This popular speech class is not a typical public speaking class. While students will learn how to calm their fears, organize their thoughts and connect with an audience, they will also read and study nearly 40 speeches of great orators, critically watch portions of a few speeches, and ‘read aloud’ sections of great speeches. Students will learn to use some commonly used speech techniques from great communicators such as Ronald Reagan, Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Patrick Henry, and Billy Graham as well as Martin Luther, Sojourner Truth, Ben Franklin, and many others. While students who compete in speech and debate will learn immensely from this class, it is even more beneficial for students who have never given a speech in public.
In this class, students will write and deliver three speeches: a self-introduction, an informative speech about a hero, and a persuasive speech. Students must have the ability to deliver their speech live in class or record themselves delivering their speeches in front of at least four individuals; the recordings will be posted for the teacher and class to view. The informative speech or the persuasive speech must be delivered in front of an audience in the student’s community; it is up to the students and parents to decide where the speech is delivered before the last week of class. Finally, students will work in small groups to complete a project focusing on one great communicator.
Please view prerequisites and required supplies below.
Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History (Updated and Expanded Edition) Hardcover – October 17, 2004 by William Safire; ISBN-13: 978-0393059311 (readily available on Amazon)
Jamie Anderson is passionate about helping homeschool students become better communicators. As a homeschool mom herself, Anderson combines several years of online homeschool teaching experience with a career in radio broadcasting and public relations to offer a unique experience to students at Excelsior Classes.
Since September 2012, Anderson has taught speech communications online, after a decade of working with homeschool students in-person; this follows a public relations career that included training adults across the country how to confidently communicate their message in front of an audience or with a news reporter.
Since 2013, Anderson has worked with homeschool students each school year to guide them in producing a monthly newspaper. Many of those students graduated, went on to college and used the skills they gained under her tutelage to work on a college newspaper, major in journalism or just use the team-building skills in their college and career endeavors.
 In September 2019 Anderson was invited back into the world of broadcasting to co-host an award-winning morning drive show on a Michigan adult contemporary radio station, but that job was cut short by the pandemic. Using those newly-honed radio production skills, she helped a friend produce a podcast production, voicing the Graceful Dawn devotionals.Â
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Anderson graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Mass Communication. After working at radio stations in Iowa and Minnesota, she moved to Colorado for twelve years, working in public relations for the National Cattlemen’s Association.Â
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Parent J. –
This was an excellent class. My daughter has high functioning Autism, and her handicap makes it difficult for her in some classes. This teacher worked very closely with students, and my daughter excelled in her class. She loved the class and learned a great deal about speaking. I would recommend it.
Student C. –
From a students perspective, Mrs Anderson is a phenomenal teacher. I have said this to her before, but she really helped me learn to sooth out of my stutter when speaking publicly. She is an amazing teacher, and if I could I would take her class all over again. Thank you, Mrs Anderson.
tomandlana –
My daughter was fearful of public speaking and presenting her ideas to her class before she took this class. Mrs.Anderson gave her specific feedback and tips that were unique to her needs. She was so encouraging and warm that she made my daughter feel comfortable and confident not just in public speaking, but also as a more confident person. I am very grateful for the tools she gave to my daughter because she kept growing and is now able to speak without being nervous. Each of my younger kids will be taking her class!
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Mrs. Anderson is an amazing teacher who creates a fun and encouraging learning environment for her students. I would highly recommend this class to students who are looking to gain confidence in their public speaking skills.
Parent G. –
Mrs. Anderson did an amazing job teaching this class! My two kids learned a great deal about public speaking and gained a new confidence. I know this experience will carry through for many years to come and help prepare them more adequately for their futures.
T.M. –
Great class and great teacher. I will continue to look for more classes that she teaches.
J.R. –
Everyone should take this class. My daughter took this several years ago. My son just finished. The textbook is so helpful and easy to work through, but in the most practical way possible. As an adult, I have actually gone to it myself to help me structure speeches. Homework is challenging to students and really helps them try their best as others will see and hear them (as well as evaluate them.) Speeches and speakers examined are truly inspiring. Mrs. Anderson has constructed a 100% impactful and beneficial course!
M.S. –
This class was so wonderful for my son! He developed confidence in public speaking and discovered that he really liked it and has a talent for it. This past year, he was able to use what he had learned from Speech class in speaking opportunities at our Homeschool Co op and at his youth group. He also learned a lot of great history about top notch speakers from the history. I feel like this class grew my son as a writer, a speaker and overall in his knowledge of the world we live in. He did this class in the fall and a Research Paper Writing class in the spring and I counted the 2 as his English 3 credit.
I am also so thankful for Mrs. Anderson and the personal interest that she takes in her students. She is truly a remarkable teacher and all 3 of my kids have learned so much in her classes. I highly recommend Mrs. Anderson and this Speech class!
dennitza –
Whether your child is intimidated by the task to speak in front of people, or he/she has “the natural” gift for public speaking, everyone would greatly benefit from this class. Both of my children took the class with Ms. Anderson. My daughter, who is very shy in front of a crowd, learned that she can overcome her anxiety by proper preparation and lots of practice. My son, on the other hand, who is perhaps overconfident when talking in public, learned to better structure his presentations. What is amazing is that both of them, who rarely agree on anything, loved Ms. Anderson’s teaching style. I am confident that your child will as well.
KSM07 –
I highly recommend this class with Jamie Anderson! My son was hesitant to take a class involving public speaking but Ms. Anderson has a way of encouraging students, putting them at ease, and accommodating any concerns. My son said he remembers she shared an encouraging Bible verse before students gave their speeches and he really appreciated that. She gave a lot of positive personal feedback and encouraged students to give positive feedback to each other, too. In the class, students learned about speeches from the past and my son gained a better understanding of history and an appreciation for speech writing, in addition to practical tips on how to be an interesting and effective speaker. Don’t miss this opportunity to take this class with Ms. Anderson. She is one of the best teachers my son has ever had!