Are you a parent who is concerned with your child’s communication skills? You’re not alone! Our recent survey revealed to us that oral and speaking skills is one main concern that many parents have for their children, especially when they grow up and enter the real world.
Strong oral communication skills can lead to greater confidence and can help a person navigate all sorts of situations with grace. Of course, having great oral communication skills isn’t just about what you do in the presence of others. It’s also about how you handle yourself in tough situations, like job interviews or public speaking events.
So what can you do to help your child improve their oral communication skills?
Reading aloud helps clear up any awkwardness with diction or pronunciation and helps kids develop confidence in their speaking voice.
Help your child gain perspectives on different issues by engaging in regular family discussions. Encourage them to be specific and concise when expressing their thoughts. The more discussions they are exposed to, the more they will understand that there are many ways to look at a particular issue. They also get to express their thoughts out loud too!
Set aside time every day for the two of you to spend listening to each other and replying with empathy and care.
Asking your child to tell you stories about their day or about something special that happened recently can help them get more comfortable speaking in front of others. Be sure to listen attentively so that they feel heard and understood!
If your child is shy, giving your child the opportunity and a safe space to speak their minds will encourage them to have their voices heard. It’s totally fine if your child prefers not to share much; give them time to open up. Once they are comfortable, they will.
If you’re still worried, enrol your child in an oral workshop that not only cultivates critical oral skills, but also guides your child to build a strong mind and confidence in their own views. In this way, your child is nurturing the ability to speak confidently, at oral exams and in the future.