Year 9 Students Shine in Talk The Talk Workshop
Year 9 students at Thomas Clarkson Academy had an enriching experience on Tuesday as an expert trainer from Talk The Talk conducted an engaging and dynamic workshop aimed at enhancing their communication skills. The "Talk About Communication" workshop provided a creative learning environment where students developed their speaking and listening abilities.
The workshop, designed to foster confidence in public speaking, offered numerous opportunities for students to practice and refine their skills. Throughout the day, students were coached and supported to deliver a structured two-minute presentation on a topic they were passionate about.
"We demonstrate that speaking out should be an experience that we CAN do – and one that is nowhere near as daunting as we might think," said a representative from Talk The Talk. "One of the keys to the success of the Talk The Talk programme is creating an environment of mutual respect with a supportive ethos so that when students stand up and voice their opinions, share their thoughts and present their ideas – their skills and confidence grow."
Mrs. Adams, Teacher of English at TCA, praised the workshop, saying, "Talk About Communication is a fast-paced and engaging confident communication workshop that develops students’ oracy skills and spoken confidence. This was delivered to a group of Year 9 students whose voices might not always be heard."
The impact of the workshop was evident, with a noticeable increase in students' confidence from the start to the end of the day. Students explored different modes of communication, developed effective structuring techniques for short talks and presentations, and applied persuasive language techniques to convey their messages confidently and effectively.
One student, who initially lost confidence in the final activity, stayed behind to share their ideas with the presenter, demonstrating the supportive and encouraging atmosphere of the workshop. Another student expressed their gratitude for the time, effort, and activities they enjoyed throughout the day.
All participating students received a certificate, and Pete Cansdale, the presenter, nominated Valencia U, Rugile V, and Sara K as the Oracy Champions of the session. These students were recognised for their outstanding performance and are encouraged to share their experiences with their peers.
Talk The Talk's mission is to develop students' oracy skills and communication confidence, supporting positive interactions in all life situations and improving social outcomes. Since its inception in 2013, Talk The Talk has trained over 115,000 students across England and Wales. For more information about Talk The Talk and their work, visit www.talkthetalkuk.org.