There is a simple but effective process for developing public speakers in elementary and junior high schools. After discussing the importance of effective speaking, the teacher puts a topic sentence, on favorite desserts for example, on the board or overhead projector and students think of their favorite desserts and some related words and phrases. Three students state their choices aloud while the teacher writes them down. The class then reads the opening sentence, the three students again state their choices, and the class reads the closing statement. The speech is complete without the risk of failure that gives students speech anxiety. Students will then be ready to prepare their own "dessert" speeches, which they can rehearse, then read aloud over several days, moving gradually from their desks to the front of the classroom. As public speaking becomes more complex, students may carry small cards with an opening statement, five or six key words, and a closing sentence to serve as an outline. To develop audience rapport, students judge each speaker according to a simple chart for immediate feedback. This simple speech format can build students' confidence until they are ready to share more complex experiences with their peers. The format can also be adjusted to fit curriculum goals and individual class objectives and is suitable for social studies, science reports, book reviews, and current events. After a few years of consistent practice, elementary school students speak easily for 3 to 5 minutes. Written composition also improves as students become proficient at organizing ideas. (HTH)