One-on-One Public Speaking Classes
This course is specifically designed to enhance personal communication goals by developing the essential skillset required to confidently present oneself in a professional format. Through a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on the fundamentals of persuasive, dramatic, and impromptu public speaking skills, students will significantly improve their ability to express complex ideas, develop a strong sense of verbal rhetoric, and learn to cohesively formulate arguments
Course Structure & Content
(and why it will help people excel)
1. Introduction to Competitive Public Speaking
Gain an understanding of the different types of public speaking formats and the purposes they serve, ie. impromptu, debate, persuasive, etc.  Learn the art of persuasive public speaking and how to captivate an audience Explore popular techniques and best practices for delivering effective speeches, presentations, and debates
2. Persuasive Brainstorming
How to structure and organize a researched speech  topic  Explore different persuasive techniques, such as storytelling, humour, and rhetorical questions, and learn how to use them to make your arguments more compelling Understand the key elements of persuasive speaking, such as ethos, logos, and pathos, and how to use them effectively in speeches and presentations
3. Developing Unique Public Speaking Styles
Build confidence in students’ ability to express themselves with clarity and conviction  Teach students how to develop their own authentic voice and style as a public speaker Help students tailor their speaking style to different contexts and audiences
4. Dramatic/Interpretive Reading
Learn how to analyze and interpret literary works, including poetry, prose, and drama Provide instruction on how to use vocal expression, physical movement, and other techniques to bring a text to life 
5. Competitive enhancement
Consistently refining weaknesses in delivery and style  Providing extensive feedback on written persuasive outlines  Conducting practice rounds in all categories of public speaking, from impromptu speeches to complex debates
How This Course Will Benefit Students
Present unparalleled communication strategies that students can apply  in everyday settings such as classroom presentations, debates, and discussions
Provide students with personalized feedback on current speaking techniques and habits 
Help students succeed in regional and national public speaking competitions
Meet your Instructor
Kelly Zeng
Private Public Speaking Class Instructor
Kelly Zeng is a senior at Crofton House School and is honored to be serving as Minerva’s distinguished public speaking instructor. Her passion for public speaking has been a part of her life since a young age,  and she has found tremendous success in regional and international tournaments—most notably—representing Canada at the grand finals of the International Public Speaking Competition. Outside of frantically writing speeches for her next competition, Kelly can be found enjoying a delicious meal of hotpot, conquering ski slopes on cypress mountain, and celebrating her victories in thrilling mahjong matches. 
Instructor Availability
Every Wednesday afternoon from 6pm to 9pm
Instructors’ Experience and Awards
Certification:  Associate’s Degree of Trinity College London in Public Speaking, 2022
Competition Achievements: Canadian National Public Speaking Champion: English Speaking Union, 2022 International Public Speaking Competition Grand Finalist: English Speaking Union, 2022 Interpretive Reading Finalist: International Independent Schools' Public Speaking Competition, 2022 Debate Finalist: International Independent Schools' Public Speaking Competition, 2022 Finalist: Barry Sullivans Law Cup, 2022 Gold Standing at Vancouver Speech Arts+Drama festival, 2021 1st place, BC Delegate Vancouver Speech Arts Festival, 2020 1st place, 3-Time West Coast Festival for the Performing Arts, 2018, 2019, 2020
Judging Experience:  Judged Australasian Public Speaking Championships 2023