A lot happens during the course of every person's life and your ability to communicate your feelings and ideas is the best way to connect to the larger world. Even if you haven't stood at a podium on the stage and find the whole idea scary, sooner or later, someone is going to ask you to get up and say a few words. If you are prepared, it won't be scary. It can even be fun.

Requirements

  1. Give a three- to five-minute introduction of yourself to an audience such as your troop, class at school, or some other group.
  2. Prepare a three- to five-minute talk on a topic of your choice that incorporates body language and visual aids.
  3. Give an impromptu talk of at least two minutes either as part of a group discussion or before your counselor. Use a subject selected by your counselor that is interesting to you but that is not known to you in advance and for which you do not have time to prepare.
  4. Select a topic of interest to your audience. Collect and organize information about the topic and prepare an outline. Write an eight- to 10-minute speech, practice it, then deliver it in a conversational way.
  5. Show you know parliamentary procedure by leading a discussion or meeting according to accepted rules of order, or by answering questions on the rules of order.

Resources

Scouting Literature

Journalism and Communications merit badge pamphlets

Books

  • Andrews, Robert. The Concise Columbia Dictionary of Quotations. Columbia University Press, 1989.
  • Applewhite, Ashton, et al. And I Quote: The Definitive Collection of Quotes, Sayings and Jokes for the Contemporary Speechmaker. St. Martin's Press, 1992.
  • Detz, Joan. It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It. St. Martin's Griffen, 2000.
  • --------. Can You Say a Few Words? St. Martin's Press, 1991.
  • Griffin, Jack. How to Say It Best: Choice Words, Phrases and Model Speeches for Every Occasion. Prentice Hall, 1994.
  • Gottesman, Deb, and Buzz Mauro. Taking Center Stage: Masterful Public Speaking Using Acting Skills You Never Knew You Had. Berkley Books, 2001.
  • King, Larry. How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere: The Secrets of Good Communication. Random House Audio Publishing Inc., 1994.
  • Kushner, Malcolm L. Public Speaking for Dummies. IDG Books Worldwide Inc., 1999.
  • Otfinoski, Steven. Speaking Up, Speaking Out: A Kid's Guide to Making Speeches, Oral Reports, and Conversation. Millbrook Press, 1996.
  • Safire, William. Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History. Norton, W. W. & Company Inc., 1997.