Empowering Children’s Voices

Public speaking is not just a skill for the stage. It is a life skill that helps children communicate clearly, think on their feet, listen to others, express their opinions respectfully, and develop the confidence to face challenges.

In this video, Lori-Ann Jakel, Co-Founder of Stand Up and Speak, shares what she has seen firsthand working with young speakers, including more than 150 students who attended our summer camps. Every child starts in a different place. For some, progress may mean speaking a little louder, making eye contact, answering a question with more than one word, or recovering after forgetting what they wanted to say. These may seem like small changes, but for a child who was once afraid to speak, they can be enormous victories.

Public speaking is not only for shy children. It meets children and teens wherever they are and challenges them to keep moving forward. Through prepared and impromptu speaking, they learn to organize their thoughts, answer questions thoughtfully, stay calm under pressure, listen, lead, and understand that making a mistake is not a disaster.

These skills carry directly into the classroom and, eventually, into university, the workplace, leadership, and everyday life. Knowledge may open a door, but the ability to communicate can determine what happens next.

Confidence can be learned. The earlier children begin developing their communication skills, the more opportunities they have to practice, make mistakes, overcome challenges, and discover the power of their own voice.

A child’s voice is powerful, but they need to learn how to use it.

-A child's voice is powerful but only if they learn to use it

-Confidence can be learned, kids are preparing for life

-The next generation needs to stand up and speak and shape the future

-Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase, Martin Luther King

Public speaking is often called the world’s number one fear—but in 2026, more people than ever are choosing to face it head-on. In this episode, LA unpacks the global rise in public speaking lessons, the impact of AI and personal branding, and heartfelt student success stories that prove communication changes lives. Whether you’re a parent, student, or professional, this episode will inspire you to find your voice and step into your confidence.

In this episode of Stand Up and Speak, LA breaks down the 5 C’s of an Awesome Speaker — the same powerful framework used across SUAS programs to help students and professionals find their voice.

Discover why great speakers aren’t born but built, and how confidence, clarity, connection, creativity, and conviction can transform any message into something magnetic.

Whether you're preparing for a presentation, speaking on stage, or simply trying to communicate with more impact, this episode gives you practical tools, inspiring stories, and the reminder you need that your voice truly matters.

Tune in, level up, and keep shining.

🎙️ November 2025 Competitive Newsletter — Stand Up and Speak

The 2025–2026 Competitive Program is off to an exciting start! Students are settling into their smaller, restructured classes, giving everyone more speaking time, personal coaching, and confidence-building moments. Over the past two months, students have been learning how to eliminate nervous habits, believe in their abilities, and prepare for a busy and inspiring contest season ahead.

🎬 Osmow’s Video Contest – “The Future Tastes Good”
Students are brainstorming creative ideas and developing scripts for their video submissions, due November 15 at 11:59PM. It’s a fun opportunity to blend storytelling, performance, and imagination.

🗣️ Power of Delivery “Same Speech” Contest
Held December 7 via Zoom, this unique contest challenges students to deliver the same speech—but in their own voice, style, and expression. It’s all about delivery: how students use tone, pacing, body language, and connection to bring words to life. A free workshop on November 15 helps students polish their delivery before the big day.

🏆 Top Quality Prepared Speech Contest
Next, students will develop and perform original speeches that reflect their growth as confident communicators. Laptops and tablets are welcome for research and writing!

✍️ Optimist Essay Contest
Theme: “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.”
Grades 7–12 can register by November 29. Essays (700–800 words) will be reviewed by January 11, with final submissions due January 18, 2026.

🎤 Optimist Oratorical Contest
Theme: “The Moment I Realized I Belonged – My Definition of Community.”
Grades 7–12 can register by November 29. Speech editing wraps up by February 27, with the Pre-Qualifier Contest in April 2026. (Kids Speak Contest for Grades 1–6 will be announced in January!)

📚 Readers Are Leaders – November Picks

• The Smart Cookie – A story that reminds us that creativity and kindness are their own kind of genius.

• The Day You Begin – A touching tale about courage, belonging, and the power of speaking up.

• Speak – A powerful novel about finding your voice and reclaiming your strength.

🎉 Staff Update
Congratulations to Miss Liza, our new Vice-Principal! She’s an Ontario Certified Teacher with a passion for helping students discover their voice—both on stage and in life.

💬 Other Highlights

• Make-up classes are available by request (limit: three per student).

• Please arrive five minutes early and pick up within five minutes after class.

• Lost and Found is located near the Exit door.

• Cell phones should stay off unless used for classwork.

• Report cards will be sent in January, with finals presented at our June Year-End Gala.

🗓️ Key November/December Dates

• Nov 15: Osmow’s Video Contest Deadline & Same Speech Workshop

• Nov 24: Impromptu Speaking Workshop (Zoom, 6:30PM)

• Dec 7: Power of Delivery “Same Speech” Contest (Zoom, 10:00AM)

Confidence. Creativity. Connection. That’s what makes Stand Up and Speak more than a class—it’s a place where young voices grow strong, expressive, and unstoppable.

Our 2025/2026 Competitive Program is now in motion, and we are looking forward to a dynamic year. Students are getting to know each other, working on eliminating their signs of nervousness, learning to believe in their own abilities, and getting ready for our first contest.

In this episode,Steve Brennan sits down with Lori-Ann to explore her lifelong passion for public speaking competitions. With years of experience as both a participant and mentor, Lori-Ann brings a unique perspective on how competitions can shape not only stronger communicators, but also more confident leaders in every area of life.

From her earliest days competing, Lori-Ann discovered that the stage is more than a platform. It is a proving ground. She shares stories of how competitions pushed her to refine her skills, taught her resilience under pressure, and helped her develop the ability to connect with audiences of every size. Whether it was the nerves of her first contest, the thrill of delivering a speech that truly resonated, or the lessons learned from setbacks, each experience added depth to her journey.

Throughout our conversation, Lori-Ann emphasizes that competitions are not about winning trophies. They are about building character, sharpening communication, and embracing growth. She explains how feedback from judges and peers challenged her to improve, how preparation became a discipline that spilled over into her personal and professional life, and why the courage to put yourself on stage is its own victory.

We also explore the broader impact of public speaking competitions on young people and professionals alike. Lori-Ann makes the case that competitions develop critical life skills: confidence, critical thinking, clarity of expression, and the ability to adapt in real time. These are the very qualities that fuel success in careers, relationships, and leadership roles.

For anyone considering stepping into the world of competitive speaking, whether you are a student, a professional, or simply someone who wants to stretch your comfort zone, Lori-Ann’s story will inspire you to take that leap. She reminds us that every competition is a chance to grow, every stage is a classroom, and every speech is an opportunity to influence.

This episode is more than an interview. It is a celebration of the transformative power of competition. Lori-Ann’s passion is contagious, and her insights will encourage you to see public speaking not as something to fear, but as a skill to embrace and a journey to enjoy.

Tune in and discover why Lori-Ann believes that the lessons learned in competition extend far beyond the microphone, shaping confidence, character, and the courage to speak up in every area of life.

Transform your communication with a stronger, clearer voice! In this episode, Steve Brennan shares practical exercises for breath control, articulation, and pitch variation that will boost your confidence and engagement. Learn how to speak with power and precision, whether you're in meetings, giving presentations, or just chatting with friends. Unlock your voice's full potential today!

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of consistent practice in honing your speaking skills. We'll uncover why practice is the cornerstone of improvement and how you can integrate deliberate practice into your daily routine to accelerate your growth as a communicator.

Join us as we discuss practical strategies for structuring your practice sessions, overcoming common pitfalls, and staying motivated on your journey to becoming a confident speaker.

Whether you're a seasoned or aspiring speaker, this episode will inspire you to embrace the process of practice and unlock your full potential on stage. Tune in to Practice = Progress and embark on a journey of continuous improvement today!

Our guest shares his personal journey of reinvention and offers practical strategies for finding your authentic voice and amplifying your message. Whether you're looking to pivot your career, rebrand yourself as a speaker, or simply grow and evolve in your communication style, Saihaj's insights will inspire and empower you to take the next steps on your journey.

We also discuss the importance of embracing vulnerability and authenticity in public speaking, highlighting how these qualities can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. Whether you're navigating a career transition, or seeking to revitalize your speaking style, reinvention is within reach.

In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial skill of persuasion and how it can elevate your public speaking game to new heights. Join us as we explore practical strategies and techniques to captivate and convince your audience effectively.

We also discuss the importance of authenticity and credibility in persuasive speaking, highlighting the significance of building trust with your audience. Whether you're advocating for a cause, pitching a product, or seeking to influence change, mastering the art of persuasion is essential for making a lasting impact.