The ability to give an effective verbal presentation is an important skill that you can teach your students. To be able to give strong, organized oral presentations increases a person's chances of being regarded as knowledgeable, capable, and in command. This complete, developmental program prepares young people to become confident public speakers. It introduces techniques for writing and delivering interesting, animated speeches. General topics include making introductions, quick-pick speeches, writing a speech, and speaking techniques. Fashioned after Toastmasters, the program includes complete lesson plans, worksheets and information sheets, and evaluation forms. The culminating activity is a program that allows each participant to make an oral presentation. In each lesson, practical ideas introduce and reinforce the need for preparation and attention to detail. The series of lessons begins with fun, low-anxiety activities and ends with a presentation for parents. Once students become skillful and confident in public speaking, you will find many opportunities for them to use these skills. There are opportunities for oral presentations in all areas of the curriculum. Some activities that would reinforce public speaking skills are oral book reports, reader's theater, discussion groups, oral reports in content areas, poster talks, interviews, demonstrations or explanations of how to do something, brainstorming, debates, plays, teaching a lesson, dramatic or expressive reading, or role-playing. For more guidance on verbal presentation, see Public Speaking: A Student Guide to Writing and Delivering a Great Speech. Grades 4-8

Harness your hidden talents, empower communication at home and at work, and nurture your best self with this guided journal based on the #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon Quiet. Susan Cain’s Quiet permanently changed how we see the psychology of introverts and, equally important, how introverts see themselves. Now here is the companion journal for the textbook introvert, the natural extroverts, and everyone in between, with a self-assessment quiz and powerful prompts that take you on the Quiet journey to becoming a stronger, more confident person. In part one, you’ll learn more about yourself and your own mindset and temperament, make progress towards self-awareness, and realize your own authentic qualities and worth. Then, in part two, you’ll put that knowledge into practice with prompts for taking action to better empower yourself when communicating with family, friends, or colleagues. With a lay-flat cover, smooth writing paper, and a ribbon marker, Quiet Journal is a beautiful and accessible tool for reflection and exploration.