THE ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
Using Churchill as an inspiration to develop confidence and speaking skills in young people.
The education departments at Chartwell, Imperial War Museum-Churchill War Rooms and Blenheim Palace are committed to increasing access to learning about the life, skills and times of Sir Winston Churchill. We strongly believe that we are in a unique position to inspire people to access important concepts such as leadership and communication skills which were integral to Churchill’s widely renowned success as a public speaker. With this in mind, we have devised a programme which we believe will be of great benefit to young people and which should fit well with Enrichment programmes in schools and colleges.
BACKGROUND The education departments at the three properties have recognised an increased interest from schools in helping their students improve their public speaking, presentation and interview skills. We have found schools to be enthusiastic about encouraging students to build confidence in public speaking while highlighting the importance of these skills in the wider world. We were collectively excited by the idea of using Churchill as inspiration for this project. Our work often touches on the resonating effect of Churchill’s spoken word and we were eager at the prospect of embarking on a project that promotes specific skills development. Churchill provides a perfect role model as he struggled with public speaking in his early career and only excelled following hard work and recognition of the importance of developing these skills. The project itself will run initially from January to April 2012. Talks and master classes will run both at the properties and at schools. The programme will conclude with a showcase element, held at one of the three properties, bringing together the skills, experiences and achievements of the students involved. All participating students will have an opportunity to apply for this. We intend to hold this event in July 2012, when exams are over. Invited members of the audience will include the media and members of the Churchill family. We think the timing and demands of the programme might best fit learners in the first year of their 6th form studies; however, we are very open to whatever participating schools suggest.
Intended outcomes and benefits for the students: Developing confidence in oral presentation skills in strategies for spoken delivery strategies for inspiring, motivating and persuading audiences written communication skills through practice in speech writing the wider key skills of working with others, improving performance and problem solving Achieving a significant and valuable contribution for their UCAS personal statement a significant and valuable experience to put onto a CV a unique visit to Churchill's home as well as the potential of a high profile visit to one of the properties for a showcase event, in front of a distinguished audience pride and increased self esteem through participating in a challenging enterprise
Intended outcomes and benefits for the schools: positive exposure to the media opportunities to visit the three key properties a valuable tool in developing a range of important skills in participants promoting Churchill’s skills and achievements to students
Future possibilities: If, as we believe, this pilot scheme is a success, we will aim to repeat the project, building on the profile and positive outcomes achieved. This may present opportunities in the future for transatlantic exchanges, bursaries and a larger scale competitive element.
HOW THE PROGRAMME WILL WORK The key people at Chartwell who will be working with you are Hannah McVey, Learning and Events Officer, and Ann West, a volunteer with the National Trust at Chartwell. One or both of us will be in attendance at all meetings, visits and events.
1. Each participating school will receive a visit before Christmas to explain and discuss further the aims and logistics; to answer any questions the schools may have; to take on board any suggestions the schools wish to make. 2. All the participating students will be brought to Chartwell for a day of workshops led by a facilitator or presenter. Four areas will be addressed and practical activities included. The four areas are: The art of speechwriting Building confidence in delivery Links to Churchill – his skills and importance as a speechwriter and maker Strategies for persuasive and motivating argument Chartwell staff will then return to the schools to set the challenge* and give advice on how to meet it. Schools should ensure their students have at least two further sessions to develop their speeches and presentation skills before the final visit from Hannah or Ann. This final visit to aid preparations for the final event – the Showcase - will be held after the Easter break. The Showcase will be held in July, after the exams period, where the speeches will be delivered and all achievements recognised.
The Challenge * There will be a choice of topics to be addressed at the final event. Students should work in groups writing the speeches – tasks will involve research into topics, deciding on stimulating content, use of appropriate language and suggested modes and strategies for delivery Speakers at the Showcasing will be asked to deliver a short speech which taps into a famous quotation or speech of Churchill’s. All contributors will have the opportunity to apply to participate in the Showcase event. Full recognition will be given at the Showcasing for all contributors – speechwriters and speechmakers through certificates, judges’ comments, and awards for specific and noteworthy achievements .
The Chartwell “Promise”: To keep in regular contact with a named colleague at the school by email or phone Where requested, to provide transport to Blenheim for the showcasing and, if, required, to Chartwell
To make adequate visits to ensure the participants are well-prepared To provide speakers/ facilitators/ presenters who will inspire the participants to develop and deliver stimulating and well-presented speeches
To arrange appropriate recognition of achievement Working with Blenheim Palace and the CWR, extend invitations to Interested parties and some key people, including members of the Churchill family, staff and students from participating schools and the media, to a showcase event to celebrate the achievements made by the students . It is anticipated that the Showcase will be held in front of a fairly large audience, with some distinguished guests. All the properties are impressive venues and will provide a fitting setting for the ambitious and hardworking students who will be representing their schools. All participating schools will have the opportunity to apply for this final event.
What will schools have to do? Explain the programme to students and parents – we suggest a letter home to parents should include a section giving permission for travel. Permission for photographs of participants which may be taken by the National Trust and the media would also be required; we will provide a template for schools to distribute. Identify between 8 – 15 students to participate in the programme Collate appropriate personal data of the participants for Chartwell - to include name, age, course and any issues to be aware of Identify best days/ times for our visits to your school. The visit to Chartwell will be after the February half term on a date to be confirmed, following discussion with the schools. Decide how best to manage the project within the school – eg will this be a one-off activity within an Enrichment programme or is there, or will there be, a debating or public speaking society? We are happy to advise or assist in the development of a programme within the school.
We look forward to working with you! Hannah McVey Ann West