Karen Tan graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She worked as a primary school English Language teacher for several years. Prior to this, Karen ran her own Speech and Drama Studio. Karen gains great satisfaction when she sees a student develop from being shy and hesitant to participating in discussions actively and confidently. She hopes this prized publication will help students articulate their ideas, develop creativity and relate well to others.
Karen is the author of Ace Your Show-and-Tell Developing Oral Competence for Extraordinary Presentation Primary 1 & 2. Most primary schools in Singapore that do not conduct examinations for Primary 1 students have implemented show and tell presentations or written expressions as formative assessments. Show and Tell is a form of public speaking. There are several benefits to performing show and tell, such as developing effective communication skills, honing emotional skills and nurturing listening skills.
Today, Karen shares more about good presentation skills.
About your book
- How can students use this book effectively?
When the Ministry of Education (MOE) decided to do away with examinations for our local Primary 1 students, Show and Tell was introduced as a form of assessment to measure the level of Primary 1 English.
Students are graded on three areas: Content, Language and Presentation Skills. This book is written for parents in mind as well, with guiding questions to help students develop their thought-process and brainstorm ideas for content development during Show and Tell.
2. How will this book help students to develop analytical and critical thinking skills?
This book encourages students to make connections to real-life scenarios. The use of real-world scenarios will increase relevance, and aid students in developing analytical and critical thinking skills. Our tips on structuring a convincing argument will assist students in developing their own arguments.
3. How can students use this book to further develop their confidence and self-esteem?
Students can try out the activities in this book to develop the appropriate content and vocabulary skills. After which, parents are encouraged to video record their child practising on their presentation skills.
Thereafter, parents can give positive feedback by watching the recorded videos and advise their child on how to improve further.
4. What other activities can help students improve their oral presentation skills?
The best way to inspire kids to give a presentation is to choose a topic that they are really interested in. Children are often able to come up with hundreds of reasons why they should be able to eat chocolate for breakfast, have a 2-hour lunch break or not wear school uniform, because they are interested and passionate about these topics.
We have listed some topics that would make a great speech or presentation, but the most important thing is to make sure your child chooses a topic that they are truly interested in.
About Yourself/Work/Expertise
- Why did you choose to teach English?
After having graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Bachelor of Arts degree, I worked as a primary school English Language teacher for several years. I gain great satisfaction when I see a student develop from being shy and hesitant to participating in discussions actively and confidently. I hope to help students articulate their ideas, develop creativity, and relate well to others.
2. How important is having an extensive vocabulary in delivering an impressive presentation?
A robust vocabulary improves all areas of communication — listening, speaking, reading and writing. More importantly, students not only need to have an extensive vocabulary, but also need to be able to use it effectively to engage their audience. Audience engagement is an essential part of presentations.
3. Why are good presentation skills so important in today’s world?
Good presentation skills are arguably the most important skill set an employee can have, and for good reason. The most successful employees are the ones who can communicate well. People with good presentation skills know how to speak to a crowd with confidence, relaying information in a clear and concise manner.
Employees use communication skills on a daily basis when they are communicating with their supervisor, fellow employees, or customers. Effective communication skills are important to ensure that information is delivered in a timely, clear, and professional manner.
4. Can you share some interesting experiences you had while teaching Speech and Drama?
I had taught several children who are non-native speakers of English. They have grown to be confident and articulate speakers over the years and improved tremendously. One of them is now representing his country for international debating competitions.
5. How will good presentation skills help in developing other social skills
Developing the confidence and capability to give good presentations, and to stand up in front of an audience and speak well, are also extremely helpful competencies for self-development and social situations.
6. Do you have any further advice for students who lack confidence and wish they were better at presentations?
For kids who are very shy, practice and encouragement are key attributes to facilitate their ability to present their show and tell. Parents should try not to over stress their child too much.
Praise your child and encourage him/her as much as possible. Have practice sessions and gently guide your child on proper enunciation, appropriate hand gestures, facial expressions and maintaining eye contact.