Public Speaking is an elective at West Orange High School with great importance. Public speaking teaches students how to address the world. Eminent speakers in the past like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and even Pericles of Athens Greece are all people who used their voice to send powerful messages. The power of voice has proven to be a savior in times of crisis, whether it’s a US President tasked with addressing the world or a football coach trying to rally his football team before a big game, it never fails to be a plug for motivation. However, how can students learn how to properly speak passionately and adequately for only two marking periods? Public Speaking needs to have a second semester course option for those who want to expand their understanding and ability.

Public speaking, when taught in depth, teaches more than just speaking to a crowd. It teaches critical thinking, passion, empathy, communication, the list could go on-and-on. Public speaking takes the human’s ability to communicate and makes it an art form. There is not enough time in the world to truly teach people how to speak to a crowd, part of it is just natural talent. However, West Orange High School does have the opportunity to teach it a little more. Without public speaking, we would be less human.