ASC A+ Program
Focus on G1-12 Education
SERVING BOSTON SINCE 1994
                 

Main Office 617-730-3705
Downtown  (617) 338-5288

Public Speaking Classes in Boston

say-goodbye-to-your-fear-of-public-speaking

It is well known that public speaking is the biggest fear for all people, not just students. It is also proven that strong public speaking skills are linked to overall confidence and academic success. Our public speaking classes offer many opportunities for students to develop and practice their presentation and speaking skills. We have seen even shy students transform into class leaders through our emphasis on public speaking techniques and presentations!

For elementary, middle, and high school students, our public speaking classes for students in Boston, MA, are a must! Our writing classes can also be combined with the public speaking workshops to help develop your child into a well-rounded scholar. We are proud to inspire a passion for learning in students across the greater Boston, MA, area, including:

  • Allston
  • Andover
  • Belmont
  • Boston
  • Braintree
  • Brighton
  • Brookline
  • Cambridge
  • Charlestown
    • Chestnut Hill
    • Dorchester
    • East Boston
    • Lexington
  • Malden
  • Newton
  • Newton Center
  • Newton Highlands
  • Newtonville
  • Quincy
  • Roxbury Crossing
  • Sharon
  • South Boston
  • West Newton
  • West Roxbury
  • Winchester

Help Your Child Embrace the Power of Their Voice

Our classes sharpen kids’ communication abilities to help them succeed in a world that demands confidence, articulation, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly. By building superior speaking skills, students will excel in school, defend their beliefs and values, and become leaders in their schools and communities.

Our public speaking workshop for elementary, middle school, and high school students will:

  • Teach students to quickly engage their audience and hold their interest
  • Write and present EYE-POPPING and CAPTIVATING speeches
  • Show students how to best use technology and visuals effectively in presentations — there is such a thing as too much!
  • Develop valuable social skills — eye contact, poise, articulation, and confidence
  • Train students how to present and support their arguments in debates

Public speaking improves research and organization abilities — crucial skills for high school and college success.

Saturday Program

Classes are held on Saturdays in four 8-week terms during the school year.
Starting Dates for Each Term (8 weeks)
Fall Session Sep Term  9/10 – 10/29
Nov Term  11/12 – 1/21
Spring Session Feb Term  2/4 – 3/25
Apr Term  4/8 – 5/27
Class times
Afternoon class 1 pm-4 pm
Tuition
For students in Grades 6 – 8

(Middle School)

 $1100 per 16-week session; book fee $100

$520 per 8-week term; book fee $50
For students in Grades 9 – 12

(High School)

 $1160 per 16-week session; book fee $100

$1120 per 8-week term; book fee $50

Locations:
1106 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA 02215
65 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111
Online

Download Application Form

Complete the application form and email it to us (aplusinfo@ascenglish.com) or mail to us. We will get in touch with you within one business day.

  • Application fee $30 for new students, and it will be waived when five students or more apply at once.
  • Book fee will be charged separately.
  • Students who register for four sessions at once will receive a materials fee waiver for one session.

Elementary Public Speaking Classes in Boston, MA

Your child could be asked to present a short speech in front of their class at an age as young as first grade. Will your young learner feel ready to conquer this nerve-wracking experience?

Even adults have trouble giving presentations to a group, so it wouldn’t be uncommon for your elementary schooler to have stage fright on the day of their presentation. You can help them be ready for small speeches in school by signing them up for a public speaking workshop for elementary students.

In our workshop, we will keep things light and engaging, so students can feel comfortable standing in front of their peers while speaking. Our certified instructors will cover the basics of public speaking and how body language, eye contact, voice modulation, and facial expressions can change the meaning of a student’s speech. At the end of the program, each student will have an opportunity to prepare and present a speech on a topic with which they are already familiar. Our public speaking workshop for elementary students is designed to be a solid foundation on which students can build in middle and high school.

Middle School Public Speaking Classes in Boston, MA

Students in middle school are beginning to discover where their true passions lie and are developing their unique personalities. It is in this discovery that they also learn what interests and engages others. Our public speaking workshop for middle school students builds upon this self-awareness and social engagement by teaching students how to capture and retain listeners’ attention with captivating openers, anecdotes, and facts. Over the course of the program, each middle school student will gain the confidence they need to deliver effective speeches that incorporate the issues they are passionate about while catering to the concerns of their peers to persuade them to believe one way or another.

High School Public Speaking Classes in Boston, MA

Practice makes perfect, which is why our public speaking classes for high schoolers are centered on actually presenting topics rather than simply learning about techniques students can use while delivering a speech. In this way, we will lessen your child’s speaker anxiety so that they can effectively present their ideas orally — whether they are in the classroom, at a job interview, or engaging with a college admissions counselor.

Our public speaking workshop for high school students teaches young scholars the fine art of persuasive speaking and debate. The focus will be on helping them present a topic with minimal or no notes so that they can be confident in their ability to communicate eloquently while also thinking critically on their feet. We will also instruct them on the proper way to research topics, outline speeches, and use presentation aids. At the end of each speech, they will receive instructor and peer feedback that they can use to design their next speech better.

Communities We Serve

By developing their public speaking skills, students will gain effective communication skills and leadership abilities they can use in school, college, and their community. You can help your child feel more comfortable and confident presenting ideas to their class by enrolling them in public speaking classes, which we offer to students in Boston, MA, and the surrounding areas, including Allston, Andover, Belmont, Boston, Braintree, Brighton, Brookline, Cambridge, Charlestown, Chestnut Hill, Dorchester, East Boston, Lexington, Malden, Newton, Newton Center, Newton Highlands, Newtonville, Quincy, Roxbury Crossing, Sharon, South Boston, West Newton, West Roxbury, and Winchester.

Register for Public Speaking Classes Today

At any point in their life, your child could be asked to present their ideas in front of a group. Fortunately, they can be prepared for any speech or presentation with public speaking training from A+ Program. Additionally, consider registering for one of our other premier enrichment courses for elementary, middle, and high school students:

Contact us to learn more about our public speaking classes for students! If you feel like your child could benefit from stronger communication skills, choose a term in the table below and enroll them in one of our Boston classes today.

Questions?  Call 617-730-3705, 617-451-8988 or e-mail info@aplusprogram.com

Ways for high school students to improve their public speaking abilities

Why Are Public Speaking Skills Important for High School Students?

High school students may wonder why they need strong public speaking skills, especially in a digital age when much communication happens online. However, the power of verbal communication cannot be overstated in today’s competitive college and university admissions process. Whether it’s delivering a persuasive speech in history class, participating in a debate club, or giving a presentation in science class, high school students frequently find themselves in situations that require effective public speaking. We have developed a public speaking for high school students that encapsulates the most important aspects of public speaking skills.

In fact, developing good speaking skills during high school can set the groundwork for later academic and professional success. Being a skilled communicator can distinguish students in college applications and interviews. High school is an important time to develop these valuable skills, as it provides numerous opportunities for practice in a supportive and educational environment.

Personal Development Through Public Speaking Classes in Boston

Beyond the tangible academic and career benefits, public speaking also plays a key role in personal development. Speaking in front of others can be a daunting task, but it is through facing this fear that students can build their self-confidence and resilience.

Public speaking also enhances critical thinking skills. When preparing a speech, students must organize their thoughts, form compelling arguments, and anticipate potential counter-arguments. This requires a degree of critical thinking and reasoning that can be applied to many areas of life.

Furthermore, public speaking encourages students to find and use their own unique voice. By crafting and delivering speeches, high school students learn how to express their ideas assertively and persuasively, thus honing their individual articulation and fostering a sense of self-assuredness.

Honing Public Speaking Skills For Higher Education

As students move onto higher education, public speaking becomes even more vital. Colleges and universities often require students to participate in seminars, deliver presentations, and defend their ideas in lectures and tutorials. Engaging in these activities confidently and effectively enables students to stand out in an academic setting.

Moreover, many advanced educational programs prioritize candidates who can articulate their ideas convincingly and coherently. For instance, students who wish to pursue law, business, or politics are expected to excel in public speaking. Thus, honing these skills in high school is a step towards paving a path in these fields.

Increasing Career Benefits of Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking skills also offer myriad career benefits. Almost every profession involves some degree of public speaking, be it presenting in front of a group, talking in meetings, or simply communicating effectively with colleagues. Being able to speak confidently and clearly can therefore significantly enhance professional prospects.

A strong speaker commands attention, can influence others, and is often viewed as a leader. These are traits that employers highly value. A history of public speaking can signal to potential employers that a candidate has strong communication skills, is confident, and can take leadership roles when required.

In many ways, public speaking abilities can function as a key that unlocks numerous opportunities, helping high school students to excel both academically and in their chosen careers.

Four Key Elements of Effective Public Speaking

Articulation and Clarity

Public speaking is an art that thrives on articulation and clarity. It’s essential for high school students to articulate their thoughts clearly for their message to be understood optimally. Clarity is crucial, whether they’re presenting an argument in a debate club or delivering a speech in a school assembly.

Students can enhance their articulation skills by continuously enriching their vocabulary and practicing sentence construction. They should work on speaking at a moderate pace, ensuring that every word and sentence is clearly understood. The use of simple, concise, and direct language is advocated over complex or ambiguous phrases.

The infusion of clarity into their speech requires that students have a deep understanding of their topic. A thoroughly researched speech will allow them to explain their arguments in a straightforward and understandable manner. Practicing the delivery of their speech will also help them identify areas of potential confusion and work towards simplifying them.

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication, including body language, facial expressions, and gestures, plays an instrumental role in public speaking. It often enhances and complements the spoken words, making the message more impactful.

High school students should be mindful of their body language, maintaining an open posture, and using natural movements. Eye contact with the audience adds a level of personal interaction and helps keep them engaged. Facial expressions should align with the tone of the speech— a passionate argument may require a stern face, while a humorous anecdote can be accompanied by a more relaxed expression.

Voice modulation and proper use of hands also come under nonverbal communication. Variations in tone, pitch, and volume can add dynamism to the speech, while hand gestures can help visualize and emphasize key points.

Active Engagement with Audience

One of the ways for high school students to improve their public speaking abilities involves actively engaging with their audience. A speech isn’t a one-way communication but an interactive session where the speaker and the audience are equally involved.

Students can make their speeches interactive by asking rhetorical questions, encouraging audience participation, or including interactive activities. They should be receptive to their audience’s reactions, adapting their speech delivery based on the feedback received throughout.

Remember, public speaking isn’t about the speaker alone; it’s about the message that the speaker is trying to convey. High school students who focus on engaging their audience effectively ensure that their message gets across, which is ultimately the goal of any public speaking endeavor.

Effective Use of Visual Aids

Finally, the effective use of visual aids can significantly enhance a speech’s impact. They can help simplify complex arguments, make the content more understandable, and keep the audience engaged.

High school students should strive to incorporate relevant visual aids in their presentations. These can include slides, charts, graphs, images, or even props. However, it’s important that these aids don’t distract from the speech— they should be used sparingly and complement the spoken content.

Visual aids can be particularly useful in academic settings where students often need to present data or research findings. By effectively using visual aids, students can make their presentations more persuasive, exciting, and memorable.

Public speaking is a valuable skill that can boost a high school student’s confidence and prepare them for future success. By focusing on articulation and clarity, nonverbal communication, active engagement with the audience, and effective use of visual aids, students can significantly improve their public speaking abilities.

Practical Tips to Improve Public Speaking For High School and Middle School Students

Navigating the world of public speaking can seem daunting for many middle and high school students. However, with the right tools and strategies, students can learn to articulate their thoughts effectively, build confidence and excel in any speaking situation. Under the umbrella of learning and mastering public speaking, there are four main areas to focus on- Research and Content Development, Presentation, and Rehearsal Techniques, Feedback and Improvement, and Consistent Practice and Exposure.

Research and Content Development in Topic and Sources

Research is foundational to developed public speaking. Understanding the topic thoroughly allows the speaker to exude confidence and answer potential questions from the audience.

  • Start by understanding what the audience already knows on the topic, their interests, and their attitude towards it. This will shape the content and tone of the speech.
  • Dive deep into looking for reliable sources to gather information. A fact-checked presentation boosts the speaker’s credibility.
  • To create an engaging presentation, try to include interesting and surprising facts associated with the topic. This helps in drawing the audience’s attention.
  • Lastly, be sure to structure the information logically. Set clear and concise points and use aids or documents to support. This makes the delivery smooth and easy to follow.

Presentation and Rehearsal Techniques For Better Results

Contrary to popular belief, public speaking is not a natural talent but something that can be learned and honed over time. It takes practice and repetition to master it.

  • Record yourself while practicing. This helps in identifying any weak points – are you speaking clearly, maintaining eye contact, and using appropriate hand gestures?
  • Rehearsal helps in building confidence. It exposes any pain points before the actual presentation. Encourage practicing in front of the mirror or a small audience.
  • Use tools like a timer to practice for your speech. This helps in making sure the presentation fits within the allotted time. Increase the effectiveness of the presentation by having a clear introduction, engaging body, and memorable conclusion.

Feedback and Improvement To Further Speaking Skills

Constructive feedback is the cornerstone of growth and improvement. Encourage students to actively seek feedback.

  • Have a mentor or fellow students observe their presentation and give constructive criticism on areas they can improve.
  • Encourage peer review sessions. This allows students to learn from each other.
  • Implement feedback immediately and practices until the improvements start to show.

Consistent Practice and Exposure

Experience builds confidence. The more a student exposes themselves to public speaking, the better they get at it.

  • Encourage students to try out for opportunities where they get to showcase their skills. For instance, working with student clubs provides real-world practice and boosts their confidence.
  • Exposing students to different types of audiences is beneficial, as each comes with a new learning and different experience.
  • Video conferencing platforms, like Zoom, offer opportunities to practice public speaking in the digital world.

By adopting these strategies, high school students can channel their nervous energy into mastering public speaking and set themselves on a path towards academic excellence. Whether it’s leading a group presentation, delivering a speech at a student assembly, or a debate competition, these skills will help students become effective communicators, confident leaders, and influential speakers.

How The A+ Program Can Help Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

Embarking on a journey to develop your public speaking skills can feel like an uphill battle, especially if English is your second language or you’re an English Language Learner. At our A+ Program, we understand this journey completely, and we work tirelessly to ensure that each student hones their speaking skills to perfection.

Our Public Speaking Program in Boston and Surrounding Areas

The first step to overcoming any challenge is understanding what it entails. Public Speaking is not just about talking; it’s an art, one that requires mentorship, practice and consistent feedback. This is where our public speaking program comes into play. We provide students with the right guidance, theoretical knowledge, and hands-on practice. Our curriculum is designed to enhance articulation, voice modulation, non-verbal communication and audience engagement, all key aspects in delivering impactful speeches.

Our public speaking program goes well beyond the confines of a traditional classroom. We ensure our students have access to a diverse array of resources, such as top-notch class materials, online support, and exposure to real-world public speaking scenarios. This enables students to learn the art of public speaking in a holistic manner and get ahead in their academic and professional journey.

Expert Guidance and Feedback For College Bound Students

Our expert faculty, with their wealth of experience and knowledge, guide students meticulously through each step of the public speaking journey. They provide individualized attention, tailor-made strategies, and constructive feedback to help students improve their skills. They understand the nervousness associated with public speaking and equip students with effective strategies to manage anxiety and enhance confidence.

Through our program, students learn how to organize their content effectively, add an element of humor and personality to their speech, and use audio-visual aids intelligently. More importantly, they learn how to connect with their audience, leaving a lasting impact. Under our guidance, students develop the ability to weave engaging and impactful speeches, equipped with confidence and poise.

Real-World Practice Opportunities In Public Speaking For Students

At the A+ Program, we firmly believe that practice makes perfect. Real-world practice opportunities form the core of our teaching methodology. We provide high school students with platforms to participate in debates, mock trials, and public speaking events at both local and national levels.

These opportunities allow students to put their learned skills into practice, engage with their peers, learn from them and eventually, improve their public speaking abilities. By constantly facing new audiences and crafting speeches on versatile topics, our students become comfortable with public speaking, ultimately gaining confidence and enhancing their skills.

Success Stories Speak Volumes 

Nothing speaks for our program better than our students’ success. We have numerous success stories of students who have excelled in public speech, won competitions, and emerged as confident, persuasive speakers. We take immense pride in our students’ transformation into effective communicators and leaders.

A+ Program is a doorway to your child’s success in public speaking. An investment in our program is an investment in your child’s future. We invite you to join us on this transformative journey to turn your child’s public speaking fear into their strongest asset.

We’re not just teaching public speaking; we’re preparing your child to excel in the real world. So get in touch with us today, and let’s embark on this journey together.

See What Makes Us Different

Join us for an Info Session or Sign Up for a Class

In essence, public speaking is a powerful tool that holds the potential to unlock numerous opportunities for students. This essential skill goes beyond the classroom, serving as a cornerstone for achieving college success, excelling in professional scenarios, and impacting personal growth. By focusing on articulation, non-verbal communication, active audience engagement, and effective use of visual aids, students can significantly enhance their public speaking abilities.

Moreover, overcoming the fear and anxiety associated with public speaking involves understanding personal triggers, managing fear through effective techniques, affirming oneself, and the power of visualization. It is paramount for students to realize that practice is crucial in this journey, and it’s perfectly acceptable to grow at one’s own pace.

Joining A+ Program’s public speaking classes can provide students with expert guidance, constructive feedback, and access to real-world practice opportunities. We are here, not just as an educational program, but as your partner towards personal growth and academic excellence. We provide the platform to transform the fear of public speaking into a cherished skill, encouraging every step of the way.

Contact us
Testimonials
Monica Depina and Erma Pinto (Parents of students from Middle ISEE class)
“The program has helped our daughters so much in preparing them for the Middle ISEE test. The teachers are attentive…
2018-09-24T14:43:10+00:00
“The program has helped our daughters so much in preparing them for the Middle ISEE test. The teachers are attentive and experienced in teaching test prep. Our kids have made major improvements on their tests. The material learned in class is also helping our kids at school! All the staff members are friendly and really View Full →
Tancrede R
“I love writing so much, and I don’t want to miss a class at A+!” Tancrede R., 4th Grade
2016-06-15T09:41:22+00:00
“I love writing so much, and I don’t want to miss a class at A+!” Tancrede R., 4th Grade
Mrs. Peng
“我們很驚喜地發現，Elan 已經被A+訓練成小作家了! 我們都非常詫異她可以用那麽生動的詞彙和清晰的結構去組織文章！” Mrs. Peng
2016-06-16T15:06:39+00:00
“我們很驚喜地發現，Elan 已經被A+訓練成小作家了! 我們都非常詫異她可以用那麽生動的詞彙和清晰的結構去組織文章！” Mrs. Peng
Tancrede Roy
“我好愛寫作，我不想錯過在A+的每一節課！” Tancrede Roy
2016-06-16T15:07:18+00:00
“我好愛寫作，我不想錯過在A+的每一節課！” Tancrede Roy
Jianping
“I am a parent of two high school students. Both of children come to A+ Summer Programs for many years.…
2017-04-05T14:59:10+00:00
“I am a parent of two high school students. Both of children come to A+ Summer Programs for many years. The reason they want to come back again and again is because the teachers here are very knowledgeable in their subject areas and also they know how to communicate with kids in a way so View Full →

65 Harrison Avenue
6th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
TEL: 617.338.5288

1106 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA 02215
TEL: 617.730.3705