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  • Home
  • Programs
  • Speech Arts
  • Schedule & Tuition
  • REGISTRATION
  • About Christopher Healy
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Policies page
Thornhill Acting Studio Public Speaking program poster for kids, featuring youth presentation training, strong voice, confident speaking, effective gestures, leadership, communication skills, and stage confidence.
Children participating in a public speaking and presentation class with Christopher Healy at Thornhill Acting Studio, learning confidence, communication and presentation skills.
PUBLIC SPEAKING & PRESENTATION

Public Speaking Classes for Kids in Thornhill.

Public Speaking & Presentation helps students build confidence, clear speech, stronger projection, better eye contact, posture, gestures, and the ability to speak in front of others with more control.

Students practise speaking in front of the class, answering questions, presenting short topics, using their voice clearly, and learning how to organize their thoughts before they speak.

This class is designed to help students become more confident communicators at school, in interviews, in presentations, and in everyday life.
REGISTER / REQUEST FREE TRIAL
Andre's journey from Thornhill Acting Studio public speaking classes to becoming a Canadian Junior High National Speech Champion through Christopher Healy's coaching.
What Students Learn in Public Speaking

All Public Speaking & Presentation classes help students learn to speak with power, clarity, confidence, and control. Students work on projection, articulation, pronunciation, diction, eye contact, posture, gestures, focus, and clear organization of ideas. They learn how to reduce nervous habits such as fidgeting, swaying, mumbling, rushing, or speaking too quietly.

As students improve their voice and delivery, their confidence grows. They begin to speak more clearly, present their ideas with greater purpose, and develop stronger communication habits for school, interviews, presentations, leadership opportunities, and everyday life.

Classes include prepared speeches, short presentations, impromptu speaking, mock interviews, debate-style exercises, and game-show style buzzer rounds that challenge students to think quickly and speak under pressure.

Students also learn the value of strong preparation through Mr. Healy’s Six Pillars of Success and Achievement:


  • Effective Work Habits
  • Meticulous Research
  • Thorough Preparation
  • Captivating Presentation Skills
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset
  • Unshakable Confidence

Throughout the program, students may work toward TED Talk–style presentations, showcase speeches, one-on-one speaking challenges, and final performance opportunities where they can demonstrate their growth in front of an audience.

Each June, Thornhill Acting Studio holds its annual Public Speaking Showcase, where invited students have the opportunity to present their speeches before a live audience and guest judges. The showcase celebrates student growth in confidence, communication, preparation, courage, and leadership.

Families may also receive periodic video updates during the term so parents can see their child’s growing confidence, presence, and self-expression.

The goal is simple: help students become stronger, clearer, more confident communicators — one voice at a time.

Christopher Healy trained Rachel Parent in acting, public speaking, TV interviews, and live debate preparation, helping her progress from Thornhill Acting Studio student to national television debate winner and international speaker.
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Parent Viewing Area

Parents are always welcome to stay and view classes during their child’s session.

Thornhill Acting Studio has a parent viewing area where parents may sit back, relax, enjoy a coffee, and quietly watch the class while it is taking place.


We ask that parents remain quiet during class time so students can stay focused, participate fully, and enjoy the training experience. Thank you for helping us maintain a positive, respectful, and focused studio environment for all students.


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Fall 2026 Public Speaking & Presentation Classes

Tuesday, September 8
4:00 PM — Ages 7–12
5:00 PM — Ages 7–12
Length: 12 weeks

Wednesday, September 9
5:00 PM — Ages 7–12
7:00 PM — Ages 9–Teens
Length: 12 weeks

Thursday, September 10
4:00 PM — Ages 7–12
7:00 PM — Ages 9–Teens
Length: 12 weeks

Friday, September 11
5:00 PM — Ages 7–12
6:00 PM — Ages 9–Teens
Length: 12 weeks

Saturday, September 12
10:00 AM — Ages 9 to Teens
11:00 AM — Ages 7–12
1:30–2:30 PM — Ages 7– 14
Length: 11 weeks

Sunday, September 13
11:00 AM — Ages 7–12
Length: 11 weeks


Tuition:

Midweek classes: $600 

Weekend classes: $550 
REGISTER / REQUEST FREE TRIAL
Parent review for Thornhill Acting Studio describing how a student grew from nervous and unsure to confident and empowered through public speaking, communication, and performance training.
Description

Students learn to speak with power, clarity, and confidence — developing communication habits that define strong leaders and performers.

Classes focus on the foundations of effective speaking: projection, articulation, pronunciation, enunciation, and diction. Students learn to maintain eye contact, control nervous habits, and replace them with purposeful gestures that enhance their message.

Each week builds confidence and presence, teaching students how to own the room, connect with audiences, and deliver with energy and expression.

Improvisational challenges help students think on their feet, organize ideas quickly, and present with authenticity and creativity.

From one-word presentations to imaginative prompts like “Why the Moon Is Made of Cheese,” each exercise builds voice control, creative expression, and presence under pressure.


Students will also spend a few classes learning the BASICS of DEBATING and QUIZ-BUZZER like TV show, Jeopardy style games to stimulate fast thinking, clear answers, critical thinking, and confident speaking under pressure.

Return students will receive more advanced material to meet their level of development.


By the end, students communicate with clarity and conviction — on stage, on camera, and in life.

Classes are dual-purpose learning, where students learn about leadership, out-of-the-box thinking, confidence, character building, and responsibility.

Class size is limited to up to 8 students.


IMPORTANT ABOUT PUBLIC SPEAKING COURSES
All the public speaking classes offer the same benefits.

In the year 2026/27, we're thrilled to continue our curriculum--Debates, Million Dollar Youth and Ted Talks coaching. These exciting enhancements will be seamlessly integrated into all three terms of our renowned Public Speaking courses.

Master the Art of Public Speaking: Our core teachings empower students to wield the power of speech with confidence and clarity across diverse topics. From history and science to arts, geography, innovation, and more, they'll learn to present with flair and conviction.

Mr. Healy's Six Pillars of Success and Achievement: Our courses are built upon a foundation of effective work habits, meticulous research, thorough preparation, captivating presentation skills, an entrepreneurial mindset, and unwavering confidence.

Beginners can feel welcome and inspired: The debates and Ted Talks coaching will vary from beginner to advanced. Even if students in the same class are on different experiences, each student will be challenged according to each student’s maturity, experience, and abilities.

Dive into the World of Debates: Throughout the year, students will hone their debate skills in captivating team vs. team, and single vs. single formats. They'll master the art of research, compelling arguments, and persuasive rebuttals. Students must have public speaking experience. 

Ted Talks Excellence: As the pinnacle of our program, students will have the privilege of crafting and delivering Ted Talk presentations that captivate audiences. This ultimate expression of communication and research prowess will be a highlight of their journey.

The Grand Finale: Mark your calendars for June 2027, when our students take center stage at a special Public Speaking event. One inspiring evening of competitions judged before a live audience. Competing for awards, prizes, and recognition, they'll showcase their exceptional skills.

Embrace the 5P's: Discover the power of "Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance." Our students will confidently apply these strategies to become visionary leaders of the 21st century, equipped with entrepreneurial spirit.

Parents Stay Informed: Stay connected with your child's progress through video updates, witnessing their growth and achievements every step of the way.

Don't miss this opportunity to unlock your child's full potential and empower them for a future of success. Enroll today and embark on a journey that blends confidence, communication, and leadership like never before.

Together, let's inspire greatness!

Christopher Healy coaching a young student during a one-on-one public speaking lesson at Thornhill Acting Studio.
New student being taught the basics of public speaking with Christopher Healy.
Student celebrates winning first place at the Thornhill Acting Studio Public Speaking Showcase with coach Christopher Healy.
Addy wins first place at the 2026 Public Speaking Showcase with Christopher Healy.
Public speaking students celebrating medals, trophies and presentation achievements with Christopher Healy at Thornhill Acting Studio.
Showcase 2025 students celebrate there wins in public speaking.
What This Class Teaches In this term

Students work on core public speaking and communication skills such as:


  • Speaking clearly
  • Projecting the voice
  • Eye contact
  • Posture
  • Gestures
  • Reducing fidgeting
  • Organizing ideas
  • Speaking with confidence
  • Answering questions
  • Listening before responding
  • Short presentations
  • Spontaneous speaking
  • Interview-style speaking
  • Audience connection
  • Confidence in front of others
  • Critical thinking
  • Researching, analyzing, editing, and presenting ideas
  • Focus and concentration
  • Explaining their thinking clearly
  • Speaking with structure and purpose
June 2026 Public Speaking Showcase at Thornhill Acting Studio in Thornhill, Ontario, featuring youth students, trophies, medals, guest judges, grade divisions, confidence, critical thinking, research, and clear speaking.
Who This Class Is For

Public Speaking & Presentation is designed for students who need more confidence speaking in front of others, presenting at school, answering questions, or expressing themselves clearly.

This class can be especially helpful for students who are quiet, shy, reserved, hesitant to put up their hand in class, or unsure how to explain their thinking clearly.

Students learn how to organize their ideas, speak with more confidence, listen before responding, and communicate in a way that helps others understand them.

For many children, learning to speak clearly and confidently is not just a school skill — it is an important part of building self-belief, social confidence, and emotional resilience.

This class is also a strong foundation for students who may later want to move into Acting for Camera, Debate Club, Million Dollar Youth, leadership-style speaking, or performance-based programs.

Classes are generally designed for ages 7–12, with some classes available for older students. Students may be placed by age, experience, readiness, and instructor approval.

Christopher Healy coaching Rachel Parent for public speaking and presentation success, including TEDx Toronto preparation connected to Thornhill Acting Studio communication and performance training.
Studio Experience

Classes take place in a working performance studio where students can practise speaking in front of others, with cameras, podium work, presentation games, and audience-style exercises.

Students may practise both live in-room speaking and on-camera speaking depending on the class activity.

The goal is to help students develop real confidence through repetition, coaching, correction, and positive performance experience.

Confidence Through Communication

The goal is not only to help students “give a speech.”

The goal is to help students become more confident, clear, expressive, and comfortable using their voice.

Public speaking training helps students build communication habits that support school presentations, class participation, interviews, leadership opportunities, debate, performance, and everyday confidence.
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Real students. Real Class in progress / Faces AI altered for Online Privacy
The Bigger Communication Pathway

Public Speaking & Presentation is also a foundation course for many of the advanced programs at Thornhill Acting Studio.

Students who continue developing their communication skills may later move into Debate Club, Million Dollar Youth, Acting for Camera, media-style speaking, interview training, leadership presentations, and performance-based communication work.

This course gives students the base skills they need to speak with more confidence, structure, clarity, and presence.

For more in-depth information on the positive impact to students minds please click Speech Arts.

What Students Build Across the Communication Program

Students who continue through the broader communication training pathway develop skills in:

  • Clear speech
  • Stronger voice projection
  • Better diction and articulation
  • Eye contact
  • Confident posture
  • Natural gestures
  • Organized thinking
  • Short speeches
  • Longer presentations
  • Spontaneous speaking
  • Interview-style answers
  • Audience connection
  • Debate readiness
  • Leadership-style speaking
  • On-camera speaking
  • Message structure
  • Confidence under pressure
  • Presentation polish
  • Communication for school and life
REGISTER / REQUEST FREE TRIAL
Trial Class

A trial class may be available for new students, space permitting.
If the student does not continue after the trial class, there is no charge for that class, its free.
If the student continues, the trial class counts as Class 1 and is included in the course tuition.


Registration

To register or request class information, please use the registration form or contact Thornhill Acting Studio.
Please review the studio policies before registering, including trial class, refund, make-up class, recording/privacy, safety, and payment policies.


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