I used to dread parent-teacher meetings. Not because of grades — those were fine — but because the one phrase I heard over and over was, “Your son is very quiet in class.” My 11-year-old, Rishi, was thoughtful and intelligent, but when it came to public speaking, he froze. So when I stumbled upon PlanetSpark’s public speaking course, I figured it was worth a try.

What I didn’t expect was a transformation — in just a few weeks.

The Problem with Traditional School Systems

Most schools treat public speaking as a one-off event. Children are handed a topic, asked to memorize, and expected to perform. There’s no feedback loop, no coaching, and no emotional safety net. For Rishi, this meant associating speaking with stress, embarrassment, and performance anxiety.

PlanetSpark promised something different — a structured communication curriculum with personalized coaching. I signed up for the trial class, cautiously optimistic.

Trial Class: A Surprising Start

I sat in the background as Rishi logged in. The teacher, warm and energetic, started with simple introductions and a “show and tell” using Rishi’s favorite action figure. He relaxed almost instantly.

By the end of the 40-minute session, he’d shared a short story and smiled — smiled! — while doing it. We signed up for the full course.

Week-by-Week Journey

Week 1-2: Basic exercises in storytelling, using emojis and flashcards. Focus was on participation, not perfection. Rishi looked forward to class — a first.

Week 3-4: Introduction to speech structure — hook, body, conclusion. He wrote a speech titled “Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats” and practiced delivering it with gestures.

Week 5-6: Voice modulation, pauses, and breathing techniques. He presented his views on “Should children choose their own bedtime?” in a mock debate.

Week 7-8: He recorded a 3-minute speech for his school’s virtual talent show. Not only did he do it — he enjoyed it.

Teacher Matters

The teacher assigned to Rishi was a perfect match. She never rushed him and gave actionable feedback. When Rishi struggled with eye contact, she turned it into a game. When he stumbled on words, she showed him how to pause and regroup.

A Real Breakthrough

The real test came during a family Zoom call. We were celebrating his grandmother’s birthday and I casually asked Rishi if he wanted to say something. To our surprise, he stood up, cleared his throat, and delivered a short birthday message. Everyone clapped. My father said, “When did he become so confident?”

That moment was gold.

Beyond Just Speaking

PlanetSpark doesn’t just teach children how to speak — it teaches them why their voice matters. Rishi is now more active in class, volunteers for activities, and even started a mini podcast with his cousin.

The curriculum includes:

• Debates and counter-arguments

• Storytelling with emotional expression

• Anchoring and hosting sessions

• Persuasive speaking techniques

Parent-Friendly Platform

As a parent, I loved that PlanetSpark sent weekly feedback. I received short videos, improvement reports, and homework tasks. I was part of the journey, without needing to micromanage.

What Could Be Better?

• Some sessions had minor tech issues, but support was responsive.

• I wish they had group events more often so kids could showcase their progress live.

Is It Worth It?

I won’t sugarcoat it — PlanetSpark is an investment. But if you’re looking for more than rote learning, it’s 100% worth it. Rishi’s self-esteem, articulation, and mindset have improved dramatically.

Final Thoughts

If your child hates public speaking — don’t force them into another school speech. Equip them with tools, encouragement, and a safe space to grow. That’s what PlanetSpark did for us.

Today, Rishi doesn’t just speak. He communicates. And that’s a skill that will serve him for life.