What Your Child's Body Language is Telling Me

When parents watch their child give a speech, they often notice things like:

• Slouching or weak posture

• Little eye contact

• Speaking too fast

• A flat or monotonous voice

• Fidgeting hands

• Few facial expressions

It’s natural to think, “My child just needs more practice.” But after working with hundreds of students, I’ve learned something important:

These are not the problem. They’re signals or symptoms.

The Real Issue Isn’t Skill. It’s Confidence

Most children know what they’re supposed to do when speaking for the most part. What gets in the way is what’s happening inside:

• Nervousness

• Fear of being judged

• Worry about making mistakes

• Lack of confidence

When a child feels anxious, their body reacts automatically. They rush. They avoid eye contact. They tense up. They try to “get it over with.”

That’s not a lack of ability. It’s a lack of emotional safety. 

Why Telling Kids to “Fix It” Doesn’t Work

You can tell a child to:

• Stand up straight

• Slow down

• Make eye contact

And they may try — for a moment.

But under pressure, old habits return. Why? Because confidence can’t be memorized. It has to be built. That’s where Rising Leaders comes in.

Our Approach at Rising Leaders: Confidence First, Skills Second

At Rising Leaders, we don’t just coach how to speak. We help students feel comfortable being seen and heard. We work on:

• Understanding nerves instead of fighting them

• Building confidence in small, supportive steps

• Practicing in a safe, encouraging environment

• Helping students trust their voice and ideas

As confidence grows on the inside, something amazing happens on the outside:

• Posture improves naturally

• Eye contact feels easier

• Speech slows and becomes clearer

• Expression and energy show up on their own

Not because they’re forced but because they feel secure. I actually have parents telling me their kids enjoy coming to public speaking classes. That’s nearly unheard when it comes to developing this skill.

A Message for Students Reading This Blog

If speaking feels scary, you’re not bad at it, you’re human and you’re learning. Confidence isn’t about being fearless. It’s about learning, positive talk (“I can do this even when I’m nervous.”), and consistent practice.

And those are skills you’ll carry far beyond the stage.

Why Parents Choose Rising Leaders

Parents don’t come to us just to help their child give better speeches. They come because they want their child to:

• Speak up in class

• Feel confident around peers

• Handle pressure and nerves

• Express ideas clearly

• Believe in themselves

Public speaking becomes a tool. Confidence and believing in yourself are the real outcome. If you’re looking for a program that goes deeper than surface-level tips and truly helps your child grow from the inside out, Rising Leaders was built for that.