How To Improve Public Speaking Skills For Students With Fun Activities

Public speaking is a valuable life skill that helps students express themselves clearly, build confidence, and connect with others. But let’s be honest—many students dread it. The fear of standing in front of a crowd can be overwhelming. That’s where fun activities come in. By creating a playful, supportive environment, students can practice speaking without pressure, build real confidence, and even learn to enjoy it.

This post shares engaging activities designed to make public speaking a fun part of classroom life.

Why Use Fun to Teach Speaking?

When students are having fun, they are:

• More likely to participate

• Less afraid of making mistakes

• More willing to take creative risks

• Learning without even realizing it

The key is to balance structured practice with low-pressure games and activities that make speaking feel natural.

1. “Speech Dice”

How it works:
Create a giant dice with topics written on each side (or use a number-based one and match to a list). Students roll the dice and speak about the topic for 1–2 minutes.

Examples:

• My favorite food

• A weird invention

• If I could fly...

Why it works:
Randomness keeps things fun and surprising, while still encouraging students to think on their feet.

2. “Pack for a Trip”

How it works:
Each student pretends they're packing for a trip to a specific destination (desert, outer space, jungle). They must explain three things they would pack and why.

Why it works:
It combines imagination with structure—perfect for organizing thoughts and practicing persuasive speaking.

3. “Roleplay Rounds”

How it works:
Students choose roles like "news reporter," "superhero," or "fashion designer" and speak from that perspective about a fun topic. You can even set up a themed stage area!

Why it works:
Takes the pressure off by allowing students to “hide” behind a character and play.

4. “Puzzle Speeches”

How it works:
Break students into teams and give each group a puzzle or LEGO structure to build. One student must explain the steps to their group verbally—without touching the puzzle.

Why it works:
Builds clarity, leadership, and teamwork—all core speaking skills.

5. “Memory Match Speech”

How it works:
Create cards with random objects and situations (e.g., "banana" + "job interview"). Students pick a pair and create a short speech combining both.

Example:
“Why a banana is the perfect co-worker.”

Why it works:
It’s silly, engaging, and boosts creativity and humor in speaking.

6. “Speech Karaoke”

How it works:
Give students famous speeches or song lyrics (kid-friendly, of course!) to perform dramatically, with their own twist. Let them change the tone, add gestures, or even act it out.

Why it works:
Helps them understand delivery, pacing, and how to own the stage.

7. “Classroom TED Talks”

How it works:
Let students choose a topic they’re passionate about—gaming, animals, art, food—and prepare a 3-minute talk. Add a fun backdrop or “TEDxClassroom” sign to make it official!

Why it works:
Students feel empowered when they talk about something they love. Great for polishing prepared speech skills.

8. “Praise Circle”

How it works:
Each student gives a short speech complimenting or acknowledging something positive about another classmate. Keep it kind and genuine.

Why it works:
Builds empathy, confidence, and the ability to speak positively in front of others.

Classroom Tips for Success

• Keep it light – laughter reduces nervousness

• Make participation the goal, not perfection

• Mix group and solo work for different comfort levels

• Offer positive feedback generously

• Celebrate courage—speaking up takes guts!

Final Words

Public speaking doesn’t need to be stiff, serious, or scary. With the right mix of creativity, playfulness, and practice, it can be one of the most empowering experiences for students. Fun activities remove fear, spark imagination, and help students discover that their voices matter.

When kids learn to speak up with confidence, they carry that skill for life—on stage, in class, and beyond.