Presentation ideas for public speaking practice, via Zoom

[Sarah0000]

Since we're SIP and no longer doing co-ops and stuff I decided to have my kids practice public speaking with their charter school supervising teacher during their monthly Zoom meetings. Kids are almost 9 and almost 6. So far they've done oral book reports and poetry recitation. This month we're working on poster board presentations about fundamental human needs. 

Other ideas:

How-to presentation but on what? When I was in school we did how to make a sandwich but that seemed silly to me at the time. My five year old loves to draw so maybe a how to draw one of his favorite characters.

Music. They mostly play piano right now and could do a little history presentation about their chosen piece. Or possibly a biographical presentation about the composer. Then perform the piece.

Other ideas that could easily be done via Zoom? The main goals are to think about the audience and their needs, basic public speaking skills like talking loud and slow enough, and just getting acclimated to performing in front of an audience. I care more about the process than the topics.

[Lori D.]

Sounds like you're just looking for some ideas of different types of presentations? Here's a big list of ideas I pulled together years ago when I led a homeschool co-op public speaking class:

Dramatic Recitation Ideas:
Here, the focus is on the performance.
- memorization
- read a poetry or book passage with emotion or with "character voices"
- a dramatic performance (memorized or from a script)
- recite or read a famous speech
- present a humorous anecdote (a "shaggy dog" story)
- retell a familiar story (perhaps from the villian's point of view!)

Expository: Process or "How To" Presentation ideas:
For a "how to", you would focus on prep of having a complete list of steps and all the details; you would start with a topic sentence ("I will show you how to do/make ____", and then list all of the ingredients, items, or tools or equipment needed to do/make that process.

1. Demonstrate a special skill you have:
- martial arts
- braiding hair
- juggling
- cheerleading
- woodcarving
- magic tricks
- calligraphy
- musical instrument
- jump roping
- yo-yo tricks

2. Instructional demonstration; show and explain a process:
- fold a flag
- do a proper table setting
- tie a tie
- play an instrument
- use a fishing rod
- cut out a paper snowflake
- fix a flat tire on a bike
- pack a backpack for camping
- clean your golf clubs, soccer shoes, or other unusual item
- solve a specific type of puzzle
- origami
- make a map
- sculpt with clay
- give first aid for a specific injury
- how to eat an unusual food
- how to make a salad, mix up a batch of cookies, etc.
- science experiment demonstration
- how to painting or do another art/craft
- groom a pet

Expository: Report with Visual Aids ideas:
- book review
- school subject report (from science, history, art, music, etc.)
- biography report of a famous person
- geography (continent, country, city, river, mountain, etc.)
- report on a culture / customs
- "newscast" of current events

Persuasive: Persuasive Speech ideas:
- plea or request of others to support a particular event, cause, or position
- presentation in support of a mission or charity
- political campaign speech
- argue for or against a law or potential law
- agree or disagree with a political opinion
- create an extended advertisement (consider creating a product!)
- write and read a "letter to the editor"

Narrative: Personal Narrative or Testimony ideas:
- "story" of a personal adventure
- a vacation or camping trip
- narrate a humorous event
- share a personal hobby or interest and why it is important to you
- talk about a person who is special to you and why
- narrative of a sporting event you were a part of
- life-changing experience
- spiritual testimony

[Sarah0000]

7 hours ago, Lori D. said:

Sounds like you're just looking for some ideas of different types of presentations? Here's a big list of ideas I pulled together years ago when I led a homeschool co-op public speaking class:

Dramatic Recitation Ideas:
Here, the focus is on the performance.
- memorization
- read a poetry or book passage with emotion or with "character voices"
- a dramatic performance (memorized or from a script)
- recite or read a famous speech
- present a humorous anecdote (a "shaggy dog" story)
- retell a familiar story (perhaps from the villian's point of view!)

Expository: Process or "How To" Presentation ideas:
For a "how to", you would focus on prep of having a complete list of steps and all the details; you would start with a topic sentence ("I will show you how to do/make ____", and then list all of the ingredients, items, or tools or equipment needed to do/make that process.

1. Demonstrate a special skill you have:
- martial arts
- braiding hair
- juggling
- cheerleading
- woodcarving
- magic tricks
- calligraphy
- musical instrument
- jump roping
- yo-yo tricks

2. Instructional demonstration; show and explain a process:
- fold a flag
- do a proper table setting
- tie a tie
- play an instrument
- use a fishing rod
- cut out a paper snowflake
- fix a flat tire on a bike
- pack a backpack for camping
- clean your golf clubs, soccer shoes, or other unusual item
- solve a specific type of puzzle
- origami
- make a map
- sculpt with clay
- give first aid for a specific injury
- how to eat an unusual food
- how to make a salad, mix up a batch of cookies, etc.
- science experiment demonstration
- how to painting or do another art/craft
- groom a pet

Expository: Report with Visual Aids ideas:
- book review
- school subject report (from science, history, art, music, etc.)
- biography report of a famous person
- geography (continent, country, city, river, mountain, etc.)
- report on a culture / customs
- "newscast" of current events

Persuasive: Persuasive Speech ideas:
- plea or request of others to support a particular event, cause, or position
- presentation in support of a mission or charity
- political campaign speech
- argue for or against a law or potential law
- agree or disagree with a political opinion
- create an extended advertisement (consider creating a product!)
- write and read a "letter to the editor"

Narrative: Personal Narrative or Testimony ideas:
- "story" of a personal adventure
- a vacation or camping trip
- narrate a humorous event
- share a personal hobby or interest and why it is important to you
- talk about a person who is special to you and why
- narrative of a sporting event you were a part of
- life-changing experience
- spiritual testimony

Yes that's exactly what I am looking for. Thank you.