Public reading, speech, dramatic interpretation, and addressing an audience with composure are key components of the Middle School curriculum, especially in language arts, drama, and history classes. Drama teacher Becky Stevens notes, "The fact that our students focus on these skills a few times a week over the course of their Middle School experience is extremely valuable in creating comfort with public speaking."

Key opportunities to learn and practice the art of public speaking include an annual play in sixth grade, monologues and plays each term in seventh grade, eighth grade one-acts and speeches, and participation in the annual Optimist Club Oratorical Contest. Principia students have competed for only two years but both times resulted in outstanding outcomes.