Kids Public Speaking Workshop on 21st December 2014

Our first ever public speaking workshop catered for kids was the brain child of Sengkang West Zone ‘D’ RC in collaboration with Anchorvale CC TMC.

Roger Yap and Alice Ow were the esteemed trainers for this unique workshop, where believe it or not, we had 16 fabulously enthusiastic kids coming on a Sunday morning to learn some skills.

Alice, the child care extraordinaire, kick started the morning with an enjoyable ice breaking session where each of the kids bravely introduced themselves at the front using an animal puppet. We had some hilarious and creative answers.

Alice, the Puppet Master

Then, Alice organized a game of charades with a Christmas Theme and the children were incredibly vibrant as they animatedly acted out the words. It was so entertaining to watch them perform, I couldn’t believe one hour passed by so fast. That’s how much fun we had!

Seeing Alice communicate to the kids was truly a privilege. She has a way with them, the love she showed was boundless.

Next up, was the skillful Roger who was training kids for the very first time! He conducted a fun session where he explained the importance of speaking in short sentences, voice control, and body gestures. Explaining such things to kids in a simple and fun way is no easy task. Roger did it like an experienced professional with a clear explanation at the beginning, and then getting the kids to participate and speak.

Roger showed different cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse and Doraemon, and asked the kids to speak using the voices of those characters. He asked simple questions and asked for short answers in reply, all the while encouraging them to have some useful movements.

Roger showing some actions

And finally, he trained the kids in the dreadfully frightening but oh so fun, Table Topics. He gave simple topics like, ‘My School, My Mother, My Best Friend,’ where the kids worked in their groups and prepared to speak about the topic, using all the skills they acquired during the workshop.

The teams in hyper mode

Even better, we gave an immediate evaluation to the participants. The parenting skills of Sathya and Riz were so delightfully shown here, as they praised the children on their efforts, and gently told them where they could improve. 

Sathya giving his evaluation

Giving evaluation to adults is easy peasy. Giving it to children, phew boy!!

The day ended with a McDonalds lunch from the RC, much to the delight of everyone.

To the parents who trusted in this workshop and brought their kids here, thank you so much! Alice and Roger were so utterly brilliant and joyful as they trained children in public speaking. Riz and I who were team leaders had a wonderful time mingling with them, and bringing out our inner child.

Sathya, the supremely dedicated President came straight from the airport after arriving from India to support this workshop. To the children who came, I am sure they will go very far. The level of enthusiasm and eagerness to learn was incredible. Big thanks to the Sengkang West Zone 'D' RC for organizing this. 

It was a marvelous Sunday morning indeed! 

Written By: Salma Begum

Another fun shot