Be Kind
Your words should build someone up, not tear them down. Focus on encouragement.
Learn to give and receive constructive, confidence-building criticism. Great speakers grow by helping each other get better!
Today we run through the full speaker’s vocal & physical warm-up routine from Sessions 1–5. You know the drill — let’s get your body and voice ready!
Reach for the ceiling on tip-toes, stretching as tall as you can. Then drop and hang like a ragdoll, arms dangling loose. Shake it out!
Put your hands on your ribs. Inhale for 4 counts (feel your ribs expand outward), hold for 4 counts, then exhale for 8 counts on a long “hisssss.” This deep rib-expansion breath powers your voice!
Start at your lowest comfortable pitch on an “ooo” sound and slide smoothly to your highest note and back down, like a fire truck. Wheeee-ooooo! This stretches the vocal cords and increases range.
Brrrrrrr! Blow raspberries to loosen up your lips and get the vibrations going. Then try humming while you do it.
Pick a simple sentence: “Public speaking is a superpower.”
The finale is next session! We’re building your full pre-speech ritual so you can warm up on your own before any speech, presentation, or performance.
Shorter speeches today — we’re sharpening your message in preparation for the Session 7 Finale!
Use everything you’ve learned:
Timer will beep at 15 seconds, 10 seconds, and 5 seconds remaining. An alarm sounds when time is up!
An evaluation is a thoughtful review of someone’s speech that helps them grow — not a grade, not a judgment, but a gift.
Your words should build someone up, not tear them down. Focus on encouragement.
Don’t just say “good job.” Say what was good and why it worked.
Give one concrete thing they can try next time to improve.
“A great evaluator doesn’t just tell you what went wrong — they help you see what’s possible.”
Wrap your suggestion between two compliments. This keeps the speaker feeling encouraged while still helping them grow.
“I loved how you started with that funny story — it grabbed everyone’s attention right away!”
“Next time, try slowing down during your main point so we can really let it sink in.”
“Overall, your confidence was amazing — I can tell you practiced and I can’t wait to hear your next speech!”
“That was boring.”
“You messed up a lot.”
“I didn’t like it.”
“Your ending was strong! Try making more eye contact during the middle part. You have a great speaking voice!”
Start your feedback by addressing the speaker directly. It makes it personal and shows you’re speaking to them.
When you listen to a speech, pay attention to these areas:
Two volunteers give a short 1-minute speech. After each speech, the audience practices giving feedback using the Feedback Sandwich.
“Think of something you did for the first time. How did it go? What did you learn?”
Giving feedback is a skill — but so is receiving it with grace.
Don’t interrupt. Let the evaluator finish their thought completely before responding.
Even if you disagree. Someone took the time to help you — that’s a gift worth appreciating.
It’s natural to want to explain, but try to just absorb the feedback first. Process it later.
Keep a feedback notebook. Write down one thing to work on from each evaluation you receive.
Practice receiving feedback right now! Turn to a partner, give them one compliment about their speaking, and the receiver must simply say: “Thank you!”
No “oh, it wasn’t that good” or “really?” — just a genuine thank you.“Feedback is not about being perfect. It’s about getting better — one speech at a time.”
Stand up tall. Feet shoulder-width apart. Hands on hips or fists raised above your head like a superhero. Hold for 30 seconds.
You are one session away from the finale. You’ve learned structure, vocal variety, body language, storytelling, and now evaluation. You are ready!
“Champions aren’t made in the spotlight. They’re made in practice — and by helping each other shine.”
Practice your finale speech (1–2 minutes) at home. After you practice, ask a family member to give you a Feedback Sandwich — one compliment, one suggestion, one encouragement. Write down what they say!
Session 7 is your moment to shine. You’ll deliver your best speech yet in front of the whole group. Bring your A-game!