A Practical Lesson Plan for Public Speaking in English for Adults

Welcome to an engaging journey into the world of public speaking with our ESL lesson plan designed specifically for adult learners. Improving public speaking skills in a foreign language can be daunting, but this lesson breaks it down into manageable steps that focus on structuring a presentation, using persuasive language, and practicing public speaking techniques. Let's unlock the key to confident and effective communication in English!

Lesson Focus

In this lesson, students will gain the ability to confidently structure and deliver presentations in English. They will learn to use persuasive language effectively and apply public speaking techniques to engage their audience. By the end of the lesson, students should feel more comfortable speaking in public settings and be equipped with the skills to make their presentations impactful.

Lesson Content

Activity 1: Structuring Your Presentation

Approximate Time Needed: 30 minutes

Objective: To understand the basic structure of a persuasive presentation.

Materials: Sample presentation outline (available online or created by the instructor), whiteboard, or projector for displaying the outline.

Introduce the basic components of a presentation: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.
Discuss the purpose of each component and how they contribute to the overall presentation.
Provide students with a sample presentation outline and analyze it together.
Have students create their own outline for a topic of their choice.

Activity 2: Using Persuasive Language

Approximate Time Needed: 30 minutes

Objective: To learn and practice using language that persuades and influences the audience.

Materials: List of persuasive phrases and sentences; examples of persuasive speeches or texts for analysis.

Present and explain the list of persuasive phrases and sentences to the class.
Analyze examples of persuasive speeches or texts, identifying effective language.
Have students create sentences using the phrases from the list provided.
Encourage students to incorporate persuasive language into the outlines they created in Activity 1.

Activity 3: Public Speaking Practice

Approximate Time Needed: 40 minutes

Objective: To practice public speaking techniques and receive feedback.

Materials: Stopwatch or timer, recording device (optional), feedback forms.

Review key public speaking techniques such as eye contact, pacing, and voice modulation.
Have each student present their outlined speech while practicing these techniques.
Time the presentations to ensure they fit within a set time frame (e.g., 3-5 minutes).
Record presentations for students to review later (optional).
Provide constructive feedback using feedback forms, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Wrap Up

To recap, this lesson plan has equipped ESL adult learners with the fundamentals of crafting and delivering a persuasive presentation in English. By structuring presentations, using persuasive language, and practicing public speaking techniques, students now have the tools to speak confidently in front of an audience, enhancing their overall communication skills in English.

In addition to classroom learning, integrating technology into language practice can enhance the experience. ALULA is an AI-powered ESL app that can greatly assist students in their journey to becoming proficient English speakers. With conversation and speaking exercises across various topics, as well as grammar lessons and exercises, ALULA complements this lesson plan by providing students with a personalized and interactive platform to practice their newly learned skills. By interacting with an AI English Tutor, students can refine their presentation skills and further develop their public speaking abilities outside the classroom, making them well-prepared and confident for any speaking engagement.