“Children develop their thinking abilities and understand the world through language. This book gently guides children to express themselves in ways they can understand, helping them grow into people who know their own hearts and know how to maintain relationships with others.”
— Jo Seon-mi (Mentor on EBS’s Parenting School, Professor of Psychiatry at Ajou University)

“Raising two children has made me deeply realize that the most important learning for a child is practicing how to speak. This book, written from a child's perspective, teaches them how to calmly express their feelings. It builds self-confidence—and that confidence will determine their future.”
— Lee Hyun-i (Broadcaster)

“This book is designed to help children who are familiar with digital environments develop the ability to express their emotions through words. I hope that through this book, children will confidently voice their feelings.”
— Jang Jin-nam (Elementary School Teacher)

★ From behind the broadcast microphone to standing beside children, Korea's leading broadcaster Han Seok-jun brings 27 years of communication wisdom to this speaking guide for elementary school children navigating their “first social lessons.” Free from dry theory, the book draws from real-life scenarios—such as "how to raise your hand and speak in class," "how to introduce yourself to a new friend," and "how to say no when a friend plays a prank"—teaching children to turn shaky voices into confident expressions, and bottled-up grievances into words that protect themselves. The author firmly believes that one successful act of self-expression in childhood can become a spark of self-confidence that lights up a lifetime. This is not just a book about speaking—it is a suit of armor for every child who struggles with words.

A child whose voice grows quieter and quieter. A child who silently endures friends' pranks. A child who trembles because they cannot refuse unreasonable requests. For elementary school children just stepping into society, their biggest worries are always “speaking” and “relationships.” Han Seok-jun, who served as a leading broadcaster in Korea for 27 years and shared the value of communication through Han Seok-jun's Speaking Class and Han Seok-jun's Conversation Skills, now presents Han Seok-jun's Speaking Lessons for Children—written from a child's perspective.

Through years of working with countless people in broadcasting, the author realized that what truly changes relationships is not so much “speaking well” as “expressing what's inside appropriately.” This is why he previously taught speaking skills to adults and has now turned his attention to children. He believes that childhood experiences with language expression have a profound impact on lifelong confidence and relationship-building. He wrote this book to help children who struggle with words to bravely express their thoughts and feelings, and to protect themselves in friendships.

[Han Seok-jun]

My career began as a broadcaster at KBS, where I was hired through an open recruitment process. With 27 years of experience as a broadcaster and communication specialist, I have constantly explored how to express myself sincerely while interacting with countless people in the studio. My books Han Seok-jun's Speaking Class and Han Seok-jun's Conversation Skills became bestsellers based on the belief that “anyone can improve their speaking skills through training.”

I wrote my first children's book to help children who are not good with words to bravely express their thoughts and feelings. It introduces some “magical opening lines” to help children break the ice in various situations—such as when they disagree with a friend, when they have to give a presentation in class, or when they have to turn down a request. Through this book, I hope children will learn to protect their inner selves and build healthy friendships.

[Cha Sang-mi]

I majored in visual design at university and currently work as an illustrator, creating artwork for various media including books and videos. I depict everyday scenes and the emotions that flow within them with a calm and gentle touch. Books I have contributed to as an illustrator include Polar Bear Shaved Ice, The Giant Letter That's Coming, Dale Carnegie's Path to Humanity, How to Fly, Spring Bear, and Magmi and the Fox Grandmother.

Part One: First Words to Confidently Present Yourself
Part Two: First Expressions That Touch Your Heart
Part Three: First Words to Build Connections That Hold You and Your Friends Together
Part Four: Words of Courage to Protect Yourself in Any Situation