How to Speak and Be Heard: A Kids' Toolkit for Oracy and Confident Speaking

The first title in a new series, How To Speak and Be Heard! focuses on oracy, using speaking and listening skills to express yourself. Written in collaboration with the English-Speaking Union, it introduces some of the key skills needed to speak confidently, actively listen to others and communicate effectively.

Presented with care, the book is very easy to navigate and extremely user-friendly. Oracy skills have always been a part of the English curriculum, but sadly, tend to be neglected in favour of those areas which are more obviously assessed. However, these skills lead to success in so many areas and are vital for thriving.

Many forms of communication are covered here, including body language and sign language. it offers advice on finding the best approach to adopt in different situations, considering their positive and negative points. Specific vocabulary is explained on every page and a more comprehensive glossary is included at the end of the book.

Plenty of sound advice is offered, encouraging people to practise skills, whilst carefully explaining why these skills are important. Ideas and exercises are given to support anyone using the book, making this a very valuable and user-friendly guide. Teachers and parents as well as children themselves will benefit from reading How To Speak and Be Heard.

40 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+