Mirror Decoration
Mirror Decoration
Topic: Public Speaking
Empowerment Lesson Video: Public Speaking
Supplies:
- One hand-held mirror per student, ideally the type with a handle
- Tacky glue or glue dots
- Pom-poms, pony beads, feathers, stickers, glitter, and any other available craft items
- Yarn or ribbon (5/8 glossy ribbon works well!), depending on the length of the mirror handle, each student will need 2-3 ft of ribbon or thick yarn
Video Discussion:
Ask, “Why is public speaking important?”
Direct students to turn and talk to a partner. Then, call the class back together to share their ideas.
Ensure students understand that public speaking is a part of life. Having strong public speaking skills is beneficial at school, at home, and with friends.
Ask, “Do you think you will need public speaking skills in your future career?”
Allow students to turn and talk to a partner. Then, call the class together to share students’ ideas. Help students to identify public speaking requirements even in careers they may not initially view as requiring public speaking. For example, a writer may be required to pitch their ideas to their colleagues or a publishing company, they may need to have one-on-one meetings with their agent, or be involved in book readings or book tours where they have to speak with the public.
After watching the video Public Speaking, use some or all of the following questions to discuss the video content:
- Why might it be important to practice public speaking?
- What might happen if someone can’t speak up in school? At work? With their family or friends?
- What advice would you give to a younger student that was struggling to speak up at school?
- What steps could you start taking today to improve your public speaking skills?
Explain that one great way to become better at public speaking is to practice. Many strong public speakers recommend practicing in front of a mirror to give yourself time to think about what you want to say, ensure you are making eye contact, and even adjust your facial expressions to be more convincing.
Activity Instructions:
Students will be decorating a mirror that can be used to practice public speaking and prepare for presentations.
- Get one mirror and any craft supplies that you want to use. Pom-poms and pony beads are some great choices!
- Arrange your craft items around the frame, or edge, of your mirror until they look attractive.
- Use tacky glue or glue dots to stick your craft items to your mirror frame.
- Get a length of yarn or ribbon and put a dab of glue in the middle. Then, press the middle of your yarn or ribbon with the glue to the top, front of your mirror handle.
- Once the glue has dried, wrap your yarn or ribbon around the handle until it is completely covered.
- When you reach the bottom of the handle, either tie your yarn or ribbon off, or glue the ends to the back of the handle.
- Keep your mirror somewhere that you can use it to practice before presentations or other types of public speaking. Remember, practice can improve your performance by giving you time to think about what you want to say, increasing your eye contact, and even helping you use more convincing body language.
