How To Improve Public Speaking Skills For Students With Fun Activities

Public speaking is one of the most important life skills a student can learn—but let’s face it, it’s also one of the scariest. The good news? It doesn’t have to be. With the right mindset and some creative classroom activities, students can develop confidence and communication skills in a way that’s enjoyable, engaging, and even fun.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to make public speaking feel less like a test and more like a game.

Why Fun Matters in Public Speaking

Students learn best when they’re relaxed, involved, and having a good time. Turning public speaking into a fun, low-stakes activity helps:

• Reduce anxiety

• Encourage participation

• Build confidence over time

• Make learning feel like play instead of pressure

The key is to create a safe, supportive environment where students aren’t afraid to speak—and maybe even look forward to it.

1. “Show and Tell Reimagined”

How it works:
Each student brings in an object from home and gives a short talk about it. The twist? They have to explain it using three random words provided by the class.

Why it works:
Combines familiarity with creativity and helps students think on their feet while keeping things light-hearted.

2. “One-Minute Talk Challenge”

How it works:
Give students a random topic (e.g., “why cats should be in charge of schools”) and one minute to prepare. Then, they give a 60-second talk.

Why it works:
Improves spontaneity, timing, and the ability to structure thoughts quickly—plus, it usually leads to lots of laughs.

3. “Speech Charades”

How it works:
Students draw a scenario card (e.g., “You’re stuck on a roller coaster,” “You just met an alien”) and deliver a short, improvised speech acting as if they’re in that situation.

Why it works:
Builds performance skills, encourages creativity, and makes public speaking feel like theater.

4. “Around the World”

How it works:
Divide the class into pairs. Each pair is assigned a country and must give a two-minute travel speech convincing the class why that place should be their next vacation destination.

Why it works:
Encourages teamwork, research, persuasive skills, and cultural awareness—all in a fun, interactive way.

5. “The Voice Switch”

How it works:
Have students give a short speech, but every 20 seconds, call out a new “voice style”—whisper, excited, robotic, dramatic, etc. They must switch instantly.

Why it works:
Helps students explore tone, volume, and vocal variety—important tools for keeping audiences engaged.

6. “Movie Trailer Pitch”

How it works:
Students invent a movie idea and pitch it to the class like a trailer, complete with a dramatic voiceover and key scenes.

Why it works:
Combines storytelling, persuasion, and presentation skills—and lets students tap into their inner director or actor.

7. “Invention Time”

How it works:
Students invent a crazy product (like sunglasses that make you invisible) and give a mock sales pitch to the class, Shark Tank–style.

Why it works:
Teaches persuasive language, organization, and presentation flow—all wrapped up in creative fun.

Keep the Atmosphere Light and Supportive

Encourage students with:

• Fun awards (like “Most Surprising Argument” or “Best Voice Effect”)

• Group reflection on what went well

• Peer encouragement and constructive feedback

• A “no judgment” classroom policy—mistakes are just part of learning!

Final Thoughts

Fun activities help take the fear out of public speaking and replace it with excitement, engagement, and creativity. By practicing in a playful setting, students not only sharpen their skills—they begin to enjoy the spotlight. And once they do, they’re much more likely to keep stepping up to the mic.

Public speaking doesn’t have to be scary. With the right approach, it can become something students genuinely look forward to.