Public speaking is an essential life skill, yet around 75% of the global population has experienced some type of fear regarding it. Luckily, here at Fort Hamilton, two students have stepped up to create a safe environment for their peers to practice their public speaking skills in a fun and nonjudgmental space.
Club President Devin Wong, and Vice President Iris Tan, along with teacher and advisor, Ms. Gentile, team up every week to create an engaging lesson on public speaking fundamentals. Each week, the club starts with warm-ups and moves on to a creative activity to help its members boost their confidence while improving their skills.
“Most recently, we worked on a product pitch where members work in a group to create their own invention and present their product to the rest of the club,” explained Wong. “This allowed club members to be creative and practice talking in front of others.”
The club allows its members to explore areas they feel confident in and display their creativity and work to their peers. The club features different activities, ranging from poetry to tongue-twisters to product pitches with fun games in between. There is something for everyone at the Public Speaking Club.
“I look forward to every Wednesday at the club,” Tan beamed. “It is a pleasure to work with the members each time. Learning new skills to become a good public speaker, as well as teaching what I have already learned is such a vital thing to do.”
Tan and Wong find purpose in helping their peers find themselves through their speeches. Being former students of Ms. Gentile’s class has inspired them to further their journey while being a part of the learning and change of their classmates.
“Being the advisor of the Public Speaking Club has been a truly rewarding experience,” Ms. Gentile said. “Watching former students, Devin Wong and Iris Tan, take the helm and support their peers in creating mindfulness techniques, composing and sharing speeches, and building confidence is the highlight of my week.”
If you are looking for a welcoming environment where you can find your voice, the Public Speaking Club is where to go! The club meets every Wednesday during 11th period in room 226. If you are ready to make your voice heard, make your presence public at the Public Speaking Club!
