A way for middle schoolers looking to pursue a future in STEM to gain public speaking and communication skills which are vital to be successful in this day and age. That means being confident - talking loudly and clearly - and introducing kids to relevant topics of conversation.
The program, as can be seen here, teaches kids the basics of public speaking - such as how not to stutter - and then segues into them researching and developing speeches on STEM topics of interest to them. The last part of the program has students work together in order to give a formal presentation to a panel of judges. Throughout the class, students will get to hear from students and professionals in the STEM world, and learn about the importance of public speaking in the future workspace.
We use Google Meet and Google Docs for online collaboration.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to me at vij.diya at gmail.com
A survey of public works departments who hire engineers placed both “good listener” and “good communicator” in the top 10 needed skills for employment, ahead of both “technically proficient” and “organized”. Additionally, another survey found that 72 percent of practicing engineers indicated speaking skills (i.e., audience analysis, interpersonal communication, persuasion, teamwork) were important to their work. Students working towards a career in STEM often find themselves highly proficient when it comes to technical work, and yet communication skills are still integral to success in those fields. These skills, “soft skills”, are essential to have to proceed and be promoted in a career. The act of persuasion is THE most important skill to have in the modern workplace, and developing those characteristics while young will benefit students in high school, college, and beyond.