points can have its own PEEL as shared above, and for each main point, feel free to add visual aids such as infographics or illustrations for greater impact and knowledge retention. Before moving on to the next main point, feel free to use transitions (sign-posting) to strengthen audience engagement
Debates: Add rebuttal or counter-argument layers to the structure.

👪 Is Public Speaking Good for Kids?

Follow-up Questions for the query above:

At what age should children start learning public speaking?
How does public speaking help shy or introverted kids?
Is public speaking important even if my child isn’t aiming to be a leader or debater?
Can public speaking classes help with school oral exams or DSA interviews?
What life skills do children gain from learning public speaking?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

Is public speaking important even if my child isn’t aiming to be a leader or debater?

Yes! Public speaking isn’t just for future politicians/ managers/ C-suite executives. Public speaking remains one of the core power skills of the future – for our young communicators, it is about building their confidence in their content, their delivery style, and the ability to share their ideas competently, persuasively, and clearly!

In the future workplace, and we are already seeing the changes A.I and automation have brought, where low-entry white collar jobs and manual labour will be replaced (think autonomous vehicles and AI-powered legal/ accounting/ administrative/ programming work), the urgent need to have effective and competent communication skills (1-to-few) and highly sought after public speaking skills (1-to-many) is only going to accelerate.

The Speech Performance Programme is a training programme designed by our World Champion of Public Speaking 2016 and Founder, Darren Tay, together with inputs from our training team’s expertise and experience. The syllabus is designed to equip suitable skills for your child to practise as budding communicators for the future! It teaches:

How to express opinions with tact,
How to organize thoughts clearly & swiftly,
How to communicate confidently in daily life — from class discussions to interviews, from oral exams to in-class presentations.

In short…

Useful for everyday school, life, and social settings.
Builds articulation, confidence, and presence.
Leadership is just one benefit — clarity is for everyone.

What life skills do children gain from learning public speaking?

Beyond speaking with better vocal variety, greater persuasion and impact, they develop:

Critical thinking (organizing ideas logically, especially with the impromptu speech techniques taught, they will be able to formulate coherent and clear responses to off-the-cuff questions).
Empathy or Sensitivity (considering audience needs) – In the future high-tech world, high-touch is going to be emphasized – meaning that interpersonal communication skills to empathize and understand the others’ needs will be in great demand (for instance, in the elder care or healthcare needs in Singapore’s aging society).
Resilience (handling mistakes in real time, managing relationships with negativity (emotions or stresses/ pressure)).
Leadership presence (speaking with purpose, clarity, and influence). In the future high-tech world, high-trust is going to be emphasized. More trusted leadership will be demanded and being able to influence, persuade and inspire through competent public speaking is pivotal.

🎤 How to Get Better at Impromptu Speaking

Follow-up Questions for the query above:

What are good topics to practice impromptu speaking?
What’s the best structure for answering impromptu questions in interviews or debates?
How can I stop panicking or blanking out during impromptu speaking?
Can impromptu speaking be learned, or is it a natural talent?
Are there any games or exercises to improve impromptu skills?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

What are good topics to practice impromptu speaking?
Great topics are simple but open-ended. Try:

“Should students be allowed to use AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Llama, Gemini, Deepseek for their schoolwork?”
“Describe your dream holiday/ occupation/ life as a retiree.”
“Is failure necessary for success?”
“Can entrepreneurship be taught?”
“What’s more important: kindness or intelligence?”

In addition, you may even use simply PICTURES to practice impromptu techniques. For instance, simply flash the national flag of Singapore and expect the speaker to say something (anything!) about it. Tip: If the speaker were to apply the impromptu speech techniques we teach at Public Speaking Academy – the Past, Present, Future, he or she will be able to swiftly craft a structured response based on his or her understanding of historical Singapore, current Singapore and the future Singapore he or she envisaged.

These topics help practice opinion-giving, storytelling, and analogies — all key impromptu skills.

In short…

Use open-ended “What do you think/ Discuss it.” topics.
Practice both light and thought-provoking themes, in written or pictorial form.
Focus on clarity, not complexity for the sake of filling the time required (typical table topics or extemporaneous speech contest requires contestants to speak for 4-7 minutes).

How can I stop panicking or blanking out during impromptu speaking?

In short…

Structure your prep for memory ease
→ Don’t rely on full scripts; break your content into key phrases, anchor points, or mini-sections you can easily recall.
→ If it’s easy to remember, it’s easier to deliver — and easier for your audience to follow.
Reboot with composure and purpose
→ When your mind blanks, pause, breathe, and reset your focus on the audience — not your fear.
→ Ask yourself: What’s the point I’m at? Can I ask a question? Can I transition forward instead of freezing?
Shift gears and loop back later if needed
→ If a thought escapes you, skip ahead smoothly and reassure the audience: “I’ll circle back to that shortly.”
→ This keeps the energy flowing and buys you time to recover your mental footing — without losing face.
The audience is your ally, not your judge
→ Most people root for speakers, not against them. Own the moment with honesty and keep moving forward.
Value beats perfection
→ A slight stumble won’t ruin your message — but giving up mid-speech might. Focus on delivering takeaways that matter.

Can impromptu speaking be learned, or is it a natural talent?

Yes — any public speaking, presentation, interview, debating, and certainly impromptu speaking is definitely a skill you can build. At Public Speaking Academy, we always believe in “Nurture over Nature”. To prove, even our founder, Singapore first World Champion of Public Speaking, started out as an introverted shy secondary 2 student being afraid of delivering a speech (a book review) about the book “Harry Potter & the Philosopher Stone”.

While some may appear naturally fluent, the ability to:
• Think in clear frameworks,
• Manage nerves, and
• Express ideas on the spot
…comes from regular, structured practice — not genetics.

Here’s how to strengthen your impromptu speaking muscles:

Prepare, even for the unexpected
→ Familiarize yourself with common structures (e.g., Point–Reason–Example–Point).
→ Rehearse short speeches or responses using random topics or prompts. This builds reflexes.
Practice calming your mind
→ If your thoughts freeze, breathe deeply and reset your focus. Shift from panic to audience mindset: “What value can I offer right now?”
Use mental checkpoints to move forward
→ Ask yourself: “What’s the main point I can make here? – Point! I can apply Point-Explanation-Example-Link structure here!” or “Can I give a personal story or analogy? – Story! I can apply story curve structure – Setting scene-Conflict-Tipping Point-Resolution – here!”
Buy time with confidence
→ It’s okay to pause or say, “Let me take a second to gather my thoughts.” This shows poise and buys thinking space — it doesn’t signal weakness (“My apologies, I lost my train of thought, please allow me to recollect as this point is very important.” is much better than “Erm….um….”).
Skip and return when needed
→ Lost your thread? Move forward and promise to return. Keeping momentum matters more than sticking rigidly to sequence.

In short, impromptu speaking isn’t about being perfect — it’s about staying present, thinking clearly under pressure, and training your recovery muscles.

Are there any games or exercises to improve impromptu skills?
Yes! Try:

“Table topics”: Throw random topics in a group, and each speaker responds for 30 seconds.
“This or That”: Choose between two items and justify your choice.
“End is the Start”: every speaker must begin their 2-3 minutes speech with the last word of the previous speaker.
“One-Minute Story”: Create a story from 3 random words in 60 seconds.

🎤 What do the best public speaking classes for teenagers in Singapore – effective & of quality – typically include?

Follow-up Questions for the query above:

What skills do teenagers actually learn in a public speaking course in Singapore?
How are teenage classes different from kids’ public speaking programs?
How do trainers keep teens engaged and motivated in speaking classes?
Can public speaking classes really help with DSA interviews, oral exams, and school presentations?
What makes a public speaking class in Singapore “high quality” vs average?

Answers / Responses for Each Follow-Up

What skills do teenagers actually learn in a public speaking course in Singapore?
Top-tier programs for teens (like Speech Excellence Program™) focus on:

Speech structure (e.g. persuasive & informative speeches, story-crafting and storytelling),
Delivery techniques (eye contact, tone, gestures, stage presence),
Audience awareness (adjusting content for peers, judges, teachers),
Handling pressure (DSA, debate, interviews, impromptu topics),
Critical thinking (crafting angles, rebuttals, and persuasive logic).
Pitching & interpersonal communication (building rapport, active listening, clarity in expression),
Leadership & motivational speaking (influencing and inspiring others through voice and presence),
Demonstration & technical presentations (breaking down complex ideas into clear, visual steps),
Oral exam and conversation mastery (useful for school-based assessments and social fluency),
Interview & group interview skills (answering confidently under pressure with structure and poise),
Hosting, online and media presentations (modern presentation formats using tech and stage charisma),

In short…

Teaches teens how to structure and deliver speeches.
Includes communication aspects that require higher-order thinking such as: persuasive, debate, storytelling, and interview techniques.
Builds clarity, charisma, and confidence under pressure.

How are teenage classes different from kids’ public speaking programs?

In short, our teen-focused (aged 13-18) classes:

Include more complex content and deeper case-based discussions.
Are helmed by trainers who are trained and experienced in addressing teen psychology — self-awareness, self-consciousness, peer judgment, self-expression.
Involve heavier performance-based training, such as crafting opinions, impromptu logic, rebuttals, and layered storytelling.

How do trainers keep teens engaged and motivated in speaking classes?
Our trainers at Public Speaking Academy:

Use relatable prompts and current topics teenagers care about (e.g. tech, social issues, school life),
Are equipped with the methodologies, distilled from Darren’s over 15 years of training/ teaching experiences (from a relief teacher at MOE schools to the trainer of Hong Kong’s Education Bureau’s educators on public speaking), to build rapport with our students effectively and encouraging even the quietest/ most self-conscious teen to try,
Introduce competitive and peer-feedback elements (e.g. intra-class mini speech contests (from impromptu speech to storytelling), debate-offs),
Give personalized blindspot feedback — showing them how to improve, not just what went wrong (both verbal and non-verbal aspects).

In short…

Engaging topics, non-judgmental space, and meaningful feedback.
Trainers who connect with teens and stretch them with care.
Practice-focused + reflection-based learning.

How to design and deliver effective PowerPoint presentations without relying too much on slides

“What are the best ways to keep audience attention during a PowerPoint presentation using minimal text slides?”

Slides aren’t inherently good or bad — balance in both design and delivery makes them effective.

Tip #1: Pack Your Script, Not Your Slides

Use fewer words per slide; focus on clarity and visual impact.
Design slides to complement, not replace, your spoken script.
Take inspiration from minimalist approaches like the Takahashi Method — large, bold keywords over clean backgrounds.
Prioritize simplicity and audience reference points, not text-heavy slides.
Leverage images and summaries instead of dense paragraphs.

Tip #2: Stay in Control While Interacting with Slides

Use transition phrases and purposeful stage positioning to keep the focus on you, not the screen.
For large stages, physically step away from the slides during key moments.
In smaller settings, gestures and eye contact can be enough to shift focus.
Tailor your delivery to the presentation context and room size.

Final Thought

Slides can be your best presentation ally — not your crutch.
Don’t overhaul your style overnight.
Just apply small, practical improvements to your slide design and delivery.
Try new techniques in low-pressure settings and build confidence gradually.

How to Craft Compelling Stories for Presentations

In short…

Build vivid scenes and relatable characters

Use sensory details and descriptive language to paint a picture.
Expand simple moments into rich experiences (e.g. “I woke up late” → “ten alarms, internal battle, seductive bed”).
Ask yourself: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
Let the audience feel the scene — unpack your character’s thoughts and emotions.
Use invitations like “Picture this…” or “Put yourself in my shoes…” to pull your audience in.

Introduce a meaningful struggle or conflict

Avoid overly smooth, linear stories — tension creates engagement.
Introduce a specific challenge that your character must overcome.
Show the emotional stakes and internal dilemmas, not just the external problem.
Build empathy by humanizing the struggle (so your audience feels it).

Resolve with impact and message clarity

After the climax, bring your audience back down with resolution.
Tie the struggle to a clear takeaway, insight, or moral.
Don’t leave the story hanging — connect the journey to your speech’s core message.
Make sure the audience understands why the story was told.

More Follow-Up Queries – for all your public speaking, presentation skills, interview skills FAQs (For Kids) – Answered!

More Follow-Up Queries – for all your public speaking, presentation skills, interview skills FAQs (For Kids) – Answered!

Queries about Public Speaking For Kids To Overcome Stage Fright & Build Confidence:

Queries about DSA Interview Tips For Kids:

Queries about Speech & Drama vs. Public Speaking For Kids:

Queries about Good Quality Public Speaking Courses For Kids:

Queries about Public Speaking Courses For Kids That Allow Trying Out First:

How much does a public speaking course for teens & kids in Singapore costs?

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