The Youth Public Speaking Program is a workshop consisting of eight one- to two-hour sessions that enable those between the ages of 14 and 18 to develop their communication, public speaking and leadership skills through practical experience. In the workshop, young people will learn how to:

• Critically think & communicate thoughts
• Evaluate your own speaking ability
• Prepare and deliver speeches
• Give impromptu talks
• Control their voice, vocabulary, and gestures
• Give constructive feedback and more

About the Facilitators:

Robert Leitch 

Former Chairman Of The Board with a demonstrated history of working in the Long Term Care field. Strong business development professional skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Government, Facilitation, Report Writing, and Policy Analysis.

Long time member of the Toastmasters organization with experience in sharing communication and leadership skills. Robert recently earned his Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation.

Program Details:

• Session: 8-10 weeks Professional Development Training
• Frequency: Biweekly
• Day: Saturdays
• Time: 2 - 5pm
• Organizer: ELI Foundation in collaboration with Toastmasters International
• Focus Areas: Public speaking, verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, confidence building, and structured speech delivery.
• Format: In-person sessions 
• Duration: 8 weeks (starting in October)
• Target Age Group: 13–18 years

Benefits of Participation:

• Improved self-confidence in speaking situations
• Enhanced articulation and clarity in communication
• Greater comfort with group discussions and presentations
• Constructive feedback and mentorship from experienced facilitators

Program Cost

• $75 per Youth (includes: Manual)

Award

• Judged Speech Competition 
• Judged Writing Competition