Yorkshire Speak Out Challenge

Giving young people in Yorkshire the confidence and opportunity to speak out on the issues that matter to them.

The Yorkshire Speak Out Challenge Programme aims to make a huge difference in the lives of young people, the wider community and 3i volunteers. 

By giving young people a voice, we improve their education and employment prospects, we amplify unheard stories to bring communities together.  We also upskill and engage 3i staff to become role models for young people. 

Almost 50% of students in Yorkshire start our workshop saying they had no competence in speaking up in front of a group of people. This number is higher than in any other part of the country, and our mission is to change this! Thanks to our generous partner 3i we are able to provide FREE public speaking and communications training to up to 3000 Year 10 students across state schools in Yorkshire this academic year. 

To get your school involved, please fill out this form. 

Every student receives a one-day public speaking workshop with one of our expert communication skills trainers. During the training, students are given the skills and the confidence to develop and deliver a speech on a topic they feel passionate about. 81% of students participating in the workshops reported having learned skills they can apply in the next stage of their education training and employment. The aim of the training and competition is to increase young peoples’ confidence and sense of agency and amplify their voices. 

Speakers Trust is invaluable in giving students the confidence to share their ideas and opinions. This will help them not just in school, but in their future academic and professional endeavours. 

– One in a Million Free School Teacher Feedback 

Last year we held our first ever Yorkshire Speak Out Challenge Final, where some of the most inspiring young speakers delivered their speeches in front of an audience and an esteemed panel of judges. 

We are delighted to support Speakers Trust in bringing their Speak Out Challenge to Yorkshire. It’s amazing to see how the young people develop their communications skills during the workshops and build their confidence to speak in public. 

– Kathryn van der Kroft, 3i’s Communications Director 

 

Lola from Ryedale School was announced Yorkshire Speak Out Champion, after she wowed a packed audience with her speech about lowering the voting age to 16. Watch her speech below: 

FAQs for Schools

Why should my school get involved?
Our expert public speaking trainers will deliver a full-day public speaking workshop to your students, culminating in every student standing up and sharing a short speech on a topic of their choosing.

This workshop has a transformative impact on the confidence, aspirations, skills and empathy of young people, and you can see this impact in detail here or watch this short film to hear from some young people and teachers.

After the workshop, you will have the opportunity to progress on to the Yorkshire Speak Out Challenge competition. We will support you to host an in-school Assembly Final to select your school’s Finalist. Your student speaker will be in with a chance to share their speech at a prestigious Yorkshire-wide Speak Out Challenge event in Summer 2023 competing with students across the region. Speeches will be watched by a panel of local VIPs and decision makers and students will have the opportunity to share their message even further using our social media platforms.

How does it work?

  • You can book up to two fully-funded full-day public speaking workshops for your Year 10 students (up to 30 in each workshop)
  • Booking a workshop gives you entry to the competition
  • We recommend that you book your workshops to take place before the Easter holidays to ensure you have time to prepare for the competition
  • We recommend booking as soon as you can to give you the best chance of securing your preferred dates

What do we need from you?

  • A full day off timetable for 25-30 Year 10 students per workshop
  • A lead teacher to take responsibility for the programme in school
  • Participation in the competition – more details on this soon

How much does it cost?

  • You are eligible for two fully-funded workshops. Thanks to the generous support of 3i, these workshops are completely free.
  • If you would like to book more than two workshops, you can purchase more at £500.

How do I book my dates?

  • Please fill in this form.
  • We will match you with a trainer and confirm with you by email.

“Our students absolutely loved this workshop and they wanted to really showcase their confidence with members of the academy. Various members and staff also commented on how the workshop was interactive and engaging. I would highly recommend this to secondary schools.”

Teacher Manor Croft Academy

“Speak Out! gave our students the opportunity to show their strengths, personalities and collaborative skills through engaging group work activities. Students which may have in the past been discouraged from sharing themselves aloud were given the space, support and confidence to do so, and thrived! – My Speak Out workshop was one of the most rewarding days I have spent in my teaching career to date.”

Yorkshire Teacher

“Speakers Trust is invaluable in giving students the confidence to share their ideas and opinions. This will help them not just in school, but in their future academic and professional endeavours.”

Yorkshire Teacher