Putting the Spotlight on Oral Literacy - Initiatives to Use in Your Classroom
- Ashleigh Gulliver
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
First prepared and presented by Ashleigh Gulliver for the NZATE Conference 2024
When we think about oral literacy, we often focus on delivery — the voice, the nerves, the audience. But building confidence in speaking begins long before a student steps in front of a crowd. It starts with curiosity, play, and opportunities to connect through words.
The Brave Words Resource List was created to support teachers and students in developing oral literacy and public speaking confidence across all levels — from early learners to senior secondary students. Below, you’ll find the full list of resources, activities, and strategies shared at the 2024 NZATE Conference.
Oral Literacy Initiatives
These initiatives offer excellent starting points for embedding oral communication into classroom practice:
Speech New Zealand – Oral Communication Syllabus:Aimed at teachers, this resource provides a levelled approach to public speaking and oral literacy from Years 1–13. Speech New Zealand Oral Communication Syllabus →
Badge Bidding and Narrative Assessment – Ormiston Junior College: A fantastic model for linking narrative assessment with communication-based achievement.
Race Unity Speech Awards: A rich video library featuring many top speakers over the years — perfect exemplars for introductions, conclusions, and audience engagement. Race Unity Speech Awards →
Ruby Tui – Post-match Interview: A brilliant example of the power of storytelling in real time, demonstrating how authentic voice can engage and inspire. Watch here →
Present With Confidence – 10 Tips To Tame Your Nerves: A quick and practical guide to managing pre-speech nerves and building confidence. Explore With Confidence Resources →
Using AI in Speech Writing: AI tools can help highlight the key structural elements required for a specific type of social speech. Students can use these outlines as templates or guides to plan their delivery more effectively.
Activities to Get Students Talking
Building comfort with speaking begins with connection and fun. Try these interactive games and prompts to get your students talking and thinking aloud:
Would You Rather Questions: Great warm-up questions to spark discussion. See full list →
Fantastic Beasts and How to Rank Them – an engaging ranking debate that mixes imagination and reasoning.
Two Truths and a Dream – a twist on the classic icebreaker.
Walking BINGO – movement-based and great for mixing groups.
Five Things You Have in Common – encourages connection and active listening.
One Sentence Story – builds storytelling flow and creativity.
Bang! (Name Game) – quick-paced name recall and confidence booster.
Tongue Twisters – ideal for clarity and articulation practice. Check out a few tough ones →
Debate / Speed Date / Interview: Use questions based on texts, current affairs, or student interests. These formats help develop quick thinking and purposeful speaking.
On Location: Practising in the Space
One of the most effective ways to prepare for a performance or presentation is to stand in the actual space. This helps turn the “unknowns into knowns,” reducing anxiety and increasing familiarity.
When you’re in the space, review:
Entry and exit strategy
Where to stand
Eye contact points
Projection depth
Vocal clarity
The walk up
Audience positioning
The goal is to make students feel at home in their performance environment — to replace fear with familiarity.
Building a Safe Space for Speaking
Encourage as many speaking opportunities as possible in a safe, supportive space. Start small and build:
Group → Pair → Individual
This gradual release helps students feel ready before speaking solo.
Always remind students to identify their purpose and audience before they begin:
Purpose: Are you informing, persuading, instructing, inspiring, demonstrating, or entertaining?
Audience: Who are you speaking to? Why are they there?
Understanding these two elements gives every speaker clarity and direction — and turns a simple talk into a powerful act of communication.
Resource links at a glance:
Prepared by: Ashleigh Gulliver, Founder, With Confidence www.withconfidence.co.nz
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