Why Competitive Speaking is a Game-Changer for Kids

Competitive speaking activities, like poetry, reading, and public speaking festivals, are often overlooked as valuable experiences for children. Yet, these events provide some of the most powerful tools for personal growth, skill development, and confidence-building. Here’s why your child should give it a try.

Preparing for a performance teaches children essential skills like time management, focus, and discipline. They learn how to break down a project into manageable steps—skills that extend far beyond the competition.

From projection and clarity to tone and expression, competitive speaking helps children harness the power of their voice. These skills are invaluable not only for public speaking but for everyday communication.

Many children (and adults) struggle with performance anxiety. Through guided preparation, warm-ups, and mindset exercises, they can learn to manage nerves and turn them into positive energy.

For non-native English speakers, these events are a fantastic opportunity to practice and internalise English intonation, pronunciation, and rhythm in an engaging and practical way.

Speaking to an audience teaches children to connect, communicate, and share their ideas. This positive experience can foster confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Competitions often involve feedback and sometimes disappointment, but these experiences build resilience and the determination to improve and try again.

Participating annually allows children to measure their progress. Each year, they gain more experience, and with it, a stronger sense of accomplishment.

Often, children discover unique strengths they didn’t know they had, whether it’s a flair for storytelling, dramatic expression, or connecting with an audience.

Competitive speaking isn’t just about winning; it’s about the journey. It helps children discover their potential, embrace challenges, and develop skills they’ll carry with them for life.

If you’d like to learn more about how I can help your child prepare for their next big speaking event, book a coaching session by clicking on my coaching page.

https://www.storylight.store/home/coaching.

Let’s help them shine!