How Public Speaking Skills Drive Advocacy and Change

Youth across Europe are spearheading movements for democracy, equality, inclusion, and climate action. And yet, many youth leaders are grappling with a single key question: how to be heard in an age where effective communication is the frequently-determining factor in power. That's where our Erasmus+ training course "Revolutionary Voices: Public Speaking Skills for Change" comes in, arming young change-makers with the communication skills to better lead, influence, and campaign.

Public speaking isn't just about delivering a speech—it's about inspiring action, creating trust, and making complex ideas available to various audiences. For young people who are youth workers, campaigners, or community organizers trying to change the world for the better, public speaking can be a game-changer. Whether addressing local government, mobilizing community, negotiating at an EU level, or sharing it across social media, having the ability to get a message across clearly and confidently is central.

Surveys conducted by the European Commission indicate that a lot of young people feel excluded from making decisions that influence their lives. Advocacy begins with voice—and that voice needs to be heard in classrooms, town halls, online spaces, and policymaking circles. Public speaking is , therefore, not a luxury for youth leaders, it's a must.

"Revolutionary Voices" has been specifically designed to meet the aforementioned needs. By combining public speaking training with a firm foundation in human rights education, the course will enable participants to be more engaging, inclusive, and effective communicators.

Through hands-on workshops, participants will explore diverse techniques which will be rounded out by in-depth discussions of some of today's most compelling human rights issues , so that they can ground their advocacy in current challenges and values. To top it off, the training will emphasize practical application through role-playing exercises and simulations.

The result? Participants will not just become better communicators, but also learn to speak up for others, intentionally, and for change in society.

Above all, the course will foster a pan-European network of dedicated young leaders. When they return to their communities, not only will they have new knowledge, but also a stronger sense of purpose and an expanded peer network dedicated to inclusive rights-based advocacy.

At a time when misinformation spreads quickly and public debate easily becomes polarized, empowering youth with strong, moral, and effective communication is more critical than ever before. "Revolutionary Voices" will be a major step in that direction, equipping youth workers with the tools to empower their local youths and build stronger future leaders.

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The "Revolutionary Voices: Public Speaking Skills for Change" training course will take place June 10-18, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. It is coordinated by Officina Nuova Dimensione Europea (ONDE) APS and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union with support from Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù. This article reflects the views only of ONDE, and neither the European Union nor the Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù can be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained herein.