PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR KIDS
Building Confidence One Brave Word at a Time
Photo by Pixabay
☀️ WELCOME TO BRIGHT YOUNG SPEAKERS CLUB ☀️
Click here to subscribe to my newsletter
I never imagined I would one day teach children how to speak with confidence, or lead a public speaking club, and actually love it.
Hi, I am Ms. Stephanie, a public speaking coach for kids.
If you had known me as a child, you would be shocked I am doing this now. I was incredibly shy, the kind of child who couldn’t open her mouth to speak, even when she wanted to.
Let me tell you a story…
I Was the Quiet Kid Who Never Spoke Up
When I was about 13, I had an English oral exam. I was supposed to show that I could carry a conversation with a teacher. But I was so nervous, I couldn’t even focus on the instruction sheet. When my turn came, I completely blanked.
“Did you read the instructions?” the teacher asked, frustration written across her face and laced through her voice.
Another time, my school minibus driver — a kind woman who really liked me — went on vacation to Japan and came back with candies for all the kids, except me because she had one special gift for me: a beautiful, round, light green fan.
“Do you like it?” she asked.
I LOVED it, but I couldn’t get the words out. I froze again. She asked me a few times. No response. She thought I didn’t like it, took it back, and gave me candy instead. I was so disappointed in myself.
That moment stayed with me for decades.
Public Speaking Terrified Me, Even as an Adult
Even when I became a journalist and later a team leader, public speaking filled me with dread. I avoided calling team meetings. I would write scripts just to speak to my own team (crazy right?!). When asked to speak on our company’s TV channel, I would dodge it: “Oh, I’ve got a story deadline,” I would say.
I still remember freezing during a TV training session. The studio lights beamed down. My mind blanked. I was hyper-aware of every mistake, especially speaking in English, my second language.
A Life-Changing Decision
Then came a turning point. I decided to confront my fear head-on, so I joined Toastmasters, a global organization that helps people improve their public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment. That experience changed my life.
I gave my first speech alone in my office during COVID, on Zoom, with only my laptop as my audience. Still, I nearly passed out (Okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea.)
I was shaking. Lips trembling. Words stuttering. Heart racing. Palms sweating. Mind blanking. Full-on fight-or-flight.
Yet, something shifted.
I finished my speech. I collapsed into my chair, and I felt proud!
I kept showing up. A month later, I signed up for a humorous speech contest just to practice stepping way outside my comfort zone. I hit "send" on that email with my eyes closed. To my surprise, I won a few awards and I really enjoyed the process, too!
I kept going: entering contests, giving speeches to various organizations, leading wellness corporate workshops. Eventually, I launched Bright Young Speakers Club, teaching kids to do what I never thought I could: speak with confidence.
Most recently, I even became a president of my Toastmasters club, leading professionals to become better speakers, leaders and communicators.
Toastmasters gave me the tools, practice and courage to speak with confidence, communicate effectively, and step into leadership — whether in front of people, online, or from the heart.
Now, I bring what I’ve learned to kids in a safe, fun and empowering environment.
Why Public Speaking for Kids?
Because I know what it’s like to be too afraid to speak.
I also know the joy of finding your voice and trusting it.
What Kids Learn in Class and What We Teach Beyond Speaking
Practice real public speaking in a fun, supportive environment
Build self-trust, courage and confidence
Organize their thoughts and express them clearly
Share their ideas clearly and persuasively
Discover their unique voice and personality
Add humor, imagination and creativity to their speeches
Learn to speak with authenticity, not just polish
Communicate who they are, not who others expect them to be
Develop leadership skills
Stay calm under pressure
Practice real-world skills that build emotional intelligence, awareness, resilience, self-understanding and so much more. In today’s noisy world, those skills matter more than ever.
Whether your child is quiet and hesitant or expressive and bold, they’ll grow stronger through learning to speak with clarity, courage and purpose. I’d love to welcome them to one of my classes.
TESTIMONIALS
“My son has been learning public speaking from Stephanie for more than a year now. He used to be super shy and now a confident kid. He is scoring the best rank in his class. His teacher said he is extraordinary and all the credit goes to you, Stephanie. She is such an amazing teacher. My son knows how to present himself in a big crowd because of her. Thanks for the opportunity to let him speak in front of all kids and parents.” — Chanchala Singh, parent of a 13-year-old.
”I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Ms. Stephanie and see how her classes help shape young students. My son took classes from Ms. Stephanie for more than a year, and they were exactly what we were looking for. We did not want our son to start public speaking with the big shops; instead, we were looking to get him started with something more personalized, more individualized, and something that would not cause anxiety in my son, who is generally shy. Wow! The transformation has been huge, and I would like to add that Ms. Stephanie has played a huge role in that. From a shy, quiet kid, he is now unafraid to speak his mind. His confidence in his abilities has increased, and he is much more articulate when speaking impromptu. I would definitely recommend Ms. Stephanie, as she puts her heart into her teaching, and when one does that, it shows.” — Deepti Agarwal, parent of a 12-year-old.
📣 2025 IN-PERSON CLASSES – NOW ENROLLING!
Click here for new and upcoming classes and workshops.
☘️ Interested in current or upcoming programs?
☘️ Looking to form a custom class or inquire about private sessions?
☘️ Charter school inquiries are welcome!
LET’S CONNECT!
Have questions? Want to reserve a spot? Curious if this is right for your child?
👉 Join the interest list
👉 Book a class
Email me at: stephanie@emergetoilluminate.com or click here to contact me.
Let me help your child discover the power of their voice, just like I discovered mine.
☀️Let’s help your child shine — on stage and in life.☀️