Public speaking resources for teachers and students

By Susan Dugdale

Testimonials

“Great public speaking resources for speakers and Teachers.”

Jessica Neighbor, Love Your Voice

“Great advice for public speakers!”

Chris McGuire, Let's Talk Funny

“I love this newsletter. So much useful info! Even if you don't do any public speaking, there's lots of helpful input for speaking in anyone's daily life.”

Karen McGowan, Life Amid the Palms at Karen McG's Substack

Articles

When 'beautiful' isn't enough

A playful language exercise to help speakers create new words to make their speeches sparkle

Jun 23 • Susan Dugdale

Accent reduction: why it matters a lot

A roundup of mostly free resources to help with accent reduction

Jun 9 • Susan Dugdale

How to not lose your audience in the first 30 seconds - a lesson learned the tough way

From shocking statistics to evocative storytelling: 12 simple ways to craft speech openings people actually want to listen to.

May 30 • Susan Dugdale

How to read a speech effectively

Jan 21, 2024 • Susan Dugdale

New Year Giveaways -10 printables

Jan 14, 2024 • Susan Dugdale

How to successfully persuade

Nov 26, 2023 • Susan Dugdale

Let's talk about constructive feedback

Jan 26, 2025 • Susan Dugdale

5 improv games to use as warmups or icebreakers

Oct 6, 2024 • Susan Dugdale

People react to our voices before they react to our words

What happens when a habitual speaking voice grates, and why voice quality affects confidence, credibility, warmth, and connection.

May 18 • Susan Dugdale

Effective starters for shy students

Easy “put-yourself-on-the-line” activities to build confidence, connection, and the courage to speak

May 8 • Susan Dugdale

How to help students read a poem aloud well

Practical, classroom-friendly guidelines to take the mystery out of reading poetry out loud

Apr 29 • Susan Dugdale

More on teaching persuasive speaking. Easily.

How simple frameworks, like PREP and Problem–Solution, plus silliness build competence and confidence

Apr 21 • Susan Dugdale

Try these and watch confidence grow

Two easy speaking exercises tested in real life: in classrooms, home living rooms and rehearsal halls.

Apr 7 • Susan Dugdale

What if persuasive speeches don't have to be serious?

How absurd book titles, fake “facts,” and a lot of laughter can effectively teach persuasive speech structure.

Mar 22 • Susan Dugdale

Never be stuck for words again

3 simple frameworks to make impromptu speaking a whole lot easier

Mar 11 • Susan Dugdale

The Reason You’re Afraid to Be Funny on Stage

(And What to Do About It - How to Bypass Fear and Build Yourself a Safety Net)

Mar 3 • Susan Dugdale

When blue dresses are the reason for passing exams - Cause, effect… or just coincidence?

145 themed cause and effect speech and essay topics for students - plus explanatory notes on signal words, causal chains, logical fallacies and more…