Lose the Lectern

You probably remember the old Seinfeld quote about public speaking.

Yes, you know the one. The one about how public speaking is the No. 1 fear of most people while death was No. 2. This leads to the timeless saying:

“If you have to be at a funeral, you’d rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

As a speech teacher, yes, this makes me laugh because it’s true. But it doesn’t have to be! As a high school educator, it pains me to see students going up and giving speeches about concepts that truly interest them only go up, get behind a lectern and stare at an outline for five whole minutes.

I thought of the title of this blog because 1) it’s alliterative, 2) English teachers love alliteration, and 3) I want students to be confident, commanding, and aware of the world that awaits them when they leave our doors. Lose the lectern and show your audience that you are capable and can do difficult things beyond the doors of high school and beyond.

I intend for this blog to be created for teachers and students alike. Teachers might gather some tips and tricks that have worked for me in the classroom. Students will be able to hopefully put many of these strategies into motion and create some lasting habits that fuel their success. Blog topics might focus on the following:

• Reading and Writing topics (claims, evidence, analysis, finding voice, using imagery, etc.)
• Public Speaking topics (nonverbal communication, verbal citations, eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, posture, inflection, etc.)
• Professional skills (resumes, cover letters, applying for jobs, finances, etc.)
• And more!

To me, I hope this blog supplements your educational journey. I want to help our future students find out more about how they can connect with people around them. I want to showcase the strategies and tools that are available at their disposal to help them thrive in a world that’s changing every second.

So, lose the lectern and stand out in front of your audience! I guarantee you’ll find that it’s easier to do than you might think.