Persuasive Speech 2 - What Makes a Good Teacher?

           A very good morning I bid to all. Today, I am going to give a speech entitled “What makes a good teacher?”

            American journalist and former news anchor for CBS Evening News, Dan Rather, once said, “The dream begins most of the time, with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you on to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.” A good teacher is not only someone who has extremely high expertise on her subject and has good way of imparting knowledge but also someone who awakens passion and joy of learning as though she walks into minds and turn all lights on.  So, what do you think makes a good teacher? In my opinion, a good teacher is someone who has contagious enthusiasm for her teaching career, and has infinite creativity and is a good mentor to students.

Dear audience,

Firstly, a good teacher has contagious enthusiasm which she can pass on to her students. She approaches her students and her work with intensity and fervour. Not only that she loves her subject area, she always believes and hopes for a resounding success for her students and most of all, never gives up on any of the underachievers. For example, a good teacher will push her student to strive harder when the student seems not up to the mark. She will also reflect on her professional development which includes class, student management, teaching method and modern technology to enhance her professional and capabilities. In short, a good teacher is an ardent educator.

Dear fellow friends,

            Secondly, creativity is a paramount trait in a good teacher. A good teacher is one who never fails creating a conducive, harmonious and fun learning atmosphere in her class.  To achieve learning outcomes, she always devises new strategies and uses a wide variety of innovative approaches with a touch of humour to teach. She brings to life the lessons to attract students’ interest by relating her life experiences to the lesson taught.  Graphics, charts and videos, or even educational jokes, are some example of engaging materials to aid explanations. A good teacher organizes mini games before lessons to grab attention but is always firm to make clear transition back into lessons. A good teacher is one who fosters and cultivates creativity.

            Thirdly, a good teacher is a mentor who teaches not only knowledge of facts but also prerequisite lessons of life. She emphasizes not solely the tangibles of academics achievements but also the holistic development of a child. She is aware of the influences her teachings towards her students thus always try focus on teaching life and moral lessons and be a good mentor. A good teacher endeavours to not only know her students just as students, but also as a friend or even a confident.  Whenever students faced problems on issues of studies or relationship, seeking advice from her would be easy and comfortable. A good teacher is one who gives word of inspiration and channels positive energy according to accumulated wisdom of hers to steer her students to the right direction of life.

Ladies and gentlemen,

            A good teacher is hard to find. Not only a teacher must be an excellent mentor, but also must be able to empathise the students who are under tutelage. Nevertheless, every teacher can and should aspire to be good. All in all, it is pure bliss and felicity for students being able to have a creative teacher who instills passion of learning and positive values. Just like what William Arthur Ward says, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

            Thank you.