Speech Students Practice Life Lesson

Avon High School Students Find Their Voice in Speech Communications

For the past eight years, Mrs. Langford has been helping Avon High School students overcome one of the most common fears — public speaking. Her Speech Communications class, offered as a one-semester course, guides students through a journey of self-expression, confidence building, and practical communication skills.

The course begins with the fundamentals of storytelling. Students learn how to craft and tell a good story, discovering that effective speaking starts with a meaningful message. As the semester progresses, they build on those skills, eventually delivering a five- to seven-minute memorized persuasive speech complete with visual aids.

Mrs. Langford explains that the class is designed to help students conquer the fear of public speaking by taking small, manageable steps. “Each new speech focuses on a different skill,” she says. “By the end of the course, students are amazed at how much progress they’ve made.”

The final portion of the class shifts focus to conversation. During a two-week study of conversational skills, students learn the art of “conversation threading” and the importance of nonverbal communication. Strong conversation skills can help students during interviews, support them in workplace settings, and, most importantly, allow them to build meaningful relationships with others.

The semester concludes with a special Holiday Tea, where students and community members come together in a relaxed setting. It’s a chance for students to put their newfound skills into practice — and for everyone to celebrate growth, connection, and confidence.

As Mrs. Langford puts it, the course isn’t just about public speaking — it’s about helping students find their voices, one conversation at a time.