School Communication Workshops | Years 8-11 Workshops

Will your students speak up in a group?

Voicing an opinion in a group situation can often be intimidating. What will others think of what you have to say?

Talk About Communication Plus is an engaging confident communication workshop that focuses on Group Talk, Debating, Negotiation and Listening Skills, providing your students with practical opportunities to put these to the test.

England – supports the National Curriculum for Spoken English for Key Stage 3 & 4

Wales – supports the Literacy & Numeracy Framework for Key Stage 3 & 4

Workshop Aims

Improving group talk
Experiencing whole class debating
Fine tuning negotiation techniques
Developing listening skills
Boosting oracy and confidence levels
Speaking confidently and persuasively

What does this workshop involve?

This workshop is aimed at secondary school students – with a focus on ‘group talk’ – those real situations in life where we find ourselves in meetings or group discussions. Within this workshop each student will speak in front of their peers and in groups on a minimum of three occasions, while revising core components around visual, verbal and vocal communication.

In addition these sessions will provide students the skills needed for group talk and practical opportunities to explore and develop these skills.

During the workshop students will:

Identify, discuss and demonstrate the skills required for effective group discussion and listening
Negotiate individual preferences for future employment within a group situation
Discuss and practice the language of discussion and roles within group presentation
Engage in a whole class ‘balloon’ debate within small groups
Plan, deliver and compete with other groups in delivering a structured presentation regarding an end of year event

What experts have to say about Talk The Talk?

“The aspirations for the workshops are to enable young people to find their voice, to gain confidence in themselves, to deal constructively with nerves, and to be able to communicate not just in the classroom but in other social contexts, and with a broader range of people. These aims appear to have been quite comprehensively achieved. The most salient testimonies from young people referred to their discovery of their own voice and expression of their latent skills, carrying social and vocational benefits. Teachers are virtually unanimous in the praise of their skills in their words, their ‘inspiration’, ‘focus’, ‘skills’, ‘encouragement’ and inclusive approach. There was a consistent trend in improved confidence ratings from all participants.”

Professor John MacBeath – University of Cambridge

Ongoing Support

At the end of the workshop Talk The Talk’s support doesn’t end. Our resources section includes free videos, lesson plans and classroom resources so you can continue to build on what we have started. This allows you to continue to boost communication opportunities and ensure that strong oracy skills are embedded within the mindsets of your students.

View Resources

Testimonials

“Wow! Yet another outstanding day delivered by Talk The Talk. Never tire of seeing these confident young adults standing up and talking about something that matters to them!”

Our Lady & St John Catholic College,
Blackburn

“A well delivered session that has visibly improved my tutor group’s confidence. Students went home buzzing at the end of their first day at school. We have booked the sessions again for next year.”

Dorcan Academy,
Swindon

“Have to say, if anyone had told me at the start of the day, that the students would produce speeches of the quality they did, just five hours later, I’d have said they were delusional…! Phenomenal results!”

Langley Grammar School,
Slough

“Lovely manner with the students, building their confidence and resilience effectively. Students engaged in all activities and a positive learning environment throughout.”

Newall Green High School,
Manchester

“The training was perfectly pitched for the age of our students and it enabled all students to progress significantly with their ability to construct and present to an audience effectively. Everyone from the most confident through to the most anxious absolutely thrived.”

Glenmoor and Winton Academies,
Bournemouth

“Students are highly engaged and are learning a lot of good skills. Pace is good and the sessions progress well. The trainer is obviously vastly experienced with training school children. Excellent!”

Prendergast Ladywell School,
London

“The CPD delivered was outstanding. Many teachers felt it was one of the best inset days we’ve had and they feel great motivation as a result of the tips and guidance.”

Ladybridge High School,
Bolton

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