A Unique After-school Public Speaking Class

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - Aug. 12, 2019 - PRLog -- The Mississauga-based program was inundated with phone calls. The program teaches children in grades 4-9 communication skills, specifically writing and public speaking, with an emphasis on global learning. In addition to writing and presenting skills, students will engage in lively debates, learn the fundamentals of slide presentations, understand media literacy and critically analyze global issues.

The program was created by professionals and educators who realized their children were taught the basics of math, English and science, but not the tools to succeed in the corporate and academic world. They knew their children would face program and job interviews, boardroom presentations, seminars, conferences and networking events.

The students study the masters of public speaking, people like Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., President Abraham Lincoln, and Malala Yousafzai. They learn to orate using their techniques, including repetition, the power of 3 and rhetoric. Once students can appreciate the rhythm of speech, they are better able to incorporate it into their talks. Older students learn the art of networking and acing interviews. Highlights for the students include the yearly Quills vs Quotes competition, the end-of-year QUILL Talk, Drop the MIC night, impromptu speech competitions and debates. Interestingly, the curriculum seeks to go beyond the Ontario curriculum by choosing topics that tackle current issues and explore important historical events. They want students to write, speak, and succeed while developing global knowledge.

When asked about the teachers, Shauna Jain, one founder smiled. "Selecting our teachers was challenging. They needed to meet certain strict criteria. We were looking for engaging public speakers, excellent writers, motivating and passionate educators, with advanced English education. We interviewed many candidates before selecting our core group of teachers."

Past graduates testify to confidence in school presentations, success in speech competitions, and excellence in academic work. RJ, a previously anxious public speaker, made it to the finals of his school speech competition. Another child, AK, who struggled in English class, graduated with honours in English and History this year. For Dr. Jain, the most satisfying results are when students use their newly acquired skills to assume leadership positions, join clubs like Model UN, Debate and local speech contests.

It is a 35-week program beginning in mid-Sept until mid-June and current locations are in South Mississauga.  Registration for the 2019-2020 program is well underway.

For more information and to register, visit their website at www.quillsandquotes.ca, or contact the head office at 647-985-3711 or admin@quillsandquotes.ca.