Public Speaking Sessions and Contest
Some believe that public speaking is the number one fear among people. Every day brings a host of opportunities that require public speaking skills.
Through its Public Speaking Program, YLSBC empowers its members (12 years old age and older) with the ability to become articulate and confident in expressing their ideas.
PUBLIC SPEAKING REGULAR PROGRAM (PSP 101 & 201):
The bi-weekly sessions are held October - April. These prepare members to shed the fear of public speaking while at school and in their community.
In March 2020, we switched our in-person program to a virtual program and continue to do so. Please see our Annual Report 2020 for more details.
To date, 143 youth have completed or will be completing the Public Speaking 101 and 201 Programs.
We will revert to in-person public speaking sessions as soon as the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
Please visit the Program Videos page to watch videos of our youth delivering their speeches during the Bronze, Silver or Gold Qualifications for PSP 101 and 201 programs.
Public Speaking Short Program (PSSP 101):
Public Speaking Short Program (PSSP) is a program designed to enhance students’ public speaking and social skills. In this six-week course, participants learn about writing, editing and presenting speeches on topics of their choice. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, express your ideas, and learn more about public speaking. If you are interested in registering, please register for the membership. As soon as the registrations opens, we will communicate with you.
To learn more about this program, please visit the Program Videos page. Thank you!
PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST:
The Public Speaking Contest is held every May and is open to all BC Students 12-18 years old. The Steps Together Foundation (STF) sponsors it. In the contest, the winning contestants receive bursaries and numerous awards for their post-secondary education.
For information about previous contests, please visit STF website.
To date, over 70 youth have participated in the Public Speaking Contests. Please visit the Program Videos page to watch the contest highlight videos.
The Public Speaking Contest of 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. We will resume as soon as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
External Programs recommended by YLSBC
BC Youth Parliament:
As part of the Public Speaking Program, members are encouraged to join the British Columbia Youth Parliament. This provides them with an opportunity to not only enhance their public speaking skills but also increase their understanding of the Canadian legislative process, levels of government and the constitution.
YLSBC members have attended this program in the past and have had a wonderful experience. They were able to make many new friends and had the opportunity to participate in many compelling debates.
BC Youth Parliament (BC Legislature @ Victoria):
Fraser Valley Youth Parliament (Regional @ City Hall Coquitlam):
Model United Nations:
As part of the public speaking training, members are encouraged to join the YLSBC's Model U.N. Conference (MUN). This program provides them with an opportunity to learn about the U.N. process of debating complex issues while honing their public speaking skills. Our long term goal is to prepare a team to participate in Global MUN Conference in New York City.
Our third MUN conference was scheduled for Spring, 2020 but got cancelled due to Covid-19. A new schedule will be announced when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
Please visit the Program Videos page to watch videos of all the programs mentioned above.
Testimonials
“The Public Speaking program has taught me the art of speaking confidently in front of a big crowd. It has inspired me to convey ideas effectively and has made me a better person.”
“My son started out as a shy person, not sure of what he wanted to say and definitely not how to express. Working through bi-weekly sessions of the program, he not only learned to research and write speeches but also presenting them to smaller groups and eventually to much larger audience. I am really pleased that he went through this program and got skills under his belt that will help not just through through his education but remainder of his life.”
“The program was very well designed. It was fit for youth of different ages. It was the best introduction to Public Speaking for my son in his formative years, which helped him find his comfort level and self-confidence at a gradual pace. The group met once in two weeks, which was perfect frequency for the course - not too often and not too late. The assignments were not difficult, yet challenged the students to come mentally prepared for the class. There were three people involved as instructors or assistants, which helped the students learn multiple aspects of speaking. The topics and format varied every session, which kept their bright minds involved and interested. Some topics, such as UN Panel discussion on a current international affairs issue developing at the time in Russia-Ukraine, were most interesting.”
“BC Youth Parliament is a wonderful opportunity to meet other youth, make friends, debate legislation, debate issues that are close to you and to have fun! I’ve been a member for over 3 years and I’ve had an incredible experience, I was able to make many of friends and had the opportunity to participate in many compelling debates, service opportunities, and fundraisers”