Public Speaking Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Indoor, group settings
Best For: Scouts interested in speaking, leadership, communication
Hands-On Level: High
Eagle Required: No

The Public Speaking merit badge helps you build confidence and learn how to speak in front of a group. You will practice organizing your thoughts, speaking clearly, and keeping people interested in what you are saying. These skills can help you at school, in Scouting, and later in work and leadership roles.

As you work on the Public Speaking merit badge, you will write speeches, practice presenting them, and learn from feedback. You will also think about your audience and how to share ideas in a way people can understand. Some speeches are planned ahead of time, while others are given with very little preparation. Both types help you become more comfortable speaking in front of others.

You do not need to be an outgoing person to earn the Public Speaking merit badge. If speaking in front of people makes you nervous, this badge can help you grow. With practice, you will learn to stay calm, think clearly, and share your ideas with confidence. The skills you learn will help you in many parts of your life.

Download the Public Speaking Merit Badge Requirements

Public Speaking Merit Badge Pamphlet

Public Speaking Merit Badge Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Public Speaking Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Public Speaking merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: Introduction
• Requirement 2: Prepared Talk
• Requirement 3: Impromptu Talk
• Requirement 4: Speech
• Requirement 5: Parliamentary Procedure
• More Resources

Requirement 1: Introduce Yourself

What You Need To Do

Give a speech about yourself that lasts three to five minutes. Speak to a group such as your troop, a class at school, or another audience.

Helpful Tips

• Pick a few simple topics about yourself before you start.
• Talk about your hobbies, family, school, or favorite activities.
• Practice your speech several times before presenting it.
• Time yourself so your speech fits within three to five minutes.
• Stand up straight and face the audience while speaking.
• Speak slowly and clearly so people can follow your words.
• Make eye contact with different people in the group.
• Use note cards with short reminders if needed.
• End with a short closing sentence about yourself.

Resources

• How To Introduce Yourself In A Speech (video)
• Introduction Speech Example (video)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts pick topics which are easy to talk about.
• Give Scouts time to practice before speaking to the group.
• Encourage a friendly and supportive audience.
• Offer simple feedback about speaking volume, pace, and eye contact.

Requirement 2: Prepared Talk

What You Need To Do

Prepare and give a talk that lasts three to five minutes. Choose your own topic and use body language and visual aids during your presentation.

Helpful Tips

• Pick a topic you already enjoy or know well.
• Make a simple outline before writing your talk.
• Practice using hand motions while you speak.
• Stand tall and face the audience during the presentation.
• Use posters, pictures, slides, or objects as visual aids.
• Keep visual aids large enough for people to see easily.
• Practice changing between speaking and showing visuals.
• Avoid reading every word from notes or slides.
• Time your presentation several times before giving it.

Resources

• How Should I Pick My Speech Topic? (video)
• 4 Essential Body Language Tips From a World Champion Public Speaker (video)
• 3 Minute Speech: How to Craft a Memorable Short Speech? (video)
• 5 Presentation Aids to Make Your Presentation Pop (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to choose topics which fit their interests.
• Help Scouts keep visual aids simple and easy to read.
• Give Scouts space to practice speaking with body language.
• Offer feedback about posture, movement, and use of visuals.

Requirement 3: Impromptu Talk

What You Need To Do

Give a talk which lasts at least two minutes without advance preparation. Your counselor will choose the topic, and you will speak either during a group discussion or directly to your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Stay calm when you hear the topic.
• Take a few seconds to organize your ideas before speaking.
• Start with a simple opening sentence about the topic.
• Share two or three main points during your talk.
• Use examples from your own experiences when possible.
• Keep talking even if you make a mistake.
• Speak slowly so you have more time to form ideas.
• Look at the audience instead of the floor.
• Finish with a short closing statement.

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)

Leader Tips

• Choose topics which match the Scout’s interests or experiences.
• Give Scouts encouragement before they begin speaking.
• Keep the setting relaxed and supportive.
• Offer simple feedback about staying organized and speaking clearly.

Requirement 4: Speech

What You Need To Do

Choose a topic which will interest your audience. Gather information, make an outline, write an eight- to 10-minute speech, practice it, and present it in a natural and conversational style.

Helpful Tips

• Pick a topic which fits the interests of your audience.
• Gather facts, examples, and stories before writing your speech.
• Make a simple outline with an introduction, main points, and conclusion.
• Keep your speech organized and easy to follow.
• Practice your speech several times out loud.
• Time yourself during practice sessions.
• Speak like you are having a conversation with the audience.
• Avoid reading every word from a paper.
• Use pauses and eye contact to keep people interested.
• Change your voice volume and pace during important points.

Resources

• How to Prepare a Speech (video)
• The Easiest Way to Practice for a Speech or Presentation (video)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts narrow large topics into clear speech ideas.
• Encourage practice sessions before the final presentation.
• Remind Scouts to speak naturally instead of memorizing every word.
• Give feedback about organization, pacing, and audience connection.

Requirement 5: Parliamentary Procedure

What You Need To Do

Show your knowledge of parliamentary procedure by leading a meeting or discussion using rules of order. You may also complete this requirement by answering questions about common meeting procedures and motions.

Helpful Tips

• Practice using a simple agenda before leading a meeting.
• Start the meeting by calling the group to order.
• Give everyone a chance to speak during discussions.
• Use motions, seconds, and votes during the meeting.
• Speak clearly so everyone can follow the process.
• Stay calm if people speak out of turn.
• Learn common motions such as approve, postpone, and adjourn.
• Watch how troop meetings or committee meetings are conducted.
• Keep discussions focused on the current topic.

Rules Of Order Details

• “Call to order” starts the meeting.
• A “motion” brings a topic before the group.
• A member says “I move” before making a motion.
• Another member gives a “second” to show support for discussion.
• The chair asks for discussion after a motion and second.
• Members wait to be recognized before speaking.
• “All in favor” asks for yes votes.
• “Opposed” asks for no votes.
• The chair announces the result of the vote.
• “Adjourn” ends the meeting.
• A “quorum” is the minimum number of members needed for business.
• The “chair” leads the meeting and keeps order.

Resources

• Robert’s Rules (video)
• Roberts Rules of Order Updated (video)

Leader Tips

• Demonstrate simple meeting procedures before the Scout leads.
• Use short practice activities with motions and voting.
• Encourage respectful discussion during meetings.
• Give feedback about organization, fairness, and meeting control.

Communication Program Feature for Scouts BSA Troops

The updated Communication program feature helps Scouts learn to share information clearly and listen effectively. It includes activities like learning body language, playing charades, and practicing internet safety. Scouts can also work on merit badges, including the Public Speaking merit badge, to improve their communication skills. The guide provides meeting plans, games, and Scoutmaster’s minutes to make learning fun.

For the “Main Event,” Scouts can visit media outlets, take a communication hike, or plan a camping trip. These activities build teamwork and communication skills. Scouts can also focus on earning badges like the Public Speaking merit badge to practice speaking confidently in front of others.

More Merit Badge Resources

The Public Speaking merit badge gives Scouts a simple way to learn how to share ideas clearly. It fits well within the full merit badge program because it adds an important communication skill to a list that includes science, trades, outdoor skills, and creative work. Many badges teach hands-on tasks, but this one focuses on clear expression. It helps balance the wide range of choices by offering a skill useful in school, work, and daily life.

It also connects to badges like Theater, Journalism, and Citizenship. Scouts who enjoy organizing thoughts or helping others understand information often find this badge helpful. It shows how the merit badge program supports many kinds of learning.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Public Speaking merit badge supports the larger goals of Scouts BSA by building confidence, clear thinking, and leadership. Good leaders know how to speak in a calm and helpful way.

It also ties into fitness, citizenship, and personal development. Strong communication helps Scouts work well in groups, understand community issues, and handle challenges. It encourages steady growth and responsible action.

What is the Public Speaking merit badge about?

The Public Speaking merit badge teaches Scouts how to speak confidently in front of a group. You’ll practice organizing your thoughts, giving speeches, and keeping an audience interested. These skills are useful in school, work, and everyday life.

Do I have to be a good speaker to earn the Public Speaking merit badge?

No, you don’t need to be a good speaker to start. This merit badge is designed to help you improve. You’ll practice and learn techniques to build confidence and get better over time.

What kinds of speeches do I need to give for the Public Speaking merit badge?

You’ll give several speeches, including:

• An introduction about yourself.
• A prepared talk using body language and visual aids.
• An impromptu speech with no preparation time.
• A longer, eight- to ten-minute speech on a topic you choose.
  You may also practice leading a meeting or answering questions about parliamentary procedure.

How do I prepare for a speech?

Start by choosing a topic you know or care about. Write an outline with an introduction, main points, and a conclusion. Practice your speech several times to feel more comfortable. Focus on speaking clearly and naturally.

What is parliamentary procedure, and why is it part of the Public Speaking merit badge?

Parliamentary procedure is a set of rules for running meetings in an organized way. It’s included in the Public Speaking merit badge because it helps Scouts learn how to lead discussions and make group decisions.

What if I get nervous speaking in front of people?

It’s normal to feel nervous. Practice is the best way to build confidence. Take deep breaths, speak slowly, and focus on your audience. Remember, everyone in the room is there to support you.

Can the skills I learn in the Public Speaking merit badge help me in other areas?

Yes! Public speaking skills can help you give presentations in school, lead groups, or even succeed in job interviews. This badge gives you tools that will help throughout your life.

Do I need any special materials or equipment for the Public Speaking merit badge?

You might need simple visual aids, like posters or objects to show during a speech. Most of what you need is preparation, practice, and confidence.

Why is the Public Speaking merit badge important?

Good communication is an essential skill. Earning the Public Speaking merit badge helps you express your ideas clearly, connect with others, and become a more confident leader.

The Public Speaking merit badge is all about building confidence and learning to communicate effectively. It helps Scouts practice giving speeches, leading discussions, and sharing ideas in front of a group. This badge focuses on skills that will help you in school, at work, and in your community.

To earn the Public Speaking merit badge, Scouts give several types of speeches. You’ll introduce yourself, talk about a topic of your choice, and even deliver a longer eight- to ten-minute speech. You’ll also practice speaking without preparation by giving an impromptu talk. These activities teach you how to organize your thoughts, stay calm under pressure, and connect with an audience.

Another part of the Public Speaking merit badge involves learning about parliamentary procedure. This is a set of rules for running meetings. You can complete this requirement by leading a discussion or answering questions about how meetings are organized. It’s a great way to learn leadership skills and understand group decision-making.

Public speaking might seem scary at first, but this merit badge shows you that anyone can become a better speaker. With practice and support, you’ll build skills that will last a lifetime.