English · Foundation

Active learning ideas

Mastering Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

Active learning works best here because students need to feel and adjust sound, pace, and movement in real time. Talking aloud while moving or watching a partner corrects habits more effectively than listening alone.

ACARA Content DescriptionsAC9E7LY02AC9E8LY02AC9E9LY02
15–30 minPairs → Whole Class4 activities

Activity 01

Hot Seat15 min · Pairs

Mirror Pairs: Vocal Projection Practice

Pair students to face mirrors or partners. One speaks a short sentence at normal volume, then repeats with louder projection while partner gives thumbs up or down. Switch roles after three tries, noting improvements in a simple checklist.

Explain how vocal techniques (e.g., volume, pace, tone) impact the effectiveness of a presentation?

Facilitation TipDuring Mirror Pairs, stand behind pairs to model volume scales with your own voice so students hear the difference between strain and clear projection.

What to look forAsk students to stand and say a short sentence (e.g., 'The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog') with three different intentions: 1. Loud and excited. 2. Quiet and sad. 3. Normal and clear. Observe their ability to vary volume and tone.

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Activity 02

Hot Seat20 min · Whole Class

Circle Share: Pacing and Articulation

Form a whole-class circle. Each child shares a favourite toy or animal, focusing on slow, clear words. Pass a talking stick to signal turns, with the group clapping for good pacing.

Analyze strategies for engaging an audience and maintaining their attention during a speech.

Facilitation TipIn Circle Share, whisper the first sentence to model pacing, then increase volume gradually to show how clarity stays constant across speeds.

What to look forAfter students present a short 'Show and Tell,' have them complete a simple checklist for their partner: Did they speak loud enough? Were their words clear? Did they look at the audience? Provide a space for one positive comment.

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Activity 03

Hot Seat30 min · Small Groups

Gesture Stations: Audience Engagement

Set up three stations with prompts like 'Describe your lunch'. Students rotate, practising gestures and eye contact with small groups acting as audience who respond with nods or questions. Record one video per group for self-review.

Construct and deliver a persuasive or informative presentation, incorporating effective public speaking techniques.

Facilitation TipAt Gesture Stations, demonstrate one gesture at a time and ask students to copy it exactly before moving to the next to build confidence and precision.

What to look forStudents draw a picture of themselves giving a presentation. Below the picture, they write one word describing how they want their voice to sound (e.g., 'clear,' 'loud,' 'happy') and one way they will keep their audience listening (e.g., 'look at them,' 'smile').

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Activity 04

Hot Seat25 min · Pairs

Mini Speech Builder: Full Presentation

Individually plan a 30-second talk on 'My Weekend' using picture prompts. Practise in pairs for feedback on all skills, then deliver to small groups.

Explain how vocal techniques (e.g., volume, pace, tone) impact the effectiveness of a presentation?

What to look forAsk students to stand and say a short sentence (e.g., 'The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog') with three different intentions: 1. Loud and excited. 2. Quiet and sad. 3. Normal and clear. Observe their ability to vary volume and tone.

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Templates

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A few notes on teaching this unit

Teach one element at a time, starting with volume, then pacing, then engagement. Research shows that beginners focus better when the task is broken into small, observable steps. Avoid overwhelming students with too many instructions at once. Use peer feedback early so students learn to self-correct through observation rather than teacher redirection.

Successful learning looks like students speaking clearly at a steady pace with purposeful gestures and natural eye contact. Their voices should carry without shouting, and their words should be understood by listeners the first time.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

  • During Mirror Pairs, watch for students who raise their voices to a yell to be heard.

    Use a volume scale chart with six levels from whisper to loud but clear, and have partners point to the level they hear to guide adjustments without teacher intervention.

  • During Gesture Stations, watch for students who avoid eye contact because they believe looking at the floor shows respect.

    Set a rule that eye contact is required for one full breath before speaking, and have partners give a thumbs-up when they feel connected to build the habit.

  • During Circle Share, watch for students who rush because they think speed equals excitement.

    Provide a visual timer with a slow moving second hand and ask partners to repeat the sentence back exactly as spoken to reveal pacing issues.

Methods used in this brief

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Practicing Active Listening

Students will practice active listening skills, including making eye contact and showing engagement.

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Expressing Ideas Clearly

Students will practice expressing their ideas and needs clearly using simple sentences.

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Using Appropriate Volume and Tone

Students will learn to adjust their speaking volume and tone for different situations.

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Using Body Language in Communication

Students will explore how facial expressions and gestures enhance spoken communication.

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Asking and Answering Questions

Students will practice asking relevant questions and providing clear answers in conversations.

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