The Art of Persuasion: using Speech and Drama to influence and persuade others

As a parent, it's natural to want to teach your children the skills they need to succeed in life. One important skill that can benefit them both personally and professionally is the ability to persuade others. Whether it's asking for a raise at work or simply trying to convince a friend to see a movie, the ability to persuade can be a powerful tool.

One way to help your child develop their persuasion skills is through the use of Speech and Drama. These two art forms not only encourage creativity and self-expression, but they can also help your child learn how to effectively communicate and influence others.

Let's start with speech. When it comes to persuading others, the words we choose and how we say them are crucial. By participating in speech activities, such as public speaking or debate clubs, your child can learn how to craft a compelling argument and deliver it with confidence. They can also learn how to use rhetorical devices, such as repetition and rhetorical questions, to strengthen their message.

In addition to the content of their speech, nonverbal communication is also key to persuasion. Body language, eye contact, and facial expressions can all impact how effectively your child is able to convey their message. Speech activities can help your child become more aware of their nonverbal cues and use them to their advantage.

Drama, on the other hand, can help your child learn how to inhabit a character and convey a message through storytelling. Whether they're performing a monologue or participating in a scene, drama can help your child learn how to use their voice, body, and emotions to persuade an audience. It can also help them learn how to effectively use body language and facial expressions to convey a character's thoughts and feelings.

So how can you incorporate Speech and Drama into your child's life? Here are a few ideas:

• Enroll them in a Speech and Drama club at school or in the community. These clubs often provide structured activities and opportunities for your child to practice their persuasion skills in a supportive environment.

• Encourage them to participate in public speaking events, such as toastmasters or youth leadership conferences. These events can help your child build confidence and learn how to effectively communicate their ideas to a larger audience.

• Have them practice their persuasion skills at home. Give them a topic and have them give a persuasive speech to the family. You can even role-play different scenarios and have them practice persuading you to do something.

• Encourage them to get involved in community theater or other drama groups. These groups can provide opportunities for your child to explore different characters and work on their acting skills, which can translate to better persuasion skills in real life.

Overall, the art of persuasion is a valuable skill that can benefit your child in many areas of their life. By encouraging them to participate in Speech and Drama activities, you can help them develop their communication skills and learn how to effectively influence and persuade others.