Tips for Speaking to Middle School Campers

Remember your audience. You are speaking to 11-15 year olds. Some have very short attention spans.

Read their body language and watch for boredom. If they seem restless, move on.

Don’t use jargon, acronyms or too many technical terms.

Move around if possible. Nothing is more boring than a person stuck behind a podium.

Stay within your allotted time. Ask the camp director to confirm.

Know your materials. Don’t read word for word from the materials provided.

If using a PowerPoint presentation, be sure to review the content and preview the presentation in slide show mode to view any animation included.

Be engaging and excited. Your enthusiasm will be contagious.

SMILE!