Communication & Public Speaking
Whether it’s presenting in class, speaking up in a group, or having difficult conversations, communication skills matter everywhere. This pathway helps you become more confident expressing yourself, listening actively, and connecting with others. These are skills employers consistently rank as most important.
Building your Award:
Find Bronze Award examples to support activity planning
Example SMART Goal: Public speaking terrifies me, but I want to get better! For 13 weeks, I’ll practice speaking skills for an hour each week; recording myself, practicing presentations, and learning techniques to manage nerves.
Example Assessor: English teacher, drama teacher, or debate club advisor
Example Log: Recorded myself giving a 2-minute speech and watched it back. Noticed I say “um” a LOT and don’t make eye contact with the camera. Practicing pausing instead of filling silence next time.
Example SMART Goal: Acting and improv help with public speaking! I’m joining the drama club’s movement sessions for an hour each week – learning to use my body language and voice more effectively.
Example Assessor: Drama teacher, theater instructor, or recreation program staff
Example Log: Did improv exercises today where we had to project our voices and use big gestures. Felt silly at first but it really helped me understand how to command attention. My voice is definitely getting stronger!
Example SMART Goal: I want to help others find their voice too! I’m volunteering with a program that helps newcomer students practice English conversation. An hour each week for 13 weeks.
Example Assessor: ESL teacher, newcomer program coordinator, or community volunteer supervisor
Example Log: Had a great conversation with a student from Syria today. We practiced ordering food at a restaurant – I played the server! She’s getting more confident each week. Learning so much about her culture too.
(Completed as a team. Participants will work together to plan and complete their journey.)
Example Activity: Interview Adventure! Your team visits local businesses and community spots to interview people about their jobs, stories, or experiences. Practice asking questions, active listening, and summarizing what you learn.
Example Team Goal: Our team will conduct at least 6 interviews across different locations, practice different interviewing techniques, and create a podcast episode or presentation sharing the most interesting stories we heard.
Example Assessor/Supervisor: Teacher, Award Leader, or media arts program staff
