It is no secret that communication is key in every aspect of life. Anyone who has ever been tongue-tied in front of an audience knows the importance of being able to speak well. Whether it is expressing desires to a loved one or relaying information at work, the ability to communicate effectively can make all the difference.
It is never too early to start teaching your child how to speak confidently. While some parents might think that eloquence and confidence are traits that cannot be taught, there are actually many ways that parents can encourage these in their children. Yes, even a preschooler or kindergartener can be taught through a range of fun activities!
Eloquence and confidence are skills that can be learned, and the earlier you start, the better. So, how do you teach your little one to speak confidently? Here are five tips to help you raise an eloquent child.
1. Encourage him to express himself
Encourage your child to express himself freely from a young age. This means creating an environment where he feels safe to speak his mind, without fear of judgement or criticism.
For example, parents can listen attentively and validate their child’s feelings when he shares his thoughts. Don’t interrupt or talk over him and let him finish what he has to say. Another way to encourage self-expression is to provide opportunities for creative expression, through art, music, or dance. All these methods will help him to feel comfortable using his voice and will give him the confidence to speak up when he has something to say.
2. Develop a strong vocabulary
Learning how to express himself becomes easy if your child has a strong and rich vocabulary. Reading aloud together is a great way to expose your child to new words. As he encounters new words, he learns new ways to think about and describe the world around him. You can also encourage your child to keep a journal, where he can practise using new words in context. By taking some time to build your child’s vocabulary, you can help him develop the important skill of self-expression.
3. Teach him the correct body language
If your child is having trouble speaking confidently, teaching him the correct body language is a good place to start. Slouching and avoiding eye contact can make one seem nervous or uninterested, while standing up straight and making eye contact shows that one is engaged and ready to communicate. It also helps to project a more confident and professional image.
Have him stand up straight with his shoulders back and explain that he should look people in the eye when he is talking to them. Parents can also role-play different situations, such as meeting someone new or giving a presentation, to help him practise.
4. Encourage him to practise in front of an audience
Exposing your child to different audiences so that he can get used to speaking in front of people is another method to develop eloquence and confidence. Give him opportunities to speak in public, which could be anything from talking to his grandparents on the phone to giving a presentation in front of his classmates. The more practice he has, the more confident he will feel when speaking in front of others.
5. Choose a holistic preschool and kindergarten education
At MindChamps Preschool, we believe in providing a holistic education that goes beyond simply preparing our students for academic success. That’s why our unique 3-Mind curriculum is designed to provide fun and stimulating activities like sensory play that promote learning in all areas. Our preschool and kindergarten students are given ample opportunities to explore their creativity and learn different types of soft skills such as cooperation and teamwork.
Contact us to find out more or book a visit to your preferred MindChamps preschool centre to catch our preschool and kindergarten students in action!