Public Speaking

Figure out what kind of moment you’re in.

There’s no single way to speak out. The tone, length, and content of what you say depend on the situation you’re in.

At a rally or march, keep your remarks short, emotional, and energizing. Paint a vivid picture of what’s at stake and end with something that fires people up to act. Avoid going long; two minutes is plenty, and can matter more than ten if every sentence has a purpose.

At a vigil or healing space, focus on honesty and care. You don’t need to perform or raise your voice; people are there to feel seen and supported. Speak slowly and with compassion.

In a media interview, stick to one clear message and back it up with a fact or example. Reporters often use only a short quote, so keep your answers tight and repeat your main point more than once.

If you’re at a community or school board meeting, be direct and values-driven. Share your story, connect it to the policy or decision at hand, and state what you want done. Stay calm, even when others aren’t.

In a classroom or panel discussion, balance story with insight. Be informative but personal — show that you understand the issue and why it matters to your generation.

Knowing what kind of moment you’re in helps you set the right tone and deliver a message that actually lands.

Decide your main point.

You get one key message — not ten.
Ask yourself:

• If people remember only one sentence I said, what should it be?
• Does it sound like something I’d say, not something I read online?
• Can it fit in a single social post or quote card?
  

Examples:

• “No young person should have to plan their life around surviving school.”
• “Gun violence isn’t inevitable — it’s a policy choice.”
• “We’re done asking for safety. We’re demanding it.”
  

Write your message on paper. That’s your anchor — every line you say should lead back to it.

Build your message around a simple structure.

1. Start with a story.
Something that made you care — a personal moment, something you saw, or how an issue affects your community.

2. Name the problem.
Keep it clear: “Too many lawmakers take money from the gun lobby instead of listening to us.”

3. Offer a solution or demand.
What do you want to happen next? “We need background checks and youth voices at the table.”
4. End with an action.
What do you want the audience to do? “Join our next meeting. Sign our petition. Share this message.”

Match your tone to your audience.

Different audiences need different energy — it’s not about changing who you are, it’s about making sure they hear you.

When you’re speaking to other young people, keep your language passionate and relatable. Speak like you’re talking to friends who already care but need a reason to get involved. For example: “We all know what it feels like to walk into school and scan for exits. That shouldn’t be normal.”

When addressing lawmakers or decision-makers, stay firm but respectful. Show that you know what you’re talking about and that you expect action: “You have the power to prevent this. We’re asking you to use it.”

When speaking to parents or older adults, find common ground. Lead with empathy and connection: “You want us to be safe. So do we. We just disagree on what real safety looks like.”

When talking with press or reporters, be clear, confident, and quotable. Your message should fit into one sentence they can lift directly: “This isn’t a student issue — it’s an American issue. Young people are just refusing to stay silent.”

Adjusting your tone doesn’t water down your message — it makes it stronger and more likely to land.

Prep smart.

A few ways to feel ready without overdoing it:

• Record yourself once and watch for filler words like “um” or “like.”
• Practice the first line out loud — starting strong builds confidence.
• Memorize transitions instead of full paragraphs (“and that’s why…” “but here’s what gives me hope…”).
• Bring a notecard with 3 bullets. Glance if needed; no one cares.
  

If you blank out, breathe, look up, and start from your main point again.

Deliver with clarity and control.

When it’s go-time:

• Look up. People connect to faces, not pages.
• Plant your feet. Movement is fine; pacing distracts.
• Use your hands naturally — they help convey passion.
• Pause after big lines. Silence lets words hit.
• Slow down more than feels normal. Your heartbeat is faster than the audience’s.
  

If you mess up: keep going. People don’t notice as much as you think.

Close with purpose.

Don’t just fade out — land the plane.

Examples:

• “We’ve lost enough. It’s time to act.”
• “If you’re angry, good. Let’s do something with it.”
• “Young people aren’t the future — we’re the now.”
  

Every speech needs a final line that sticks.

Reflect after.

Take five minutes to check in:

• What moment made people react?
• Did I say what I actually wanted to say?
• What did I learn for next time?
  

You can also debrief with a friend or mentor — not to judge yourself, but to grow.

Rally (2-5 minutes max)

1. One-line intro (who you are, why you care)
2. A story that hits emotionally
3. Name what needs to change
4. Call to action
   

Press Quote (20 seconds)

1. Problem statement
2. One punchy line that sums up your stance
   

Example:

“We shouldn’t have to organize walkouts just to feel safe in our classrooms. We’re doing it because adults in power refuse to act.”

Testimony or Meeting (2-3 minutes)

Print your notes — adrenaline makes you forget

Story → Problem → Data → Ask

Keep tone respectful but firm