Brave Words: Tips for Parents and Teachers to Build Oral Literacy and Confidence

Oral literacy is one of the most powerful tools we can give young people. Being able to speak clearly, confidently, and authentically sets them up for success not only in school, but in life. As a secondary teacher and founder of With Confidence, I’ve seen first-hand how much students struggle with nerves and how important it is to equip them with strategies that work. Here are some simple, practical tips that teachers and parents can use to support young people in growing their communication skills.

Embrace Your Nerves

Nerves are normal. In fact, they remind us that we care about doing a good job. The key is to find strategies that help you harness those nerves rather than letting them hold you back. Encourage students to see nerves as energy they can use to power their performance.

Storytelling is Everything

Stories make us memorable, relatable, and credible. They create connections through shared experiences, values, and emotions. You can practise storytelling through simple activities like sharing a highlight from your day, retelling a proud moment, or describing a favourite event. Model storytelling yourself and point out good examples when you see or hear them.

Conversation Building

Great conversations grow when we find common ‘threads’ with others. Try activities where students create something that represents them (like a Lego model) and then share the story behind it. Listeners can respond with ‘That reminds me of…’ or ‘I’ve had something similar happen when…’ to keep the conversation going. This builds listening, empathy, and confidence in interaction.

On Location

Familiarity reduces fear. Before speaking, take time to visit the space, stand where you’ll present, and picture your audience. Think about entry and exit points, where to stand, and how to project your voice. Knowing your environment reduces unknowns and lowers anxiety.

Hi PAM! – Purpose, Audience, Message

Whenever preparing a talk, always ask: What is my purpose? Who is my audience? What is my key message? Am I informing, persuading, instructing, inspiring, or entertaining? If your audience remembers nothing else, what is the one thing you want them to take away? Helping young people practise PAM ensures their presentations are focused and impactful.

Final Thoughts

Helping students build oral literacy doesn’t require complicated programs – it’s about consistent practice, modelling, and encouragement. By embracing nerves, sharing stories, building conversations, and focusing on purpose, audience, and message, we can empower young people to speak with confidence. The more opportunities they have to practise, the stronger their voice will become – and that’s a skill that will serve them for life.