Name(s) of student(s):

Age and grade level:

Goal from IEP connected to lesson:

Objective from IEP connected to lesson:

Purpose of lesson: To learn verbal and nonverbal communication skills that exude confidence.

Materials needed: Internet access

Introduction

“A leader benefits from developing proper communication skills. Leaders must inform others, make requests, handle conflicts, and pose questions. Can you provide personal examples of communicating effectively or ineffectively with others?”

Discussion: Commanding Verbal Communication

Teach the student to speak confidently, clearly, articulately, and with influence, in order to command the attention of the audience. Proper rehearsal of content (which may be relaying information or providing grounds for a request) heavily influences the confidence and clarity  conveyed.

The goal of speaking, no matter the audience size or message, is to avoid distracting from the topic.

Distractions include:

  • Appearing overly nervous/ lacking in confidence;
  • A confusing message;
  • Speaking too quickly, slowly, quietly, or loudly;
  • Sounding disingenuous or demanding.

Exercise: Will I Benefit From Public Speaking Skills?

Ask the students if they think they will deliver speeches in their career fields of interest: Will they speak publicly? Do they currently speak publicly?

Public speaking skills benefit more than those who deliver formal speeches. Public speaking skills benefit anyone who has a message for others to receive. Ask the students how they may benefit from developing public speaking skills.

Students should explore the Internet for the public speaking and communication skills needed to succeed in their career fields of interest.

Discussion: Confident Non-verbal Communication

Have the student(s) brainstorm the types of non-verbal communication that effectively commands attention and displays confidence.

Ensure the following are addressed:

  • Eye contact
  • Lack of pacing the stage
  • Focusing on the audience instead of notes or Powerpoint slides
  • Standing upright with good posture
  • Feet firmly planted on ground instead of crossing legs
  • Lack of clasping hands or crossing arms
  • Standing in an open area instead of hiding behind a podium or desk
  • Engaging with the audience

Exercise: Share with the Group

Instruct each student to share his or her findings (how public speaking skills will be used within a career field of interest) with the group.

Exercise: Seeking Assistance

Each student should be given an opportunity to verbally request assistance from an individual outside the classroom. Examples include asking for help searching for items at a grocery store, assistance using machines at a laundromat, or seeking information at a home improvement store.

Review

“Today we learned to command attention by speaking confidently and clearly, as well as by using effective nonverbal communication.”

Progress notes, data collection, comments, and modifications: