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Public Speaking

Stand up and be heard!

Even in today's connected digital world, the ability to communicate ideas in front of a group remains a vital skill.

Speaking well in front of an audience is a challenge, and Chicago City Day School makes sure its students are prepared to meet it. Our students begin developing their public speaking skills in kindergarten, and they refine them throughout their time at the School. By the time they are ready to graduate, City Day students are confident communicators who are unafraid to take risks.

Public speaking is a focus at City Day because it gives students the confidence to develop new ideas. It requires students to think critically, to develop arguments based on logic, to change course when presented with new information. These skills serve our students well in high school, college, and the workplace.

When people visit City Day, the comment they make most often is that our students are confident and articulate. Our public speaking program is a key reason for that. 

 

 

Voice actor highlights City Day in book on public speaking

Lizzie Waterworth is an accomplished voice actor who has performed in a long list of popular animated shows for children. Ms. Waterworth, a believer in the importance of public speaking skills, wrote a book on the subject and highlighted City Day's program. Click the link to read about her ongoing partnership with us. 

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We thread public speaking throughout the City Day curriculum. Committed to the notion that the world will belong to the people who can express and defend their ideas, the School gives all children ample opportunities to speak in front of a group. 

  • Starting in kindergarten, our students present and answer questions about science fair projects in front of peers and parents. 
  • In first grade, students give four formal speeches during the year.
  • In eighth grade, our students speak at the Friends of the Chicago River’s Annual Student River Congress.
  • Every member of the graduating class delivers a speech during the commencement ceremony.
  • In addition to the above, participation in drama productions and musical performances throughout their years at City Day provides additional opportunities for students to perform in front of audiences.
A City Day eighth-grader speaks at the Friends of the Chicago River Student Congress
A City Day first-grader gives a speech about her favorite toy.
A City Day graduate delivers a speech at her commencement.
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A City Day student speaks during the annual Science Fair
City Day seventh-graders speak during science fair event
Two City Day students speak during the Science Fair
A City Day student gives a speech in front of his classmates

I love how City Day approaches public speaking, which is to approach it as a typical and expected part of life. These children grow up being comfortable in front of a group.  They don’t think twice about it. One of many truly amazing things about this amazing school.AmyCity Day Parent