Getting your child into their dream school through Direct School Admission (DSA) requires more than just good grades and talent. Schools look for students who demonstrate confidence and can express themselves well.
And how do they prove this? Through the DSA interview.
Strong public speaking skills can set your child apart. When they can communicate clearly, keep their audience engaged, and answer questions confidently, they make a strong impression on interviewers. That’s why developing your child’s soft skills, such as articulation and self-assurance, is key to standing out.
This guide covers seven public speaking tips to help students prepare for their DSA interview. Read on!
What Is DSA and Why Does It Matter?
The Direct School Admission for Secondary Schools (DSA-Sec), introduced by Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE), allows Primary 6 students with exceptional talents to secure a spot in a desired secondary school:
Students can apply through DSA-Sec based on their exceptional skills in sports, arts, debate, public speaking, STEM, humanities leadership, and more.
Successful applicants secure their placement before taking the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), though final admission depends on meeting the school’s PSLE eligibility criteria.
However, DSA-Sec is a commitment. Once your child is accepted, they can’t choose another school during the Secondary 1 posting or transfer later—they’ll need to stay for the whole programme.
Steps to Apply for DSA-Sec
Now that you understand what DSA is and why it matters, here’s how you can help your child apply.
Here’s a quick step to help your child get started:
1. Check your child’s eligibility
Ensure your child’s ability match the school’s DSA-Sec criteria. Use SchoolFinder to explore available programmes.
2. Choose the right school
Select the desired school that aligns closely with your child’s talents and interests.
3. Get ready for the selection process
Schools may conduct interviews, auditions, or trials—so encourage your child to practise talking confidently about their talents.
4. Submit your application
Apply online through the DSA-Sec Portal—usually around May— and seek assistance from your child’s primary school for help if needed.
5. Nominate a proxy (if necessary)
Can’t apply yourself? You can nominate a proxy to submit your application during the DSA-Sec period or your child’s school preference form (tentatively in October).
For full details on the DSA-Sec process, visit the MOE website.
Following these steps can help you and your child prepare effectively and feel more confident during the DSA application process.
7 Practical Public Speaking Tips to Ace DSA Interviews
You have to note that talent alone won’t guarantee your child’s success in a DSA interview—strong communication skills can be the deciding factor.
Here are seven practical public speaking tips to help your child impress interviewers and stand out from other applicants:
1. Understand the audience
Every school community has unique values, and aligning responses with them can make students stand out. Knowing what to say is just one part of the equation—but helping your child understand who they’re speaking to matters just as much.
Here’s how they can understand more about the target audience:
- Research the school’s mission, vision, and programmes.
- Attend open houses to understand their culture.
- Talk to enrolled students or alumni for real insights.
For example, leadership-focused schools seek students who take initiative, while science-focused schools value problem-solving skills.
A strong response should reflect these priorities while being delivered with confidence, clarity, and enthusiasm—all key elements of public speaking.
2. Structure responses clearly
Interviewers appreciate a clear, concise answer—they don’t have time to decode long-winded answers. Using the PREP framework (Point, Reason, Example, Point) helps structure responses logically.
For example, if asked a common DSA interview question like, “Why do you want to join our school?” they could respond like this:
- Point: “I want to join because of your strong STEM programme.”
- Reason: “I love science and enjoy tackling real-world problems.”
- Example: “Last year, I built a solar-powered car for my school’s competition.”
- Point: “I believe your school will help me grow as an innovator.”
Practise with your child to help them deliver clear, focused answers within 30-45 seconds for maximum impact.
3. Tell a compelling story
Helping your child prepare for interviews includes guiding them to share compelling stories highlighting their strengths. Facts alone may not be enough—stories create impact and make responses more memorable for interviewers.
For example, instead of saying, “I love art,” students can share how they spent months perfecting a painting displayed in an exhibition. Including struggles and lessons learned makes the story more engaging.
Vivid details and emotions make responses more memorable.
4. Speak with clarity and confidence
Even well-prepared and great answers lose impact if they’re mumbled or filled with hesitation. Students should speak clearly and confidently, avoiding filler words like “um” and “like.”
To sound more confident, here are some techniques your child can try:
- Recording themselves – Listening back helps identify areas for improvement in their speech.
- Practising pausing – Momentary pauses and strategic silence can emphasise key points.
- Using a mirror – Watching and studying facial expressions helps improve delivery.
Remember, confidence isn’t about being loud—it’s about speaking with purpose and conviction.
5. Use body language to reinforce the message
Non-verbal cues shape first impressions. Confident speakers engage with their audience beyond just words. Here are simple ways your child can use body language to appear more confident during the interview:
- Sit or stand upright to project confidence—avoid slouching
- Use natural hand gestures to emphasise points, but avoid overdoing it.
- Maintain eye contact with interviewers to appear engaged and show attentiveness.
- Avoid nervous habits like fidgeting or crossing arms, which may come across as defensive and uncertain.
A confident posture and composed presence make a positive impact even before your child says a word.
6. Manage nerves through breathing and mindset shifts
Feeling nervous before an interview is completely normal, but it’s essential for your child to learn to manage it to show their full potential. Here are a few simple techniques to help them stay in control:
- Practice deep breathing– Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, and exhale for 4 seconds to stay calm.
- Reframe anxiety as excitement– Encourage your child to replace “I’m nervous” with “I’m excited to share my story.”
- Simulate real interview conditions- Time their responses and record practice sessions for review.
Remind them that confidence isn’t about eliminating nerves—it’s about managing them effectively so that they can perform at their best.
7. Refine through feedback and practice
Great speakers aren’t born—they’re made through consistent practice and constructive feedback. A structured approach to practising can help your child improve their communication skills consistently.
Start by simulating real conditions with mock interviews in a formal setting. Have them practise answering follow-up questions to refine their ability to think independently.
If possible, seek feedback from teachers, parents, or mentors. They can provide valuable insights on delivery, tone, and clarity.
The more they practise, the more natural and confident their public speaking will become!
Final Insights: Prepare Your Child for DSA Interviews with Strong Public Speaking Skills
Strong public speaking skills are not just beneficial for DSA interviews but will serve students well in all areas of life.
Beyond public speaking, remind your child to maintain a well-rounded profile by excelling in academics and extracurricular activities. Whether they apply for a Gifted Education Programme, leadership roles, or competitive programmes, strong leadership skills and communication skills will always set them apart.
To review, success in DSA interviews boils down to the following:
- Understanding the audience and tailoring responses accordingly.
- Delivering clear and well-structured answers.
- Use storytelling.
- Using body language effectively to reinforce key messages.
- Managing nerves and staying composed under pressure.
- Refining responses through practice and feedback.
At The Eloquence College, students receive expert coaching to refine their speaking skills through mock interviews, constructive feedback, and personal development.
With our guidance, they gain the confidence and techniques to communicate effectively in interviews, school presentations, and future careers.
Redefine Your World With Eloquence: Speak with Confidence and Impact!
A strong, confident speaker stands out—not just in DSA interviews but also in academics, leadership roles, and beyond.
At The Eloquence College, we help students develop the skills to speak clearly, think critically, and present themselves confidently.
While we don’t offer DSA-specific courses, our expert-led training equips students with the essential communication skills and public speaking techniques—key to excelling in interviews.
If you’re looking for the best way to help your child succeed in their DSA interview and strengthen their public speaking skills, our courses can give them the edge they need.