Building Confidence Through Public Speaking and Debate

The Importance of Public Speaking

Famously, Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.”

This month, as we approach the end of summer vacation, our focus is on public speaking, debate, and using tools to build confidence as our youth enhance their spoken communication. Public speaking is more than just talking in front of a crowd, it is about developing the confidence to express ideas clearly and the courage to share one’s voice and opinions. When introduced early, public speaking can help our children build strong foundational communication skills that in turn support learning in every subject and foster meaningful interactions with others.

Learning to speak with intention and purpose teaches children how to organize their thoughts, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully. These skills contribute to the child’s ability to express their thoughts in a clear and meaningful way. In today’s world of constant social media, children are growing up consuming quick, attention-grabbing video clips. As this becomes the norm for how they receive information, it is essential for parents to prioritize helping their children build strong communication skills and engage in meaningful conversations, skills that go beyond what they observe from these short videos.

Public speaking empowers children to recognize that their voice is powerful and that their perspective matters. With each opportunity to speak, they can build lasting confidence, the kind of confidence that helps them engage with the world around them in an ethical and responsible manner. 

The thought and preparation that goes into presentations and speeches encourages curiosity and critical thinking. Students are consistently learning from their surroundings, and it is vital that they gather reliable information, understand different viewpoints, and build a strong knowledge base they can draw from again and again when they speak on small or large scales.

Speaking is a Skill

An impactful public speaker does more than deliver facts or opinions, they effectively inform, inspire, and connect with their audience. Great speakers blend information with emotion, making their message not just clear but meaningful. Whether sharing a personal story, presenting research, or leading a group, the best communicators know how to engage both the mind and the heart. 

In today’s world, especially with the rise and dependency on Artificial Intelligence, human-centered skills like clear communication, leadership, and persuasion should be treated as essential and important foundational skills. According to the World Economic Forum the top skills needed for the workforce in 2025 include analytical thinking, leadership, curiosity and lifelong learning. These particular skills are often a result of a strong public speaker.

Information has become instantly accessible, and simply knowing facts then repeating or summarizing them, is no longer a unique skill. What truly sets individuals apart is the ability to think clearly, communicate their thoughts effectively, and articulate ideas with confidence. The power to persuade, collaborate, and lead will continue to be valuable, especially in a future shaped by rapid technological change. 

Debate as Related to Public Speaking

Debate is a powerful extension of public speaking. Debate not only strengthens how we express ourselves, but also has great influence over how we listen, think, and respond. In a debate, students learn to articulate their ideas clearly, while also practicing open-mindedness by considering and responding to opposing views.

One of the most valuable aspects of debate is learning to appreciate multiple perspectives. We belong to a community that values pluralism and diversity. This is especially true about diversity of thought and experience. When students are asked to defend a stance they may not personally agree with, they have the opportunity to build empathy, flexibility, and the ability to persuade from a potential place of discomfort. This process can help sharpen their reasoning and teaches them that thoughtful communication involves both speaking and listening. 

Not Just About the Louder Voice

The main goal of debate is to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and clarity and most importantly, it gives students the tools to speak with confidence and think with care.

In the society that we live in today, debate has worked its way into our daily news sources, on social media, and in academic settings. Our children are exposed to debates that walk a thin line of verging on argument, and an argument that does not show open mindedness nor empathy for the opposing party. It is absolutely necessary for our youth to fall back on critical thinking, when engaging in a debate. Having a loud voice can often be a scare tactic, rather than an impactful communication style. Debate should help to facilitate conversations, to encourage healthy discussions, and most importantly should be a balance between presenting and listening.