The speaker believes that society should identify those children who have unique talents and provide them with training to develop them rather than encouraging them through education. This advice is universally popular, and for a good reason. Talent is, at least in the eyes of the public, something that can be developed. While it is natural to assume that talent is an innate quality, it is not. Instead, talent is the result of deliberate practice, often over several years of strenuous effort. This training can be seen in the development of sports icons, those who play musical instruments, or actors. The television show America’s Got Talent is evidence of the public’s fascination with talent-based entertainment. Viewers tune in week after week to see children who have developed their talent into remarkable performances through years of training and practice. However, not all children can perform at such a high level, and some, perhaps most, do not enjoy performing. So what should be done with those who do not have the talent to become superstars but are of above-average intelligence and who enjoy working with their hands? The answer is obvious – they should be encouraged to pursue their interests through further education. Specifically, these talented students should be encouraged to pursue careers that allow them to meet their needs while also satisfying their creative side.

To identify those students who are gifted, they must be screened. While it is possible to identify those children who possess unique talents, not all children may exhibit the same skill level, and placing them early can be problematic. Children who are shy or unwilling to perform in front of an audience may be reluctant to participate. In addition, young children may be unable to focus or may be overwhelmed by the demands of a more advanced curriculum. Thus, screening should begin in middle school. The selection process must be rigorous. Knowledgeable professionals should conduct the screening of children. This screening process should be completed discreetly to avoid stigmatization or embarrassment of the child. Those who are identified should have their talent assessed by experts in their field. These experts should then determine which students have the potential for greatness.

Once these students are identified, they should be allowed to develop their talent. This could mean a music conservatory or an arts-based high school. However, developing talent is not enough. These children must also be encouraged to seek out opportunities to perform. This can be done through school-sponsored or privately sponsored performances and by arranging for these performances to take place during school hours. In addition, the students should be exposed to professionals who have expertise in their chosen field. This could be accomplished through meetings with local performers or attendance at conventions of various professional organizations. The exposure to these professionals will provide the students with the motivation and the confidence needed to develop their talents.

If the identification of potential performers is accomplished in middle school, the screening of students should occur at the end of high school. Now, students should have the opportunity to pursue their interests through higher education. In addition, their talent can be assessed by professionals to determine their potential for greatness. However, the selection process should be even more rigorous, as students are nearing the end of their education. The students can be rejected by professional organizations at this stage, as they may have already developed their talent. However, that does not mean that they cannot be recognized for their achievements. A scholarship or an award would be symbolic of their accomplishment, validating their efforts. In addition, such awards can be a great incentive to continue developing their talent. These students will know that they are talented, and this encouragement can encourage them to pursue their passion for the arts.

In summary, society should encourage the most talented students to pursue their talent through higher education.