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Tutor: Andrea Merboth
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Email: andrea.merboth@chatclasses.com |
| Length: Full Year | Class Period: Wednesday, Period 1 |
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Description: Are you afraid of speaking in public? Or do you love having a voice in the crowd? Either way, this class is for you. No matter where your skills are right now, there's always room to grow — and at CHAT, we make that growth fun. Every year students say this is their favorite class, and often those are the very ones who were most nervous to join. Public speaking is one of the most commonly cited fears, yet the human voice is one of the primary ways God has chosen to reveal Himself to us. Prayer, scripture, and praise all use words. Communication is also how we connect with the people around us. In this class, we take that seriously. What We Do Students write and deliver at least four prepared speeches, along with impromptu speeches, debates, and other exercises. What sets CHAT's speech class apart is that scripture serves as a foundation for much of our work. This may sound unusual, but consider that some of the greatest speeches in history — the Gettysburg Address, MLK's "I Have a Dream," JFK's second inaugural — drew heavily on scripture. We have a lot to learn from them. Our speeches are designed to help students focus on a single topic, develop it thoroughly, and deliver it within a manageable time frame. We'll also work on elocution and poise — the volume, confidence, and presence that make a speaker truly engaging. Debate will develop research skills and critical thinking. Impromptu speeches will prepare students for the most common real-world speaking situation: on the spot. Other speech formats may include a Bible Verse, Storybook, Informational, Persuasive, Dramatic Duos, and Personal Interpretations. A Few Things to Know This is a combined Junior and Senior High class, so we may tackle some diverse and complex topics — always viewed through the lens of Scripture. Most students will rotate into a Student Leader role, helping to run activities, give directions, manage time, and support their peers. Parents should expect to be available to judge in-class tournaments and occasional out-of-classroom performances a few times per year. Finally, building speaking skills is like developing any athletic ability — it takes time and repetition. A full year is needed to see real development, and students who return for a second or third year often show remarkable improvement. Adult Assistant Opportunity: To facilitate the class and enhance learning, Mrs. Merboth would welcome an adult assistant. Please let her know if you are interested. A decrease in class cost is a side benefit of this role. Note: New students may join at semester. The 2nd semester will focus on debate and persuasive speeches if room allows. Below is a sample debate: Tutor: Andrea Merboth has a BA in Occupational Therapy. She has homeschooled 4 children and been a high school Sunday School teacher for ten years as well as a coach/leader in Bible Quizzing for twelve years. For three years she was involved in the excellent Institute for Cultural Communicators (ICC) both in their speech/communications program and their debate program. She also has taught Speech for two years at the TRUTH Academy and has directed several plays, one-acts and skits, all which help to develop a student’s ability to speak in public. The comfort that Mrs. Merboth has in speaking in public was born out of her youth involvement as an assistant to a magician and later, to over ten years performing on stage with a band. Comfort on stage and before the microphone has opened many doors and proven that those who are comfortable and skilled will be the voice that is heard in a crowd-something which is critical to reaching the hearts of generations of people for Christ. Cost: $227, $237 or $247
per semester (depending on registration date) |