Recite your favorite monologue
Write and practice an original one-minute monologue about a memorable day, then perform it aloud to family or friends to build confidence.
Step-by-step guide to write and perform a one-minute monologue about a memorable day
Step 1
Pick one super-memorable day you want to talk about and say its name out loud.
Step 2
Write who was there and where the day happened on your paper.
Step 3
Write one word that captures the main feeling you remember from that day.
Step 4
Write three small moments from that day as short notes on your paper.
Step 5
Write a strong opening sentence that grabs attention right away.
Step 6
Turn each of your three small moments into one short sentence so you have three middle sentences.
Step 7
Write one closing sentence that explains why the day was special or what you learned.
Step 8
Set your timer to 60 seconds and read your monologue out loud to see how long it takes.
Step 9
Read it again and draw a small dot where you will take a breath.
Step 10
Circle one or two words you want to say with big feeling.
Step 11
Practice your monologue out loud three times using your breath dots and the words you circled.
Step 12
Pick one small prop or choose one simple gesture to use during your performance.
Step 13
Perform your one-minute monologue aloud to family or friends to build confidence.
Step 14
Share your finished monologue on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a timer, paper, or can't access DIY.org?
Use your phone's timer or a kitchen timer for 'Set your timer to 60 seconds', write on scrap paper or a notebook for the 'Write' steps, and instead of 'Share your finished monologue on DIY.org' send a video or voice note to family or upload to a private YouTube link.
My monologue keeps running over 60 seconds or I keep forgetting lines—what should I try?
Shorten your opening and the three middle sentences, draw extra breath dots where you pause, circle only one strong word to focus emphasis, and rehearse the 'Practice your monologue out loud three times' step while timing until it fits one minute.
How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, have an adult help with the 'Write' steps, let them draw the three small moments and use a 30-second timer, and for older kids, add sensory detail to each of the three middle sentences, vary sentence length, and extend practice and the performance time.
How can we make the performance more creative or personal?
Personalize it by choosing a meaningful 'one small prop' or a specific gesture to repeat, circle extra words to amplify feeling in the 'Circle one or two words' step, record multiple takes to pick the best to share, or add a short sound cue or simple costume piece for stage presence.
Watch videos on how to write and perform a one-minute monologue about a memorable day
10 Steps to a Perfect Monologue 🎭 (How To Perform A Monologue)
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10 Steps to a Perfect Monologue 🎭 (How To Perform A Monologue)
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Facts about public speaking for kids
⏱️ One-minute monologues are a favorite in auditions because they let an actor show emotion and character quickly.
👪 Performing first for family or friends can lower nerves and boost confidence before a bigger audience.
🧠 Practicing a monologue aloud strengthens memory: speaking engages auditory and motor systems that help you remember lines.
🎭 Shakespeare's monologues (like Hamlet's "To be or not to be") are among the most famous and are still performed worldwide.
🗣️ Up to about 75% of people report some fear of public speaking — it's one of the most common fears!
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