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Scouting America

Public Speaking
PublicSpeaking
Public Speaking
Merit Badge
Scouting America Merit Badge Hub

Public Speaking

Merit Badge Overview

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.
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Public Speaking

Merit Badge Requirements

The previous version of the Merit Badge requirements can be found in Scoutbook

The requirements will be fed dynamically using the scout book integration
1. Give a three- to five-minute introduction of yourself to an audience such as your troop, class at school, or some other group.
Resources: How To Introduce Yourself In A Speech (video)
Introduction Speech Example (video)
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.
Resources: What is Impromptu Speaking? (video)
Mastering Impromptu Speaking: An Opportunity! (video)
Mastering Impromptu Speaking: Deep Breaths and Go Slow (video)
How Do I Improve my Impromptu Speeches? (video)
How to Pick a Captivating Speech Topic (video)
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.
Resources: How to Prepare a Speech (video)
The Easiest Way to Practice for a Speech or Presentation (video)
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: Robert's Rules (video)
Roberts Rules of Order Updated (video)
NOTE: The official merit badge pamphlets are now free and downloadable HERE or can be purchased at the Scout Shop.
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Get the Public Speaking Merit Badge Pamphlet

Merit Badge Pamphlets are now free and publicly available. Note: Always check stg.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/all/ for the latest requirements.

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