Why Your Child NEEDS Public Speaking
Fear of public speaking — known as glossophobia — is one of the most common forms of anxiety. It can range from mild nervousness to paralyzing panic. In fact, studies suggest that up to 75% of people experience this fear, making it more common than the fear of heights, spiders, or even death.
Left unaddressed, glossophobia can lead to missed opportunities, increased anxiety, and a lower quality of life. Many people avoid public speaking altogether — which can hold them back academically, socially, and professionally.
At Rising Sun Martial Arts in downtown Abacoa, our mission is to help children and teens overcome this fear early through our Leadership and Public Speaking Program. We believe these skills are as essential as self-defense — and we start building them from the moment a child turns six.
Why Public Speaking Confidence Matters for Kids
“The fear of public speaking is more common in younger patients than in older ones and may be more prevalent in females,” explains Jeffrey R. Strawn, MD, FAACAP, associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati.
He adds, “Some individuals tend to have more anxiety in situations where they fear evaluation or embarrassment.”
That’s exactly why we believe in practicing in a safe, supportive environment — so kids can replace anxiety with confidence, step by step.
How We Teach Public Speaking (and Make It Fun!)
Our Leadership students don’t just learn about public speaking — they practice it in every class. Each session is hands-on, structured, and designed to build confidence from the ground up.
Here’s how we do it:
Get Organized – Students know exactly what they’re going to say before speaking in front of others.
Practice in Small Groups – We start with simple sentences, making the process approachable.
Remove the Fear of Rejection – Everyone participates, and everyone supports each other.
Use Patterns & Gestures – Students learn the rhythm, tone, and body language that bring words to life.
Energize First – Light exercise before speaking gets the blood flowing and boosts mental focus.
Praise & Celebrate – We recognize effort, improvement, and success, building pride in their work.
The Result? Confident Young Leaders
By the time our students become teens and young adults, public speaking isn’t something they fear — it’s something that feels normal.
This comfort in communication helps them excel in school, earn leadership positions, and thrive in any career path they choose.
If you’d like your child to grow up with the ability to speak confidently, connect with an audience, and lead with pride, our program can help make it happen.
📍 Visit us in downtown Abacoa to learn more about our Leadership and Public Speaking Program.
