First Practices: TED Talk Icebreaker

Learning Objectives

  • Introduce students.

  • Get to know coach.

  • Build community.

Time Needed

~15-20 min.

Resources & Materials

  • Paper (2-3 sheets per student)

  • Pencil/pen (1 per student)

Teacher Preparation

  • Prepare sample TED Talk using the prompts below. Use yourself or a hypothetical student.

  • Speech Prompts:

    • What were your goals in high school/ college? How did you achieve them?

    • What was your career? What did you achieve by the time you were 35? By the time you were 50?

    • What was your personal life like? What were your goals? How did you achieve them?

    • How will you be remembered? What will be your legacy?

Lesson Outline

  • Introduce Activity
    • Write the prompts on the board. Explain that each student will be delivering a speech based on the prompts, imagining they are talking about their future lives as well-known, successful adults.
    • Give sample “TED Talk” speech.
      • Emphasize good public speaking (e.g., eye contact/audience engagement)
      • Overemphasize structure/organization.
  • TED Talk Icebreaker
    • Individual Preparation
      • To begin, ask each student to brainstorm answers to the prompts, and write down their thoughts.
      • Once they have “answered” each prompt, ask them to organize those thoughts into a speech.
        • Speeches should use chronological organization and be written as a mostly retrospective look at the life of each student.
        • Do NOT allow students to write their speeches word-for-word.
    • “TED Talk” Speeches
      • Once each student has prepared, ask each student to deliver a brief speech to the squad.
      • If time, give basic public speaking tips after each speech.
        • Example: “Your content was excellent, but you spoke so softly that it was hard for everyone to hear.”
  • Finish Activity
    • If time, ask for a volunteer student to name each squad member. If successful, give a suitable reward.

Points of Improvement

  • Shy students often speak very softly. Ask them to speak up!

  • Speeches often lack clearly defined goals. Prompt student as necessary!

  • Students rely excessively on pre-written notes.

Signs of Mastery

  • Students speak clearly and confidently.

Instructor Notes

  • Ask students to focus on setting goals/reflecting on what they want to do in life.