WHO WE ARE
Public Speaking for Teens (PSFT) is the leading Public Speaking Coaching Program for youth and teens. We are a communication skill and activity-based learning program for (grades 4-12). We are connected by both in-person and technology. We are united by a desire to empower youth to become confident and effective communicators. All our sessions are taught by qualified and experienced coaches who work with a combination of our PSFT signature format, social-emotional learning tools and their personal creative content.
It is important to us that PSFT remains a safe space for our students, coaches, parents, and staff. Our members should treat each other without bias or prejudice across all pillars of diversity including, but not limited to, ability, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, and gender identity.
Please note: that while our program may incorporate social-emotional activities, our coaches are not licensed counselors or therapists. We provide presentation and social communication coaching for teens. Our focus is on improving public speaking, communication, and related skills. For mental health or therapeutic needs, we recommend seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health professional. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for skill development and growth within our expertise.
Here are some guidelines that we ask our parents, students, coaches, and staff to observe. Those who do not meet these guidelines will be released and no longer have access to our platform, programs, sessions, and membership.
PSFT Code of Conduct
We welcome members from all backgrounds, beliefs, and locations and are committed to creating a safe space for our members across all pillars of diversity.
We will do our best to communicate in a timely manner all program updates, changes, policies, and news.
We will listen to feedback from parents, coaches, and students, and make changes accordingly.
We will create and enforce policies to create a high-quality, trusted, and safe community for learning. This may include removing content or members, coaches, or staff from PSFT.
We will respond as promptly as possible to questions and issues that arise. We appreciate your patience.
For the safety and security of our students and coaches, all communication within our program is conducted through our designated platforms. These platforms provide a secure and monitored environment for interactions. We kindly request that all parents, coaches, and students adhere to this communication protocol to ensure a safe and respectful learning experience for everyone involved.
Finally, we ask that all members assume the best intentions in others. When something goes wrong, whether it's a technical glitch, an email without a response, or something else, we ask that you share feedback in a constructive way.
Right to Refuse or Cancel Membership
We reserve the right to refuse enrollment or cancel the membership of any student and their attending family if we believe that the program is no longer a good fit for the student or if there are concerns regarding the student's behavior, participation, or adherence to program guidelines. This decision will be made at the sole discretion of the program administrators and instructors. Read Policy Details Here
By enrolling your child in our Public Speaking Programs, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these terms and policies and agree to abide by them. We look forward to a productive and enriching experience for all program participants.
Parent Partnership Code
Read our REGISTRATION, BILLING & CANCELLATION POLICY
Please note: Membership is up to your # of sessions. We encourage all students to attend up to the maximum amount of sessions within their membership, however payment is the same if sessions are not maximized.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate any schedule or membership changes and updates in advance to avoid fees.
Be a partner with our team to assist students to adhere to the student guidelines, and policies to ensure a great experience.
Be a partner and keep us abreast of any outside observations around your child’s communication growth.
Group Members may access student portal to stay abreast of all program communication and student progress.
Group members may manage your student schedule through the student portal. Parents and students are responsible for scheduling and canceling group sessions.
Be sure to cancel or reschedule sessions within 48 -24 hr before or notify us via email to avoid additional fees. ( Make up sessions ar NOT automatic)
Keep an updated payment method on file in the student portal to avoid fees and canceled membership.
Provide constructive feedback about your program experience, for the benefit of the coaches and other parents.
Provide a space for your student that is void of distraction.
Avoid joining sessions, when the student is on the road and in a space where they can not liberally use the camera or mic.
Avoid distracting your teen during coaching sessions. (It takes on average 20 min for a person to recover from a distraction, that is valuable session time.)
Students should only attend sessions under their own enrollment, as themselves. Please do not use sibling's or another student’s enrollment to attend a session.
Communication and Accountability builds a strong partnership.
Student Partnership Code
Show up for your sessions; many sessions depend on group conversation, and the absence of a single student can have a big impact.
Join the class on time and be ready to learn and participate.
Communicate early any changes or updates.
Communicate 48-24 hours in advance if you are late or missing a session ( Group Sessions Only: May cancel /reschedule through student portal)
Late: 10 min grace period without notification. After 10 min attendance into the session may close.
Avoid joining sessions, when on the road and in a space where you can not liberally use the camera or mic
Bring Writing utensils and Writing Material ( journal, notebook, paper, etc)
Reliable camera, Mic, and internet access.
Join a session with the camera and mic ON for the duration of the session.
Be sure the First Name Only is visible when entering the waiting room.
Avoid joining sessions, when on the road and in a space where you can not liberally use the camera or mic.
Avoid using a cell phone to join the session it may limit participation.
Head and shoulders visible on screen.
Appropriate lighting for sessions. Face being visibly seen clearly (not in dark lighting).
The camera and device are properly situated so we are viewing the front of your face, not the side.
Dress in a manner appropriate for class to help create a safe and comfortable environment for all learners and the coach.
No eating meals during sessions (drinks OK )
Treat the coach and your peers with respect.
Show support and encouragement to your peer speakers (Clapping, positive feedback, the camera on while others are presenting, active listening, etc)
Help make each class a great learning experience for yourself and your peers: participate, stay on topic, and avoid distractions.
Contribute to a class environment in a way that is safe and welcoming for students and coaches from all backgrounds, beliefs, and locations.
Students should only attend sessions under their own enrollment, as themselves. Please do not use siblings or another student’s enrollment to attend a session.
Keep your personal information private and don't ask others to share personal information (e.g., email address, mailing address, phone number, gamertags, etc.).
For the safety and security of our students and coaches, all communication within our program is conducted through our designated platforms. These platforms provide a secure and monitored environment for interactions. We kindly request that all parents, coaches, and students adhere to this communication protocol to ensure a safe and respectful learning experience for everyone involved.