Description:  "God spoke the world into being" — now that's a speaker worth learning from!

Yet for most adults, public speaking ranks among their greatest fears. Even those who feel comfortable at a podium are rarely well-prepared, polished, and speaking with purpose. At CHAT, we believe language is one of God's primary ways of revealing Himself to us — through prayer, Scripture, and praise — and that's exactly why growing in this skill is such a joy.

Why Scripture + Speech?

This class is distinct from most speech programs as we invite the word of God/scripture into it. That's not a limitation — it's an advantage! The greatest speeches in human history have drawn from it. The Gettysburg Address. MLK's I Have a Dream. JFK's Second Inaugural. These weren't accidents. There is no more powerful source of truth, and no better time than now to grow comfortable using it.

What You'll Do

You'll write and perform at least 4 full speeches, along with impromptu speeches and other engaging exercises. Speeches may include:

• Bible Verse, Storybook, and Informational speeches
• Persuasive and Personal Interpretation speeches
• Dramatic Duos and Spoken Word performances

Each speech will help you focus on a single topic, develop it thoroughly, and deliver it within a defined time frame. You'll present frequently — first to small groups within class, then to family and friends at performances. (This crowd loves you, so no pressure!)

How You'll Grow

Like any sport, great speaking has many facets and takes time to develop. Step by step, we'll build your:

• Poise & confidence — learning to own the room
• Voice & delivery — volume, rate, and animation
• Elocution — clear, compelling expression of ideas
• Impromptu skills — thinking and speaking on the spot

Student Leadership Opportunities

Students will have chances to step into leadership roles — directing activities, guiding critique groups, giving clear instructions, and respecting time limits. These moments build real-world communication skills that go far beyond the classroom.

Speaking is one of the most powerful gifts given uniquely to the human race. Come grow in it. Parents and friends are always welcome at our performances — their presence makes students better.

Because this skill takes time to develop, we encourage students to consider enrolling for this class more than one time.

Note: Parents are welcome to attend and critique the speech performances (super helpful for the kids).

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 (depending on registration date)
Level: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Homework: Weekly writing or polishing and practicing of speeches
Text: Access to your Bible and a library/computer