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3 min read

Teaching Is Just Talking, Right?

If you’re a teacher, you probably talk more before lunch than most people do all day. You narrate every step, explain complex ideas, answer questions, and sometimes monologue like you’re starring in a one-person Broadway show (to an audience that may or may not be paying attention). But here’s the question: Does all this talking make you a great public speaker?

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Not necessarily. While teachers are experts at talking to an audience, true public speaking is an art of persuasion, presence, and engagement that extends beyond the classroom. And then there’s the even trickier skill—speaking with people. Whether it’s a parent, a student in need of guidance, or your principal in a meeting, the difference between talking to and speaking with can make or break the way your message is received. Let’s unpack that.

Public Talking: Commanding a Classroom

Let’s be clear—public talking is a skill. A teacher who can fill an entire 50-minute class with explanations, examples, and the occasional theatrical eyebrow raise to manage behavior is doing something impressive. Talking to a room full of students means maintaining control, simplifying complex concepts, and delivering information in a way that (hopefully) sticks.

In many ways, teaching is a performance. You adjust your voice, pacing, and gestures like a pro. You use strategic pauses, humor, and even dramatic sighs to keep students engaged. But is this the same as public speaking? Not quite. A classroom monologue is different from delivering a keynote at a conference, leading a staff workshop, or even running a meeting. Why? Because real public speaking is about engaging an audience—not just holding their attention, but making them care.

Public Speaking: Leading Beyond the Classroom

If public talking is about controlling the classroom, public speaking is about inspiring and influencing others. This skill comes into play when presenting to colleagues, advocating for change, or leading professional development sessions. Unlike teaching, public speaking isn’t just about explaining—it’s about persuasion, confidence, and making sure your message resonates.

A skilled public speaker doesn’t just relay facts; they tell stories, use emotion, and connect ideas to real-world experiences. This is why great speakers can turn a room full of distracted adults into an engaged audience, hanging onto every word. And let’s be honest—sometimes that’s harder than keeping a classroom of 12-year-olds in line.

Talking To vs. Speaking With: Communication in One-on-One Settings

Teachers don’t just talk to groups—they also have critical one-on-one conversations with students, parents, and colleagues. And this is where many educators face a hidden challenge: Are you talking to the other person, or speaking with them?

Talking to someone is directive. “Turn in your assignment by Friday.” “You need to pay attention.” “This is how you solve the problem.” Necessary? Absolutely. But not always effective for deeper conversations.

Speaking with someone, on the other hand, invites dialogue. “What’s making this assignment difficult for you?” “Tell me what’s on your mind.” “How can we work together to solve this?” This approach is more collaborative and often leads to better outcomes—whether it’s understanding a struggling student, de-escalating a parent’s concerns, or working with a colleague.

Reflecting on How You Communicate

The way we communicate shapes how others perceive us. It also determines how well our message is received. So take a moment to reflect:

• When you explain a concept, do you check for understanding, or do you assume they got it and move on?

• When you meet with parents or colleagues, do you control the conversation, or do you leave room for a real exchange of ideas?

• Are you using communication to simply deliver information, or are you using it to build relationships?

The reality is, great communication isn’t just about how much you talk—it’s about how well you’re heard. And sometimes, leveling up your communication means not just talking more, but speaking better. So, the next time you find yourself in front of a classroom, a meeting, or a difficult conversation, ask yourself: Am I talking to them, or speaking with them? That small shift might just change everything.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

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