7 Ways to Build Your Child’s Communication Skills
Public speaking is the number one fear reported by most adults. Helping your kids conquer this fear while young can benefit them for life. Here are seven effective ways to build strong communication skills in your children:
1
Let them talk to strangers
Encouraging your kids to talk to strangers in safe environments can greatly enhance their communication skills. Let them:
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Order their food at restaurants.
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Answer questions at the doctor's office.
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Ask the grocery clerk where to find something.
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Find the right phone number to call and inquire about something.
These interactions help them become comfortable speaking to people outside their immediate family and friends.
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2
Storytelling
Storytelling is a fantastic way to improve verbal communication. Have your kids retell a story they've read or a podcast they've listened to with a clear focus on the beginning, middle, and end. This exercise helps them organize their thoughts and convey them coherently.
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3
Would You Rather
"Would you rather" questions are a fun way to prompt creative thinking. Encourage your children to:
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Answer in full sentences.
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Provide clear reasoning for their choices.
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Explain why they didn't choose the other option.
This practice helps them articulate their thoughts and defend their choices logically.
Get a list of 52 fun Would You Rather questions here!
4
Turn written projects into verbal presentations
Converting written projects into verbal presentations can be a powerful tool. Have your kids:
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Present in front of a group if possible.
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Record their presentations and send them to family and friends for positive feedback.
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This exercise builds their confidence and helps them get used to public speaking even if it’s just in front of you.
5
Play Charades
Play a game of charades where the child has to describe an object, action, or animal without using the word itself. This age-old game does more than just pass the time, it enhances their descriptive language skills.
Or flip it around and have them ask you a series of questions to discover what object or person you are thinking of. This helps them practice asking clear, concise questions and problem-solving
6
Let Them Be a Pretend Youtuber
Talking in front of a camera can be paralyzing for some people, so overcome that before it ever becomes a fear! Let them pick something that they want to "teach" to other people and record it.
Instead of posting it online, send it to some friends or family so they can respond with positive comments and encouragement. Even if no one else ever sees the video, the simple act of having them talk to the camera instead of you builds a whole new set of communication skills and confidence.
7
Enroll in a Speech & Debate Club
Joining a speech and debate club offers numerous benefits. Students who participate in speech and debate:
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Develop strong communication skills.
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Build confidence, critical thinking, and collaboration abilities.
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Consistently score higher on ACTs and other standardized tests.​
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Encouraging your kids to join a speech and debate club can provide them with a supportive environment to hone their communication skills. Don’t have one that’s local? Check out MySpeechandDebateCoach.com for virtual classes and clubs.
By incorporating these seven strategies, you can help your kids develop strong communication skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
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