I was encouraged by reading of Keir Starmer’s ambition to put speaking lessons at the heart of the curriculum (Keir Starmer says he is as ‘laser-focused on poverty’ as Tony Blair was in 1997, 6 July). Despite this causing some to fear that schools would revert to children reciting “How now, brown cow”, oracy or public speaking lessons can build young people’s confidence and career prospects.
The charity I lead, Speakers Trust, has visited 600 state schools and worked with 35,000 young people – almost half of whom say they don’t have the confidence, skills or opportunity to share their ideas in public.
In our 17 years of commitment to young people, Speakers Trust has experienced first-hand the transformative power of oracy lessons. It’s not just about articulation; it’s about building confidence, sharpening influencing skills, and empowering each student to find and express their unique voice.
These are essential skills for young people’s futures. It is a welcome sign that politicians are recognising the importance of oracy as an essential life skill for young people. Working in some of England’s most deprived communities, we understand that developing oracy skills is not just crucial to individual growth, but also a key driver of social mobility.
Russell Findlay
Chief executive, Speakers Trust
• As a deputy headteacher at a primary school in east London, I was heartened to hear Keir Starmer’s announcement. All children, not just those in certain private schools, should be given every opportunity to develop expert spoken communication skills. At our oracy hub in Tower Hamlets, we have been working on this aim for almost five years, with teachers from across the borough collaborating to develop oracy teaching resources and share best practice.
The impact has taken us by surprise. We have witnessed not only a dramatic improvement in children’s speaking and listening skills, but also the way that proficiency in oracy complements learning across the curriculum, from problem solving in maths, to expressing opinions about books, to resolving playground conflicts.
Nicky Pear
Cubitt Town primary school, London
• Labour’s plan to give priority to speaking skills might reduce the number of children in conflict with the law (Labour’s plan to improve children’s speaking skills gets mixed reaction, 7 July). About 10 years ago, I remember visiting a prison in Scotland holding teenage boys. Their speaking was almost impossible to understand, not just because their strong accents were exacerbated by their rotten teeth, but because they simply were not used to being listened to and had not developed negotiating skills.
We all know that posh, articulate people can negotiate their way out of criminal activity – look at recent governments. An emphasis on speaking will help working‑class children to deal with over‑policing and prejudice. It’s not the answer; but it is helpful.
Frances Crook
London
• John Crace says of Keir Starmer: “Public speaking is still an art that escapes him” (Moving on slowly … Starmer resumes speech after students’ polite protest, 6 July). Surely an unfair comment, given that, earlier in the article, Mr Crace tells us that Starmer dealt seamlessly with protesters who interrupted his speech on live TV. That ability to remain unruffled, to think on his feet and to stay polite, shows skill which is, arguably, as important as great oratory.
Patricia Pipe
Saltash, Cornwall
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