Finding their voice: building confidence through oracy

Year 7 students have been developing their confidence and communication skills through a new series of oracy lessons led by Dr Hazel Bagworth-Mann.

Over the course of the academic year, students will develop their understanding of the key physical features of effective public speaking, including projection, pace, tone, gesture and eye contact. With regular opportunities to speak in front of others, students will reflect on their strengths and areas for development, building confidence to communicate clearly and effectively.

The first group of Year 7 students have completed their oracy lessons with a series of presentations on inspirational women, delivered to their class and other members of staff. They successfully engaged with the audience, thought on their feet, structured their ideas clearly and spoke with confidence and conviction. The progress they have made has been remarkable. Students who were initially nervous about speaking in front of others presented with confidence, poise and enthusiasm, demonstrating just how much they have developed over a relatively short period of time. All students spoke with no notes.

Dr Hazel Bagworth-Mann commented, “I am enormously proud of all they have achieved and look forward to continuing the programme with the rest of Year 7 throughout the year, helping every student to find and develop their voice.”

The programme is about much more than public speaking. It is about helping students to become confident, articulate and thoughtful communicators, developing the courage, leadership and resilience to flourish in the classroom and beyond.