Public speaking can really change things for kids—it’s a way for them to share what’s on their mind, connect with people, and build real confidence. But let’s be honest, for a lot of them, getting up in front of a crowd is downright scary. Parents and teachers hear it all the time: ‘How do I get over being terrified to speak in public?’ or ‘What’s the trick to helping my kid not freak out about it?’ Here’s the thing—nobody pops out of the womb ready to give a TED Talk. It’s something you can help them grow into, little by little.
Over at Talent Club Australia, we’ve watched kids go from shaky knees to owning the room, all because they got the right mix of support, fun activities, and a chance to find their voice. It’s not just about getting past the fear—it’s about them actually starting to love it.
Let’s dive into practical ways to build that confidence, drawing from our experience with young learners in both our online and in-person SpeaksCraft programs. Whether your child is just starting out or already curious about sharing their voice, these ideas can make a real difference.
Start with a Safe, Fun Space
Kids need to feel comfortable before they can tackle something as daunting as public speaking. A big part of how to conquer fear of public speaking lies in creating an environment where they don’t feel judged. In our Junior Learners classes for the little ones—Kindy through Year 2—we keep it fun and easygoing. Stuff like Show and Tell is a big hit: kids grab something they’re into, maybe a favorite toy, a book they love, or even some goofy sock, and they just talk about why it’s special to them. It’s a laid-back way to get them comfy with speaking up in front of the group, no stress about nailing a fancy speech or anything.
For example, when a shy five-year-old stands up to tell the group why their stuffed dinosaur is their best friend, they’re not just practicing words—they’re learning that their voice has value. Over time, this builds a foundation where how to eliminate fear of public speaking becomes less about erasing nerves and more about feeling at ease with sharing.
Break It Down into Small Steps
The idea of giving a speech in fear of public speaking might sound intimidating to a child, but it doesn’t have to be one big leap. Break it into bite-sized pieces. In our SpeaksCraft program, we use a consistent class structure: warm-up activities, speaking prompts, and peer presentations. Each week focuses on a different genre—like storytelling or explaining an opinion—so kids can practice one skill at a time
Take our “Tell Me Why” activity. We give young students a simple topic, like “Cats are better than dogs!” and ask them to explain their thoughts. They don’t need to write an essay or memorize lines—just talk. This helps them figure out how to remove fear of public speaking by starting small and building up. One week they’re sharing a quick idea; by the end of the term, they’re ready for a class showcase where parents join to watch. Seeing their progress week by week shows them they can handle more than they thought.
Make It Personal and Relatable
One trick we’ve learned at Talent Club Australia is that kids speak more confidently when the topic feels close to home. In our online group classes, students can use prompts right in their own space—maybe pointing to their favorite book on the shelf or a drawing they made. This personal touch makes learning relatable, which is key to figuring out how to beat fear of public speaking. When a child talks about something they already know and love, the words come easier, and the nerves start to fade.
For instance, during Story Time Theater, kids might use a puppet or a comic character they’ve drawn to act out a mini-play. They’re not just reciting lines—they’re playing, which takes the edge off. By tying public speaking to things they enjoy, we help them see it as fun, not a chore.
Encourage Peer Support
There’s something powerful about kids cheering each other on. In both our in-person and online classes, peer presentations are a highlight. After a child speaks, their classmates share what they liked—maybe a funny line or a cool fact. This positive feedback helps answer how do you overcome the fear of public speaking? by showing kids that others value what they say. It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection.
We’ve noticed that even the quietest kids perk up when they hear a friend say, “I liked how you described your dog’s goofy bark!” That little boost can turn a nervous moment into a proud one. Over the 10-week term, as they get used to this support, their confidence grows naturally.
Practice in Real-Life Settings
Confidence doesn’t just grow in a classroom—it needs real-world moments to stick. Our online classes offer a unique advantage here. Learning from home means fewer distractions, letting kids focus on their voice. Plus, they can practice in a space they already feel safe in. This setup helps with how to conquer fear of public speaking because it bridges the gap between practice and everyday life.
For example, after mastering a prompt like “Why I love my favorite game,” a child might feel ready to share that same story with family at dinner. Or during our class showcase, when parents log in to watch, kids get a taste of speaking to a bigger audience without leaving their comfort zone. These moments prove to them that they can handle it—whether it’s a small group or a larger crowd.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Kids don’t need to be flawless speakers to feel good about themselves. In our SpeaksCraft program, we track progress with the SPEAKS Journal and End of Term Progress Reports. Parents and kids can see how far they’ve come—maybe they started out mumbling a few words and now they’re telling a full story with a smile. This focus on growth is a big part of how to eliminate fear of public speaking. When kids know it’s okay to stumble, they’re more willing to try.
Take our showcase weeks at the end of term. It’s not about delivering a polished TED Talk—it’s about showing what they’ve learned. One parent told us their son was so proud of his two-minute presentation on his pet fish that he kept talking about it for days. That’s the kind of win that sticks with a child.
Tailor It to Their Age and Needs
Every child is different, and so is their path to confidence. Our Junior Learners (Kindy to Year 2) focus on creative play, while Primary Learners (Year 3 to 5) dig into reasoning, and High School Learners (Year 6 to 10) tackle more structured speaking. By matching activities to their stage, we help kids find how to remove fear of public speaking in a way that fits them.
For younger kids, it’s all about imagination—puppets and silly voices. For older ones, it might be debating a fun topic like “Should homework be banned?” This tailored approach keeps them engaged and builds skills they can carry forward.
Lead by Example
Kids watch us more than we realize. If you’re wondering how to beat fear of public speaking for your child, try showing them it’s no big deal. Share a short story at home or practice a prompt together. In our classes, coaches join in warm-ups, laughing and stumbling alongside the kids. Seeing an adult take it lightly can make the whole thing feel less scary.
Why Talent Club Australia Works
At Talent Club Australia, we’ve built our SpeaksCraft program—both online and in-person—to tackle these challenges head-on. Our online classes, with their interactive setup, let kids learn from home while still connecting with peers. In July 2023, 100% of our online students who took the Australian Speech Communication Association Exams earned High Distinctions. That’s no fluke—it’s proof that this approach works. Whether it’s through Show and Tell or a class showcase, we’re here to help kids find their voice.
Ready to help your child grow? Check out our NSW or WA online classes, or join an in-person session near you. Let’s work together to turn how you overcome the fear of public speaking into “Look how far I’ve come!”
