TED Talks Test Student Public Speaking Skills

Power of Persuasion is a new course taught by English department chair Susheela Robinson. She said the course builds upon the department’s efforts to increase public speaking opportunities in St. Andrew’s English classes.

“About five years ago we began the Great Works project, which includes a speech competition, and now we have a year-long course devoted to discovering the power of language to persuade, inspire, and entertain,” she said.

Throughout the year, students have prepared and delivered a variety of oral presentations, including a traditional persuasive speech, spoken word poetry, and the concise, 20-second-per-slide Pecha Kucha presentation.

Until now, students have only presented to their classmates. Tonight, an audience of parents and community members will gather in the Student Center to hear each student give their own speech in the style of the popular TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Talk.

“The TED Talk style speech is born out of finding an area of interest or passion, which involves investment in their work and choice in a way that students need as learners,” said Robinson, referring to research into student choice as highlighted by The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning. “In addition, there is something authentic in writing and presenting for an audience other than just the teacher.”

Kate Cheong ‘18, who will speak about long-distance relationships from her perspective as an international student, said preparing the TED talk has dramatically helped her grow as a public speaker.

“This class gave me the hands-on opportunity to use what I've learned in class and put my knowledge to work through presentations,” she said. “I learned how to talk in a conversational way with my audience and how to talk at a certain pace.”

Maddie Mitchell ‘19 said preparing to speak in front of a large audience has been a unique learning experience.

“It has taught me how to appeal to and to be aware of who is the audience, the importance of having a conversation with the audience, and much more,” she said. “I am a much better public speaker from not only this class in general, but specifically the TED Talk.”

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight in the Student Center Dance Studio.

Click here to learn more about St. Andrew’s Episcopal School academics.