Empowering Young Leaders: Students Finding Their Voice in Public Speaking & Self-Advocacy
By Kristain Abrams

Welcome back to Youth Work 101; our series dedicated to equipping educators, youth workers, and advocates with tools and inspiration to empower young people. In today’s blog post, we’re diving into a crucial skill that helps young people take charge of their own futures: public speaking and self-advocacy. Whether it’s voicing their opinions in class, leading a community event, or advocating for their needs, being able to speak confidently and advocate for themselves is vital to a young person’s growth. At Student U, we believe empowering youth to find their voice is one of the most impactful ways we can support them. Let’s explore strategies to help youth develop these essential skills and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Make Your Voice Heard
A student’s voice is one of the most powerful tools they have, but too often, they’re not given the space or don’t have the confidence and security to use it. Whether in classrooms, community meetings, interpersonal conversations, or even a business pitch meeting, the ability to speak up, advocate for themselves, and lead confidently is critical for student empowerment. As educators, youth workers, and advocates, we have a responsibility to help guide our students in developing these skills so that they can step into their power and shape their futures. As educators, we have the honor of helping our students explore and discover the importance of public speaking and self-advocacy, practical strategies to help students develop these skills, and the long-term impact of finding their voice.

Why Public Speaking & Self-Advocacy Matter
Strong communication skills open doors for students, not just in academics and future careers, but in their ability to navigate the world, challenge injustices, and take on leadership roles. Public speaking is more than simply presenting in front of an audience; it’s about developing confidence in one’s ideas and sharing them compellingly. It teaches critical thinking, improves self-awareness, and fosters resilience. When young people speak confidently about what matters to them, they take ownership of their stories and their potential.

Self-advocacy, on the other hand, goes a step further. It’s about teaching youth to recognize their needs, communicate them clearly, and take action to fulfill those needs. Whether in a classroom setting or a broader community, being able to advocate for themselves is a life skill that empowers students to become active participants in their education and well-being.

For many students, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds, learning to self-advocate means finding their voice in spaces that may not have always heard them. Together, public speaking and self-advocacy equip young people to not only navigate their world but to shape it on their terms.

Strategies to Help Build Student Voices
Create Safe Spaces for Expression
In order for students to feel comfortable speaking up, they must first feel safe and respected. When creating a safe, inclusive environment is the foundation for helping students express themselves. We can do this by utilizing active listening.  It is important to encourage and facilitate open and honest discussions where all opinions are valid.  This builds trust and allows our students to feel heard, which is essential in helping them find their voice.
These types of environments are fostered by things like:

• Creating “brave spaces” instead of traditional “safe spaces” means encouraging students to take risks in their expressions and to approach conversations with openness and respect, even when challenging ideas.
• Using restorative practices emphasizing understanding and connection over punishment or exclusion gives students a sense of ownership over their words and actions.
• Establishing clear, inclusive ground rules for discussions, ensuring that all voices are welcomed and no one is talked over.
  
  

Make Public Speaking Less Intimidating
The fear of public speaking is one of the most common challenges students and even seasoned adults face, and it often feels overwhelming and daunting. Something to consider is breaking the task down into small, manageable steps so that students don’t become discouraged by the magnitude of the task. As educators and advocates, we can start by providing lower-stake opportunities for students to practice speaking in front of others, whether in a classroom or a small panel of mentor figures.
Some strategies that can be utilized are:

• Starting with small groups: Instead of immediately asking students to speak in front of a large audience, encourage them to speak first in front of a smaller group or even one-on-one. Gradually increase the group size as their confidence grows.
• Using storytelling: Students often feel more comfortable sharing personal stories. Helping them weave narratives about what they know, experience, and are passionate about can make their presentations feel more authentic and less intimidating.
• Make it fun: Public speaking doesn’t always have to be serious. We should encourage students to present on topics that excite them through storytelling, art, etc. These activities encourage speaking without the pressure of formal speeches, helping students develop public speaking skills in a more relaxed setting.
  
  

Teach Self-Advocacy Skills
Many students struggle with speaking up for themselves, whether in academics or personal interactions. Self-advocacy is an essential skill that empowers students to recognize their needs and communicate them effectively. Teaching self-advocacy starts with helping students understand their own worth and needs. They must first recognize their right to ask for help, demand fairness, and assert their boundaries.
What can we do:

• Encourage self-reflection: Help students identify what they need from the classroom, their relationships, and their communities. This can look like activities such as journaling or guided discussions, which can help them recognize their strengths and areas where they may need support.
• Use “I” statements: One of the most effective ways to communicate needs is through “I” statements. For example, “I need more time to understand this assignment,” or “I feel overwhelmed when I am given too many tasks at once.” These statements help students express themselves clearly and directly.
• Practice: Use role-playing exercises where students practice advocating for themselves in scenarios such as asking for help, negotiating with peers, or requesting accommodations. This gives them the tools to respond confidently in real-life situations.
  
  

Give Them the Mic
Empowering youth to speak is crucial, but we can’t forget the importance of giving them real opportunities to lead and speak up. This allows them to practice what they’ve learned meaningfully and reinforces their sense of agency.

One way that we put this into practice was through our partnership with the Duke Fuqua School of Business to launch another year of the Society for Early Entrepreneurs (S.E.E.) Program.  Founded by Vinesh Kapil, the S.E.E Program is an amazing Entrepreneurship Program where students meet weekly with their mentors, Duke Business School students, to learn about business strategies and methods, from brainstorming to creating a fully-fledged business plan.

Throughout this mentorship, our students not only developed robust business ideas but also worked on their public speaking skills in preparation for Pitch Day. This was a key moment in the program where each student took to the stage for a ‘Shark Tank’ style presentation of their business in front of a panel of judges from both Student U and the Duke Fuqua School of Business. By giving them this opportunity to present their ideas to real-world leaders and entrepreneurs, we didn’t just encourage them to speak in front of others, and we gave them the chance to demonstrate their ability to articulate their vision and ideas with confidence. The feedback and support they received from the judges were invaluable in strengthening their belief in themselves as young leaders.

Programs like S.E.E. not only provide students with the tools to build their businesses but also give them the stage to own their narrative, practice their pitch, and feel the power of their voice in action. By giving our students these meaningful opportunities to lead, we’re not just preparing them for business success—we’re preparing them to lead in any space they choose.

The Long-Term Impact
When students find their voice, they don’t just become better speakers; they become leaders, problem-solvers, and changemakers. Whether they advocate for their education, lead social movements, or simply speak up for themselves, these skills stay with them for life.

By prioritizing public speaking and self-advocacy, we equip students with the tools they need to navigate a world that often underestimates their power. Let’s continue to uplift, listen, and amplify their voices because their voices are the future.
___
Donate to Student U and keep posts like this one coming.
Subscribe to this blog by entering your email.