History class is starting the year strong with a unique project designed to help students build public speaking skills: flavor presentations.

No, these projects do not have to do with food. Instead, the “flavor” comes from Northstar students’ unique interests, personalities, and choices.

The topics for these presentations are entirely up to the student. To prepare, students select a subject, research it, and create a slide deck filled with information and engaging visuals. Slides must be organized and easy to read, with informative images that support the presentation.

“You can do whatever you want to,” said RJ, 10th grade, about the project. He chose to present about professional basketball teams. “I chose my topic because I have loved basketball since I could remember.”

For students in a specialized educational setting, opportunities to practice communication and presentation skills can be an important part of building confidence and independence. Public speaking gives students the chance to practice organizing their thoughts, communicating information clearly, managing timing, and fielding questions from their audience.

“I like them because I get to talk about stuff I normally wouldn’t be able to talk about,” said junior student Walter.

Student Choice Builds Confidence

When it is time to present, students practice important public speaking skills, including facing the audience, making eye contact, engaging with their peers, and answering questions about their topic. This year’s selection of topics ranged from deep dives into NeeDoh toys to video game worldbuilding mechanics to Franklin’s Lost Expedition of 1845.

“The goal is to learn how to make a good presentation,” explained tenth grader Aiden, who explored the differences between sea otters and river otters. “You have to make sure you make eye contact and that your audience isn’t fidgeting or restless. And you have to make sure you have good pictures.”

After each presentation, students also provide positive feedback to their classmates. They point out what presenters did well, complimenting elements such as visual design, preparation, and stage presence.

Public Speaking Practice for Students with Disabilities

The goal is not simply to complete an assignment. These presentations give students with disabilities an opportunity to share their interests while developing communication skills in a supportive classroom environment. Honing these skills early in the school year set students up for success when they give oral presentations about historical subjects later on.

“I think there’s something to be said about watching people talk about things that make them happy,” said Upper School History teacher Mr. DeLancey. “We’d never get this type of presentation if I assigned topics.”

That freedom to choose a meaningful topic is part of what makes flavor presentations so successful. When students can talk about something they genuinely enjoy, they have an opportunity to build confidence while practicing skills that can benefit them in school, the workplace, and everyday life.

When asked about her thoughts on flavor presentations, junior student Kit said it best: “I haven’t even presented mine yet, and I already want to do another one!”