Public Speaking Lesson: Climate Change Communication
Lesson Plan
1 hour 30 minutesGrades9, 10, 11, 12English Language Arts
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Written by Yen-Yen Chiu
About this lesson
In this lesson, students discuss three effective strategies for talking about climate change, then write and present a speech using the three strategies.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students identify and discuss the communication disconnect between climate change scientists and everyday people.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students watch a video and evaluate three effective communication strategies for climate change discussions.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students write and deliver a 3-5 minute speech on climate change.
Preview the lesson plan
Better on a bigger screen? Open it in its own tab.View Lesson Plan
Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
Positives
- This lesson can be used in any English, science, or public speaking class.
- Students are given voice and choice in this lesson.
- Students learn to manipulate language to achieve specific outcomes.
- This can be a standalone lesson or it can be paired with any science lesson as a final activity.
- This lesson can be a short writing assignment or developed into a full essay.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should have some basic understanding of climate change concepts and vocabulary.
- The Inspire section of this lesson is listed as 45 minutes in length. This may take longer depending on how you facilitate student speeches.
Differentiation
- This lesson can be adapted to focus more specifically on the writing process, editing process, or public speaking.
- Teachers can focus on speech delivery and presentation skills such as eye contact, body language, tone of voice, etc.
- This lesson can be adapted to Advanced Placement or honors level classes by incorporating specific literary and language elements in the writing.
- Teachers can mandate students include specific strategies in persuasive elements of writing.
- Students can vote to select the best speech in the class.
- Students can deliver their speeches to outside groups for extra credit.
From the scientist review
This lesson encourages students to think about the words they use and how to effectively communicate their thoughts and opinions with others. The lesson walks students through the use of plain, obvious, and universal language that will create a vivid image in the listener’s mind. There is a discussion about the use of alternative words or phrases to convey a message that is more understandable and relatable. Finally, this lesson includes an example of how using personal experience will allow the audience to understand and comprehend material more readily. This lesson stimulates students' minds to think about how they speak and the words they use to relay information. This lesson is great for teaching the necessary skills of communication and is recommended for teaching.
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
About the teacher writer
Yen-Yen Chiu
Director of Education
Yen-Yen Chiu, Ed.D., is SubjectToClimate's Director of Education. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of San Diego, and taught public school for 22 years specializing in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Music for grades 6–12, including Advanced Placement. She is credentialed in English, Mathematics, and Introductory Music, with extensive experience designing interdisciplinary curricula that foster student choice, meaningful assessment, and authentic learning.
