As children enter middle school, they’ll be assigned more and more presentations, speeches, and oral reports. For a child with a fear of public speaking, these can present significant challenges. While fear of public speaking is not uncommon—73% of the population struggles with it—early efforts can be crucial in overcoming it. Below are three tips to help your child face this obstacle head-on.

How to Help Your Child Deal With Speaking in Public

1. Practice at Home

Frequent rehearsal at home will help a middle school student become comfortable with speaking in front of a crowd. Start small by asking the immediate family to sit in, then expand to other family members and trusted friends. Don't be overly critical; focus on praising what they did well. Also, have your child do some of the more routine, less intensive types of daily public speaking, like answering the phone or ordering at a restaurant.

2. Boost Confidence

Much of the fear surrounding public speaking comes from wavering confidence levels, whether you're an adult businessperson lecturing an auditorium or a middle school student giving a book report. Show your child how to set small, achievable goals to build their confidence. At each rehearsal, establish one objective; for instance, today, they're going to look up from their paper at least five times or concentrate on amplifying their voice. When these goals are met, praise them.

3. Focus on Message First

Any type of public speech has an overall message the speaker is trying to convey. Discuss the message of your child's speech with them before delving into the specifics of public-speaking technique. This gives them a bigger picture perspective about the speech. If they forget the words or lose their place during the presentation, it will be easier for them to regain composure and stay on topic.

If you're looking for a middle school where your child can build confidence in a supportive environment, enroll them in Hawaii Baptist Academy High School in Honolulu, HI. The private Christian K-12 school has provided a diverse experience of academics, the arts, and athletics since 1949. They also help students pursue higher education—100% of their students are accepted to college. Call (808) 595-7585 to schedule a tour, or learn more about their academic programs online.