Speak Up
Find Your Voice. Own Your Words.
A high-impact confidence and communication seminar designed to help young people express themselves clearly, communicate confidently, and become stronger speakers.
Event Key Details
Date
Saturday, 20 June 2026
Time
09:30 AM – 03:30 PM
WAT (UTC+1)
Venue
The Zone Centre, Gbagada
Plot 9, Gbagada Industrial Scheme, Beside UPS
Age Group
Ages 10–24
Youth & Students
Duration
6 Hours (Interactive & Workshop Based)
Admission
Free Admission
Registration required
Capacity
80 Spaces
Limited seating
Registration Closes
June 17, 2026
Dress Code
Smart Casual / Comfortable
Enquiries
PodioForKids@gmail.com
+44 7498 502571
About Speak Up
Finding confidence before fear takes over.
Speak Up is Podio's flagship in-person seminar and masterclass created to give young people the tools, courage, and platform to speak confidently without fear or self-doubt.
Too many bright young minds stay silent in classrooms, interviews, and social spaces—not because they lack ideas, but because fear finds them before their voice does. Speak Up exists to change that story by building lifelong habits of self-expression.
The Challenge We Solve
Stage fright, low speaking confidence, fear of judgment, and unstructured presentation habits that hold back youth in academic and leadership journeys.
What You Will Gain
Actionable speaking blueprints, individualized coach feedback, live interactive speaking challenges, peer support, and a certificate of completion.
Confidence is taught through gentle practice, never pressure.
We believe every child and young adult possesses a strong, authentic voice. When given structured tools and a warm, supportive audience, public speaking stops being scary and becomes a thrilling adventure.
What You Will Learn
Key Learning Outcomes
Every workshop at Speak Up is designed around practical speaking frameworks that young people can immediately use at school, home, and beyond.
Public Speaking Mastery
Conquer stage fright, project your voice with authority, and command audience attention naturally.
Clear Self-Expression
Articulate your thoughts concisely without stumbling, second-guessing, or feeling overwhelmed.
Structured Thinking
Organize ideas on the spot using simple frameworks that keep your presentations logical and persuasive.
Captivating Storytelling
Learn how to use real stories, emotion, and metaphors to make any speech or pitch unforgettable.
Body Language & Presence
Master open posture, intentional eye contact, and purposeful gestures that exude calm confidence.
Debate & Persuasion
Deliver constructive counterarguments and defend your perspectives respectfully in group discussions.
Target Audience
Who Is This Seminar For?
Breakout sessions are split into peer age groups to ensure coaching is tailored to developmental stages and comfort levels.
Age Eligibility
Ages 10–24
Children discovering confidence (Ages 10–12)
Teenagers preparing for exams & interviews (Ages 13–17)
Young adults & university students (Ages 18–24)
Aspiring youth leaders & public speakers
Programme Agenda
Event Schedule & Timeline
A carefully curated blend of energetic warm-ups, practical speaking frameworks, and live stage opportunities.
Registration, Welcome & Morning Warm-Up
Participant check-in, workbook collection, and an ice-breaking vocal exercise to set a relaxed tone.
Keynote: Your Voice Is Your Superpower
Discovering why speaking is a muscle, how fear works in the brain, and how to turn adrenaline into energy.
Facilitator: Lead Communication Coach
Masterclass 1: Vocal Dynamics & Breathing Techniques
Diaphragmatic breathing, tone modulation, pacing, and eliminating filler words ('um', 'like', 'you know').
Breakout Challenge: The 60-Second Elevator Pitch
Hands-on small group activity where participants structure and present a quick passion topic with live peer feedback.
Networking Lunch & Informal Mentorship
Healthy refreshments, peer discussions, and coach Q&A in a warm community environment.
Masterclass 2: The Art of Storytelling & Persuasion
How to structure a message with a beginning, middle, and inspiring call to action that resonates.
Stage Showcase: Speak Up Live Spotlight
Volunteers take the podium to deliver their polished speeches in front of a cheering, supportive audience.
Celebration, Certificate Award & Closing Remarks
Certificate presentation, group photos, takeaways, and next steps for continuing the speaking journey.
Expert Facilitators
Meet Your Speakers & Coaches
Experienced speech specialists, broadcast coaches, and educators dedicated to helping young people thrive.
Dr. Ronke Adeleke
Certified executive speech pathologist and child communication strategist with over 15 years empowering young minds across the UK and West Africa to speak with clarity and emotional intelligence.
Femi Babatunde
Former national debate champion and seasoned broadcast trainer specializing in competitive public speaking, impromptu delivery, and critical argumentative framing for adolescents.
Amaka Nwachukwu
TEDx speaker and narrative strategist who trains students in personal branding, interview poise, and creative oral storytelling.
What People Say
Real Stories, Real Growth
Hear from parents and students whose lives were changed through Podio's communication experiences.
"Before Podio, our son would freeze whenever he was asked to read aloud in class. At the seminar, he stood on stage and delivered a two-minute speech with a smile. We were in tears!"
Mrs. Funke Adeyemi
Parent of 12-year-old participant
"The breakout challenges made public speaking feel like a game rather than a test. I learned how to breathe and stop saying 'um'. Now I actually look forward to debates."
David O.
16-year-old high school student
"Podio understands youth psychology. They don't lecture; they coach. The difference in my daughter's posture, eye contact, and self-belief was immediate."
Dr. T. Ibrahim
Educator and Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know
Have questions about attending Speak Up? Find quick answers here, or reach out to our team anytime.
Reach our team directly at PodioForKids@gmail.com or call +44 7498 502571
Who can attend the Speak Up seminar?
The seminar is open to children, teenagers, and young adults aged 10 to 24. Participants are grouped into peer bands (Ages 10–12, Ages 13–17, and Ages 18–24) during workshop exercises to ensure the activities match their experience and comfort level.
Is registration completely free?
Yes! Registration for Speak Up 2026 is 100% free, but seats are limited to 80 participants to ensure high individual coaching attention. Early registration is strongly recommended.
Can parents or guardians attend or observe?
Parents and guardians are welcome to attend the opening 30 minutes and the final 45-minute stage showcase and certificate presentation. During the intensive workshop breakout sessions, students work directly with our DBS/background-checked coaches.
What should participants bring and wear?
Dress code is smart casual and comfortable. We provide a custom Podio Speak Up workbook, writing stationery, and refreshments. Participants only need to bring an open mind and willingness to participate!
Will my child receive a certificate?
Yes. Every participant who completes the full day's workshops and showcase will receive an official Podio Certificate of Completion in Public Speaking and Youth Communication.
What if my child is very shy or has never spoken in public before?
That is exactly who Speak Up is built for! Our methodology is built on gentle, supportive, non-judgmental progression. No one is forced into an uncomfortable spotlight; confidence is taught through practice and positive reinforcement, never pressure.