MARCH SCHOOL HOLIDAY INTERVIEW SKILLS PROGRAMME FOR CHILDREN
A 2-HALF-DAY INTENSIVE, INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION HOLIDAY CAMP FOR KIDS
Have Your Child Ace His/ Her Next High-Stakes Interview Skilfully & Confidently!
Preparing for school admission interviews, scholarship/ internship interviews, or CCA leadership prefectorial board elections can be nerve-wracking, especially when our young ones almost do not get any interview skills training from school at all. Finding the right guidance to help your child be outstanding amongst the competition is equally challenging. A long-term commitment might not suit everyone, but we have the perfect solution – the Interview Skills Mastery (ISM)!
Whether your child is gearing up for their first big interview (e.g. getting into their dream school) or needs a boost in skills & confidence to ace their subsequent ones, our Interview Skills Mastery (ISM) is the answer. Running since 2016, this signature holiday camp by the Public Speaking Academy equips learners with the communication tools and strategies to stand out in interviews and beyond.
Introducing the Interview Skills Mastery (ISM) Programme
(A tailored only-in March holiday Communication Skills workshop for children ages 9–12 & 13–18)
The Interview Skills Mastery program is a 2-half-day intensive workshop on interpersonal communication, self-pitching and interview skills, designed to prepare young learners for success in high-stakes interview situations. From formulating compelling responses swiftly, to mastering effective & impressive body language, we focus on 7 core competencies tackling interview questions such as Hypothetical questions, School and interest-based questions, personal disclosure questions, body language techniques and more!
Led by Darren Tay, World Champion of Public Speaking 2016, and our Senior Trainers, this programme offers a deep dive into essential skills that will set your child apart.
We will let you in on a secret – the main trainer of ISM, Darren, has been a highly sought after 1-to-1 interview skills trainer and prepper since 2016; it has always been private training sessions where Darren imparts the interview tips and strategies and confidence-building advantages to these students. This is the first program specifically designed and conducted by Darren to let more students benefit from the interview skills mastery secrets!
There will be plenty of interview opportunities or “challenges” (depends on how you perceive it) down the road for your child. This is a preparatory program that, we believe, every student should attend at least once in their lifetime (so that they will be better prepared for all subsequent interviews in their future ahead)!
Our aim is to enable graduates of the Interview Skills Mastery (ISM) program to walk away from every subsequent interview (whether it’s for DSA, internship, scholarship, CCA leadership committee, prefectorial board, and etc.) feeling and knowing that they have:
What to Expect in the “ISM” Holiday Camp
Catch a glimpse of How Your Child is Going to be Guided Along the insider tips!
The Interview Skills Training Camp Your Child Needs This March Holiday Before DSA season!
Theory/ Technique Building (taught by Mr Darren Tay)
Learners receive proprietary materials and are guided step-by-step through proven communication and interview techniques. Our professional trainers use engaging methods like quizzes, group discussions, and interactive challenges to keep sessions dynamic.
Breakout Practices (facilitated by 1-2 facilitators who are Senior Trainers at PSA)
Participants apply what they’ve learned in smaller, focused breakout sessions. These allow young communicators to refine their techniques in a safe and supportive environment. The facilitators offer evaluation to individual students so that they may improve on the application of the techniques.
Mock Interview Stations
On Day 2, the facilitators will have mock interview stations as part of the breakout practice so that students have a feel of the flow of an interview.
The ISM March holiday camp’s syllabus focuses on 7 core competencies of interpersonal communication and pitching skills that apply to our young learners’ day-to-day in school, at home, and even in the future. From quick response-crafting techniques to displaying positive body language that we will be imparting in this holiday workshop, your child will explore the interview techniques and tips with the guidance of Singapore’s first Public Speaking World Champion and our experienced senior trainers:
The Programme Syllabus
The 7 Core Competencies that will be covered in the 2 Half-Day ISM training are:
1. How to tackle personal disclosure questions and personal experience questions
2. How to tackle Hypothetical interview questions
3. How to tackle School and interest-based interview questions
4. How to tackle Forecast-type interview questions
5. How to tackle Normative/ opinion-based interview questions
6. Body language techniques when going for an interview
7. Group interview techniques
What Our Students Have To Say About How Training Is Like With Mr Darren:
ISM Kids March Holiday Camp Details - How Do I Enrol My Child?
The Interview Skills Mastery programme is only conducted at our SAFRA Tampines Branch (1A Tampines Street 92 #01-13B (SAFRA Tampines) Singapore-528882), with the following schedule:
For 9 to 12 years old
Primary School Group
18 & 19 March 2025 (Tue & Wed)
9.30 am to 1.00 pm on both half-days
Open for Registration!
For 13 to 18 years old
Sec School/Teen Group
20 & 21 March 2025 (Thur & Fri)
9.30 am to 1.00 pm on both half-days
Open for Registration!
(doors open for attendance from 9 to 9.30 am for both sessions, with class starting strictly at 9.30 am)
Price Details
We are offering a limited seats-only rate of – S$459 nett
We are offering a limited seats-only rate of – S$459 nett (all materials, evaluation, certificates included)
Other Key Programme Details
Public Speaking Academy @ Tampines
1A Tampines Street 92 #01-13B
SAFRA Tampines
Singapore-528882.
Can I attend a trial?
As this is an intensive programme with limited capacity, there is no trial class. Likewise, only enrolled students will be allowed to sit in for the programme to ensure a constructive, conducive and safe learning environment.
Nevertheless, we have an infokit (which we give it free-of-charge to all participants of ISM) which shares tips and strategies to write a personal statement as well as a checklist that individuals can run through when preparing for their portfolio/ resume.
In the event of any COVID-19 measures, legislation, or any directive from the Government disrupting the conduct of the programme, there will be no refund of the fees paid. Instead, the programme will be postponed to another date/time (as per our Terms & Conditions in our Registration Form).
Find out more about our Track Record since 2009!
Tailored for Real-World Success
The ISM March school holiday camp’s curriculum equips young learners with skills they can apply in school, at home, and in their future pursuits. With a focus on interview-specific techniques, such as:
- Swiftly Formulate responses to common interview questions
- Competently handle tough and not-so-common interview questions
- Communicating personal strengths and achievements (self-pitching) effectively
- Managing nervousness and projecting confidence
- Building rapport with interviewers through active listening and engaging communication
This programme is the perfect preparation for key moments like school admission interviews, scholarship panels, and leadership selection boards. Under the guidance of Singapore’s first Public Speaking World Champion and our experienced senior trainers, your child will gain the tools to shine in any interview setting.
Give your child the interview Advantage this March holiday!
If you have any queries before signing up, please send us an email (to: contact@publicspeakingacademy.com.sg) with “ISM 2025 Kids” in the email header and we will get back to you on your query!
Before you even consider enrolling is our comprehensive DSA Interview Workshop designed to prepare students for the competitive & demanding DSA interview process, here are
two quick DSA Interview Tips
for your child!
Tip Number 1: Be “Poised” To Engage
Many parents and students THINK that ONLY the responses matter in DSA interviews. Unbeknownst to many of them, first impressions are created not JUST by the veral speech aspect, but ALSO the countenance and body language!
Just for the approx. 30 minutes of face-to-face interview, although it may be strenuous, tell your child to sit upright with his/ her chest out (*visualization: imagine a hook pulling the chest OUTwards), place his/ her hands on the table, wear a teeth-revealing smile. These will help you convey openness, welcomeness and readiness to engage in the conversation. Such posture primes you to use your hand gestures and sustain your eye contact. A radiant expression also builds rapport and bridge the gap between the student and interviewers (for most DSA interviews, your child will be meeting them for the first time, and you can only create a first impression once).
Tip Number 2: When in doubt or anxious, SHIFT your focus back to the speech structure!
For students who lack DSA interview preparation and are not trained to answer the FAQs (frequently asked questions that we will guide our students step-by-step) of DSA interview settings, when faced with an unexpected question, they always toss all composure out of the window and start catastrophizing!
Panicking is the most painful starting point, especially when you are not sure about how to answer a difficult question. Instead, taking a short pause to digest, unpack and evaluate the question thrown to you may give you that much-needed breathing space to respond confidently. The trick is to fall back on the P.E.E.L structure (one of the multiple impromptu speech structures that we will impart to our students) by calmly and systematically stating your:
- Point (e.g. "Playtime is important to a child's development"),
- Explain ("e.g. "because it provides opportunities to learn skills not found in classrooms"),
- Example (e.g. "such as socializing, communication, leadership skills."),
- Link back (e.g. that's why I think playtime is important for all-round learning).
If you are keen to develop your child into a confident and skilful interviewee/ communicator this March school holidays, join us for the Interview Skills Mastery (ISM) Programme (our signature DSA interview skills training camp for Kids aged 9-18 – only during the March holiday)! Our founder, and 2016 World Champion of Public Speaking Darren Tay, looks forward to sharing his tried and tested know-hows, techniques, and experiences with your child/children, in his signature school holiday camp, to help your child enhance his/ her self-pitching, impromptu speaking abilities and boost your child/ children’s interview skills & confidence!
If you are also looking for public speaking courses or holiday workshop for yourself (adults), you may check out our public speaking courses for adults here.
END OF COURSE DETAILS
Quick Tips
Shy children can still shine in Direct School Admission (DSA) interviews with the right preparation and emotional support.
1. Practice common questions
Rehearse responding to common questions, like “Tell me about yourself” or “Why this school?”
2. Build familiarity with mock interviews
Use a quiet space, dress up, and simulate the real environment.
3. Focus on strengths and real stories
Help your child prepare a few achievements (or challenges they have overcome) they feel proud to share.
4. Teach calming strategies
Breathing exercises can ease anxiety before the interview (Feeling the cool air up the nose when inhaling, and slowly exhaling with pursed lips).
5. Reframe “shyness” as thoughtfulness
Let your child know that quiet examination of the situation is a mark of confidence —and schools notice that too.
Looking for enriching activities during school breaks?
Here’s what to consider:
1. Skill-building focus
Choose programs that develop holistic life skills like communication in various settings (impromptu speech, storytelling, interview, oral exam, class presentation).
2. Progressive learning and exposure
Children thrive in settings where they won’t get thrown into the deep end of the water; breaking into smaller groups to present before culminating in the bigger audience will be more receptive.
3. Engaging curriculum
Look for activities that balance fun with learning.
4. Safe and supportive environment
Make sure instructors are trained and experienced with children.
5. Tangible takeaways
Kids should walk away more confident, capable, and inspired.
Panel interviews can feel intimidating, but they’re manageable with the right strategy.
1. Prepare for multiple perspectives
Each interviewer may focus on different things—prepare well-rounded answers, and don’t expect all interviewers have consensus on every issue.
2. Make eye contact with everyone
Don’t just focus on the person asking the question—include the whole panel, signalling inclusivity and control of the situation.
3. Stay concise and confident
Keep answers focused and avoid rambling. No need to dominate, as a conversation might be opened and you can respond subsequently.
4. Show your personality
Be professional, but let your enthusiasm and authenticity come through.
5. Follow up with a thank-you
A personalized email to each interviewer helps you leave a strong impression.
Impromptu speeches are delivered with little to no preparation—think of answering a surprise question in class or during a meeting.
Prepared speeches are written, practiced, and rehearsed ahead of time—like a TED Talk or school classroom/ business/ boardroom presentation.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Aspect | Impromptu Speech | Prepared Speech |
|---|---|---|
| Planning time | Minimal or none | Ample time to plan |
| Structure | Often spontaneous | Clear and deliberate |
| Delivery | Natural, conversational | Polished, rehearsed |
| Examples | Q&A sessions, interviews, oral exams | Keynotes, speeches, presentations |
| Skill focus | Thinking fast on your feet | Clarity, depth, delivery style |
Both styles build different communication muscles—and strong speakers often train in both.
Helping children speak with confidence sets them up for life success.
Here’s how to build that confidence step by step:
1. Start with small wins
Let them share a story or joke at dinner. Engage in a conversational back-&-forth to sustain their interest in speaking. Celebrate progress, not perfection.
2. Create safe speaking spaces
Encourage low-pressure opportunities like family games or school events.
3. Role-model bravery
Show them that it’s okay to be nervous—and that speaking up is still worth it.
4. Focus on body language
Teach them to stand tall (chest outwards), make sustained eye contact, and smile.
5. Enroll in supportive programs/ courses
Regular practice with encouraging peers and trainers builds skill and courage.
Impromptu speaking means thinking on your feet and expressing ideas without much prep time—it’s a valuable life and work skill.
Here’s how to improve:
1. Use a simple structure
Stick to Point – Explanation – Example – Link (reiterate the point). It keeps your answer clear even under pressure.
2. Pause before you speak
Take a breath to gather your thoughts (Inhale by feeling the cool air up the nose, and exhale with pursed lips). A short pause shows confidence, not hesitation.
3. Practice with prompts
Use random topics or questions and give yourself 30 seconds to respond. It builds fluency by internalizing the impromptu frameworks (PEEL).
4. Focus on one main idea
Don’t try to say everything—pick one key point and support it well.
5. Stay calm under pressure
Mistakes are okay. The goal is to sound natural by not interrupting the speech flow, not perfect.