Public Speaking & Debate Club
A 9-Week Confidence & Communication Programme
Ages 9–13 | Small Groups | Live Online
Find your voice. Share your ideas. Speak with confidence.
Speak Up! is a supportive and interactive 9-week programme designed to help children become confident communicators, thoughtful listeners and independent thinkers.
It is especially welcoming for children who may be shy, hesitant to speak in groups or unsure how to express their ideas. Through small-group activities, games, discussions, mini-presentations and age-appropriate debates, children are gradually encouraged to step outside their comfort zone — without being put under pressure.
The goal isn’t to create the loudest speaker in the room. It’s to help every child realise that their ideas are worth sharing.
What will we support developing?
Confidence
Speaking in front of others, contributing to discussions and becoming more comfortable being heard.
Public Speaking
Using voice, pace, expression, eye contact and body language to communicate effectively.
Critical Thinking
Looking at questions from different perspectives, questioning ideas and deciding what they think — and why.
Building an Argument
Learning how to make a point, support it with reasons and examples, and explain ideas clearly.
Debating Skills
Agreeing and disagreeing respectfully, responding to opposing viewpoints and thinking on the spot.
Listening & Responding
Listening carefully to others and giving thoughtful, relevant responses.
Vocabulary & Expression
Developing the language needed to explain opinions clearly, persuasively and confidently.
A safe space to find their voice
For some children, raising their hand or speaking in front of others can feel like a huge step.
That’s why Speak Up! starts small.
Children build confidence through low-pressure activities, partner discussions and fun speaking challenges before progressing towards presentations and structured debates.
There is no expectation to be the loudest or quickest speaker. Every child is given the time, encouragement and tools to participate at their own pace.
The 9-Week Journey
Weeks 1–3 — Find Your Voice
Build confidence, express opinions, practise speaking clearly and learn how to participate comfortably in discussions.
Weeks 4–6 — Think & Persuade
Explore different viewpoints, develop critical-thinking skills and learn how to build and support an argument.
Weeks 7–9 — Speak Up!
Put those skills into practice through presentations, discussions and friendly debates.
By the end of the programme…
Children should feel more comfortable speaking in front of others, expressing their opinions, thinking independently and responding confidently to different ideas.
Because confidence isn’t about being the loudest person in the room.
It’s about knowing that your voice matters.
SPEAK UP!
Think clearly. Speak confidently. Be heard.
