Why should teenagers learn how to speak in public?

Dear waterslicer-ga;

Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to answer your interesting
question. In my opinion, outside of education that pertains
specifically to some type of vocation, there is only few subjects that
prove as useful as public speaking.

Public speaking is not only a subject of study but it is also a real
world skill. Even though a student may never find a use for geometry,
trigonometry or ancient history, throughout his life a student will
reflect on what he learned in the area of public speaking. Public
speaking is not just the ability to compose a speech and deliver it on
demand; rather it is a deeper skill that involves the mastering of
poise, confidence, mannerism and self-presentation. Each time one
meets a stranger or addresses a group the confidence and self-esteem
learned in public speaking classes will be exuded.

A successful public speaker is adept at convincingly selling himself
and his message to his audience, whether that person is a clerk in the
store, a person on the street or a corporate seminar with thousands of
people in attendance. He is an expert not only in dialogue but also in
conversation and debate. By learning the skills of many great orators
before him a speaker learns strategies to deliver his information in
such a way that even people who might be opposed to his message are
interested in hearing his side of the story.

The social benefits of public speaking are almost limitless. One
learns the ability to analyze (and respect) all sides of an issue. In
some instances a speaker who can address an audience concisely,
clearly and confidently can even win the approval of those who would
not otherwise have given him a second glance. By communicating
effectively a great speaker is seen as a leader, a teacher or a mentor
by simply ?talking? to others ? at the podium or on the street.

A public speaker learns about diversity. He becomes an expert in the
often misunderstood cultural differences that drive people to think
and act they way they do. He learns to blend, to sympathize and to
socialize with many diverse groups and in doing so he gains
acceptance, respect and appreciation. This in turn can result in
increased attention to his message and regard for what he has to say.

A good public speaker learns to listen. By listening he can critically
evaluate an issue and formulate an intelligent opinion and approach to
most any topic. In forming his opinion be becomes introspective and
can look more deeply into his own values and strengths than someone
who does no possess such a skill. He is capable of organizing what
many might call ?mental chaos? into useful, resourceful and practical
information.

How many people do you know (regardless of age) who will readily take
the stage when called upon? A teen that is well educated in public
speaking early in life will learn the importance of his
responsibilities. Upon realizing that his talent in this area is
somewhat unique even among people much older than himself, he develops
a ?drive? to speak ? a drive to represent an issue or to be the
mouthpiece for those who ?need to know? and are frequently searching
for a teacher among them to speak ?to? them or an advocate to speak
?for? them where they cannot speak for themselves.

If nothing else a young public speaker learns to improvise. Few things
in life ever go as planned and so it is with public speaking. A
speaker learns to ?handle? situations with finesse, tact and subtlety.
He develops the ability to adapt to the unknown and manage
intimidation both on and off the stage. In life and in his profession
the ability to adapt to unsure circumstances will allow him to
confidently and cleverly maneuver through crises with unparalleled
proficiency and competence. He may also learn the ability to
occasionally laugh at himself ? the lack of which has been the
downfall of many.

In short, one who has the expertise of a public speaker is fearless,
self-reliant, meticulous, and graceful under fire. He has an ingenuity
for resolving tasks that is no less profound than an artist
contemplating an empty canvas.

Finally, because good talent is relatively rare, public speaking is a
highly sought-after skill. The market is wide for a public speaker
that is well educated in the intricate art of presentation. The
ability to speak convincingly and confidently opens many doors for a
young person who is looking for a career and can not only provide well
for him and his family but can also, in some cases, lead to
substantial professional advancement.

I hope you find that my research exceeds your expectations. If you
have any questions about my research please post a clarification
request prior to rating the answer. Otherwise, I welcome your rating
and your final comments and I look forward to working with you again
in the near future. Thank you for bringing your question to us.

Best regards;
Tutuzdad ? Google Answers Researcher


OTHER INFORMATION SOURCES

BENEFITS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
http://webhome.idirect.com/~kehamilt/spkben.html

POSITVE TEENS MAGAZINE
?HAVING OUR SAY?
http://www.positiveteensmag.com/ptonline/havingsay_01.htm


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SEARCH TERMS USED:

Public speaking

Positive

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Teens

Teenagers

School

Education

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Request for Answer Clarification by waterslicer-ga on 29 Oct 2005 16:19 PDT

Interesting perspective. I will rate you highly and accept your anwer.
I basically had to come up with an answer literally overnight, and did
come up with another perspective, which I will post here later today.
I don't need any other people to respond, but will wait to end the
session, in the interest of sharing various points of view.

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Clarification of Answer by tutuzdad-ga on 29 Oct 2005 18:38 PDT

Once an answer has officially been posted (i.e. mine) the session is
effectively ended and no more "offical" answers will be offered from
other researchers. However, even though the session has ended (and
rated, if you choose to so so) researchers and commenters will
continue to be able to post additional comments and opinions for weeks
or even months to come. Many of the "regulars" typically do and some
customers find those additional offerings quite valuable.

I am delighted that you approve of my view and appreciate it precisely
for what it is - my perspective. It's refreshing.

Regards;
tutuzdad-ga

tutuzdad has an eloquent, organized style of writing. He makes his
point, then supports it well. He obviously put a lot of thought into
his answer and since it is a subjective issue, I really appreciate
that.

Because they will NEVER regret having done so...

The chicks. It's all about the chicks. Ernest Borgnine is a great
public speaker and he has scads of babes dripping off him.

Because speaking in private never accomplished anything.

I spoke to a teen audience.

WHY should you learn to speak in public? 

I've raised two young men whom I'm very proud of. But because of that
I'm very concerned bout teenagers. In today?s fast-paced, high-energy,
technologically advanced world, young adults are bombarded with
conflicting opinions each and every day. These messages, which come to
you via television, movies, radio, newspapers, magazines and the
Internet, influence your lives and force you to examine your own
positions on a host of issues.

Whether you?re talking at the lunch table with your closest friends,
debating current events and issues in a social studies class or
sharing your viewpoints with your family at dinner, teens like to
express and vocalize their opinions ? and for good reason.

Your need to make your voice heard by expressing your opinions reveals
to those around you who you are as individuals. If you did not have
personal beliefs, but rather relied completely on other people to
dictate your opinions, you would not know what to stand for and would
no longer be a unique, individual person.

Instead, through knowledge and reasoning, teens are able to form your
own beliefs and express your own viewpoints, regardless of what
society today tells you is correct or acceptable.

Using religious beliefs as an example, many times the standards of
society are presented in conflict with the standards of your faith,
making it a difficult, constant struggle for youth wishing to live
their faith in the world.

Since it is almost impossible for young adults living in today?s world
to avoid being confronted by these messages, it is critical for
everyone to be willing to speak up for their personal beliefs.

How do teens speak up for their beliefs regarding controversial topics
such as abortion, the death penalty, same-sex marriage and stem-cell
research?

Other examples of issues it might be important for you to speak about
are the environment, politics, human rights, etc.

Later in life, your ability to clearly communicate will greatly
enhance your effectiveness in your career.  You'll go far in whatever
field you choose, because people will be impressed by your confidence.
They'll listen to you.

People from all backgrounds can learn to speak effectively, conduct
meetings, lead, delegate and motivate. The difference in your income
will depend greatly on how much of an effort you're willing to make.
The secret is that all it takes is that first step - there are
hundreds of people out there willing to help you.

Speech and debate classes at school, and programs such as Toastmasters
provide you with clear and proven techniques to express your own
viewpoint, whether it be in a small group, on television, radio, or in
front of hundreds of people.