Author Archives: Erik Palmer

About Erik Palmer

The #1 language art is speaking. By far. I'm committed to promoting the teaching of oral communication in all of its forms.

Shortchanging Speaking

Posted on August 5, 2022 by Erik Palmer

A student turns in this paper: many people think that we should not have ginetticly modifyed foods we could be having health problems in the future if we eat them, Some studys say that they cause cancer. we should pass … Continue reading →

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Never make a slide like this.

Posted on June 13, 2022 by Erik Palmer

I show people how to be more effective oral communicators. Part of that job is to make the complex simple. What does it take to deliver a talk well? What are the essential skills? How can those skills be condensed … Continue reading →

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Don’t hit record! Don’t turn on the Zoom mic! Don’t Flipgrid! First…

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Erik Palmer

Fourth graders are learning about the Reconstruction. The teacher wants to test out his new green screen tools. He has students speak and posts the video on YouTube. A huge problem: he is so focused on the tech tool that … Continue reading →

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Ready for the Real World

Posted on May 8, 2022 by Erik Palmer

Read “Speaking Out” from Educational Leadership May 2022 issue Or click here.

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Redefining Reading

Posted on April 13, 2022 by Erik Palmer

[This was originally published at the HMH Shaped Blog. I am reposting it in response to the NCTE’s recent position statement which includes these lines: My wife recently rediscovered her grandmother’s copy of The Scarlet Letter. The edition was published … Continue reading →

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I Hate “Public Speaking”: Why Those Words Need to Go

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Erik Palmer

I want all students to become better speakers. Every time I say that I get a response like “Oh yes, public speaking is so important!” I hate that response. Let me explain. The words have a terrible connotation. “Public speaking” … Continue reading →

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Essays Muttered Aloud!

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Erik Palmer

The annual convention of the largest association of English teachers in America. The president of the organization addresses the thousands in attendance. A keynote address? Not exactly. More like reading an essay at the audience. Listen to a piece of … Continue reading →

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Talk First. Write Later.

Posted on February 2, 2022 by Erik Palmer

“F9. Action” That was Mason’s response to the prompt “What’s your favorite movie? Why is it your favorite?” It was part of a Getting to Know You assignment at the start of the 6th grade year. I had to look … Continue reading →

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100 English Teachers Walk Into a Bar

Posted on November 1, 2021 by Erik Palmer

Originally published in California English          One hundred English teachers walk into a bar. One by one, the bartender asks them why they became English teachers. The first one says, “I love poetry! I write poetry and … Continue reading →

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Teaching Speaking, the Forgotten Language Art

Posted on September 1, 2021 by Erik Palmer

What are the skills involved in effective oral communication? Nobody exactly knows. This is what I find out when I ask teachers the question. We all have some ideas, but no one knows for sure what is really involved. It’s … Continue reading →

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