What if the secret to better grades and classroom confidence isn’t hours of studying, but something you already use every day—your voice?
Public speaking might not be the very first thing to come to mind when you think about academic success, but it’s one of the most powerful tools a student can have at their disposal. From acing all your presentations to being able to take the lead for group projects, communicating effectively gives you a big edge in school.
And the best part of all this? Public speaking is a skill that anyone can learn and anyone can improve at. Today, we’ll be exploring how public speaking can transform your academic journey.
Benefit #1: Confidence
Public speaking can help you build your confidence. For many people, the act of speaking in front of a crowd can be nerve-wracking, but overcoming this fear through practice and exposure can help you better participate in your classes and form better relationships with your peers and teachers.
Here is a useful video from Connected Speech Pathology with some tips on boosting your public speaking confidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE3thKA3n78&t=316s
Benefit #2: Critical Thinking
One easily overlooked benefit of public speaking is its help with critical thinking. Crafting a speech will require you to learn how to organize your thoughts, structure your arguments, and think on your feet. All of these skills come handy in the classroom, whether it is for writing an essay or defending a point in a discussion. It can even manifest in STEM subjects like math when you have to problem-solve!
Here is a short article by Netish Sharma regarding the importance of critical thinking in public speaking: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/role-critical-thinking-public-speaking-netish-sharma-xtmbc/
Benefit #3: Leadership
Public speaking naturally leads students into leadership, because it requires you to take initiative. This can help you speak up in class discussions or take on important roles in extracurricular activities. In my own experience within a Gavel Club, I’ve seen that kids who grow in their public speaking skills are more likely to reach towards roles within club leadership at school. I’ve experienced it myself, too!
Here is a short yet informative article by Hisham Wyne about the link between public speaking and leadership: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/link-between-leadership-public-speaking-hisham-wyne/
The next time you need to speak up, remember this: your voice is your most powerful tool in school (and in college, and in your work, and beyond!). Start using it today, and watch how it will transform not just your grades, but your entire educational journey.
