Scouting leadership is not just small talk.

Scouting leadership is not just small talk.

By Greg Nash

As adult leaders in Scouting or even holding management positions in our working life, we find that from time to time we need to start articulating our messages to others, either to small or large groups and even at occasional public forums.

So if it’s just a small group of like-minded leaders or a larger gathering it makes sense then to have plenty of practice in public speaking. Scouting definitely provides plenty of speaking opportunities for its adult and youth members.

Many will agree that the ability to stand before an assembly of strangers to deliver a speech or to give a presentation can be a most confronting experience for adults let alone our younger members. As leaders, the great advantage scouting can give our youth is that when there is an opportunity for them to take that first step, they can be well supported by their peers and their leaders.

Let’s look at how scouting helps its youth members get used to speaking on their feet.

Provide two types of speaking opportunities for youth. They are:

Informal opportunities that don’t require preparation. E.g thanking a visiting leader or giving an impromptu report on recent activity.

Formal opportunities that require preparation. E.g speaking at a Group Annual Reports night, presenting their badge work.

Informal activities involve spontaneity and develop the ability to stand and deliver more than the more formal type of speech or presentation.

Regardless of the type of presentation here are five simple speaking tips:

Speak clearly: Clarity is critical. Encourage youth to speak slowly and pause rather than pace.

Say 3 things: Three is a critical number in speaking. Try to incorporate content under three headings. If thanking a speaker just say 3 things – thank them, say something personal about the message, and call for a round of applause.

Stand strong: Voice follows stance so when youth stand with their feet comfortably planted their voice will sound confident too.

End your talk well: How youth end their talk will usually determine its impact. That is what people remember most. End with a laugh, a point, or a story.

Have fun: This is vital. Encourage our youth to just enjoy their talk and don’t fuss too much about technique. This comes with practice.

As leaders, we should look at opportunities in all our programming to give each of our youth a chance to grow in self-confidence and so provide multiple opportunities for them to get on their feet and deliver a message. Encourage them to use very few notes and help them to become comfortable speaking on the spot in front of others, a great life skill.